ISO 11378-2:2001/Amd 1:2017

Overview

ISO 11378-2:2001/Amd 1:2017 is an important amendment to the international standard ISO 11378-2:2001, focusing on textile floor coverings and their laboratory soiling tests using the drum test method. Issued by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), this amendment provides updated specifications, particularly concerning the use of polyamide granules in the testing procedure.

This standard targets manufacturers, researchers, and testing laboratories involved in quality control and performance evaluation of textile floor coverings. By standardizing the laboratory soiling test, ISO 11378-2 ensures consistent and reliable measurement of a textile floor covering’s resistance to soiling, which directly impacts durability, maintenance, and user satisfaction.

Key Topics

• Drum Test Procedure
  The standard defines the drum test as a controlled abrasion and soiling test that simulates real-life dirt accumulation on textile floor coverings. It helps predict the textile’s behavior under typical usage conditions.

• Polyamide Granules Specification
  Amendment 1 updates the granules used in the drum test:

  • Granules must be made from polyamide.
  • Each granule’s mass: (26 ± 5) mg per granule, replacing the previous volume-based specification.
  • Supplier information is provided for reference, without implying exclusive endorsement.

• Test Reproducibility and Consistency
  The amendment enhances the reproducibility of test results by refining granule characteristics, ensuring that test outcomes are comparable across different laboratories and over time.

• Laboratory Conditions
  The amendment supports maintaining standardized laboratory conditions and materials to minimize variability in soiling test outcomes for textile floor coverings.

Applications

ISO 11378-2:2001/Amd 1:2017 is widely applied in:

• Product Development
  Textile manufacturers utilize this standard during product design to assess and improve floor covering resistance to soiling, enhancing product lifespan and customer satisfaction.

• Quality Assurance
  Testing laboratories apply the drum test methodology to verify that produced textile floors meet performance expectations before market release.

• Comparative Analysis
  Retailers and specifiers use test data to compare different textile floor coverings based on soiling resistance, aiding in informed purchasing decisions.

• Research & Innovation
  The standard provides a baseline for evaluating new materials or treatments designed to improve floor covering cleanliness and maintenance.

Related Standards

Professionals working with ISO 11378-2:2001/Amd 1:2017 often consult related ISO standards on textile floor coverings and testing:

• ISO 11378-1 – Part 1 of laboratory soiling test methods, addressing other soiling procedures.
• ISO 24011 – General specifications for textile floor coverings detailing performance requirements.
• ISO 12947 – Standard on Martindale abrasion tests for textiles, relevant for wear resistance.
• ISO 20952 – Tests for assessing the cleaning efficiency of textile floor coverings.

These complementary standards support a holistic approach to evaluating and certifying textile floor coverings, ensuring comprehensive quality assessment.

Keywords: ISO 11378-2, textile floor coverings, laboratory soiling tests, drum test, polyamide granules, floor covering durability, textile testing standards, soiling resistance, ISO amendment, quality assurance in textiles.