ISO 9073-18-2023 (2024) PDF

Full title and description

ISO 9073-18:2023 — Nonwovens — Test methods — Part 18: Determination of tensile strength and elongation at break using the grab tensile test. This international standard specifies a grab-type tensile test procedure for measuring breaking force and elongation at rupture of nonwoven materials in conditioned or wet states, and includes limitations and requirements for test equipment and specimen preparation.

Abstract

This document specifies a grab tensile test method for determining the breaking force (tensile strength) and elongation at break of nonwoven materials. It covers testing in standard conditioned state and in the wet state, requires constant-rate-of-extension (CRE) tensile testers and gives guidance regarding comparability of results. The method is not intended for nonwovens with a high percentage of stretch; alternative methods or special agreements are recommended for such materials. A corrected version of the 2023 edition was issued in May 2024.

General information

• Status: Published
• Publication date: 17 November 2023 (Corrected version: May 2024)
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO)
• ICS / categories: 59.080.30 — Textiles (nonwovens)
• Edition / version: Edition 2 (2023), corrected in 2024-05
• Number of pages: 12

Scope

ISO 9073-18:2023 specifies a grab tensile test for nonwovens to determine breaking force and elongation at break. The procedure includes specimen dimensions and orientation, conditioning, wet-testing provisions, test speed (for CRE machines), grip and clamping arrangements, calculation of results and the manner of reporting. The method is applicable to most nonwoven materials but is explicitly not recommended for materials exhibiting a high percentage of extensibility. Results obtained from instruments working on different mechanical principles may not be directly comparable unless otherwise agreed.

Key topics and requirements

• Grab tensile test geometry and specimen preparation (dimensions, orientation, number of specimens)
• Conditioning of test specimens (standard laboratory atmosphere and wet-state procedures)
• Use of constant-rate-of-extension (CRE) tensile testers and relevant test speeds
• Clamping, grip type and avoidance of slippage or local damage at grips
• Measurement and calculation of breaking force (tensile strength) and elongation at break
• Limits and applicability — not recommended for highly stretchable nonwovens
• Reporting requirements including specimen details, test conditions and any deviations
• Reference to alternative instrumentation/principles (e.g., CRL) for information and agreement

Typical use and users

Used by nonwoven manufacturers, independent textile and materials testing laboratories, quality control and inspection personnel, product designers and R&D teams working with absorbent, medical, hygiene, filtration and technical nonwovens. Procurement and compliance teams use the standard to specify and verify tensile properties in purchase specifications and supplier agreements.

Related standards

ISO 9073 is a multi-part series of test methods for nonwovens (other parts cover mass per unit area, thickness, tensile methods, tear resistance, absorption, liquid strike-through, run-off, air permeability and others). ISO 9073-18:2023 replaces ISO 9073-18:2007. Related documents referenced for instrumentation or comparison include ISO 2062 (information on constant-rate-of-loading instruments) and other parts of the ISO 9073 series. Several national and regional adoptions (EN ISO / UNE-EN / BS EN versions) exist for alignment with this edition.

Keywords

nonwovens, grab tensile test, tensile strength, elongation at break, CRE tensile tester, specimen conditioning, wet testing, tensile test method, ISO 9073

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 9073-18:2023 is an international test method that defines a grab-type tensile test for determining the breaking force and elongation at break of nonwoven materials.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers specimen preparation, conditioning (including wet-state testing), test apparatus requirements (primarily constant-rate-of-extension machines), test procedure, calculation of tensile strength and elongation, reporting, and limitations on applicability (e.g., materials with high stretch).

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Nonwoven manufacturers, textile and materials testing laboratories, R&D and quality/inspection teams, product developers and procurement/specification personnel who need reproducible tensile property data for nonwovens.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: Current. ISO 9073-18:2023 (Edition 2) was published on 17 November 2023 and a corrected version was issued in May 2024; it supersedes ISO 9073-18:2007.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is Part 18 of the ISO 9073 series (Test methods for nonwovens), which contains multiple parts addressing different physical and performance tests for nonwoven materials.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Key keywords are nonwovens, grab tensile test, tensile strength, elongation at break, specimen conditioning, CRE tensile tester, wet testing, ISO 9073.