ISO 21232-2018 PDF

Full title and description

ISO 21232:2018 — Textiles — Determination of moisturizing effect of textile materials by measurement of microclimate between textiles and simulated human skin using sweating guarded hotplate. Specifies a laboratory test method that simulates the microclimate next to skin to determine the moisturizing effect of textile materials by measuring water-vapour resistance (including air layer) and relative humidity using a sweating guarded-hotplate.

Abstract

This document specifies a test method which simulates the microclimate for determining the moisturizing effect of textile materials by measuring water‑vapour resistance including the air layer and relative humidity using a sweating guarded‑hotplate. The method is applicable to fabrics, films, coatings and leather, including multilayer assemblies, intended for use in clothing systems and other close‑contact textile products.

General information

• Status: Published (confirmed as current on 19 December 2023)
• Publication date: 25 September 2018 (ISO publication: 2018‑09)
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO)
• ICS / categories: 59.080.01 (Textile products; textile technology)
• Edition / version: Edition 1 (2018)
• Number of pages: 9

Scope

ISO 21232:2018 defines a laboratory procedure using a sweating guarded‑hotplate to simulate the microclimate between a textile sample and a modelled human skin surface. The standard covers measurement of water‑vapour resistance (including contributions from an air layer) and relative humidity within the simulated microclimate, and provides a means to assess the moisturizing effect of single and multilayer textile assemblies, coatings, films and leather when used in clothing systems or other close‑contact applications.

Key topics and requirements

• Use of a sweating guarded‑hotplate apparatus to simulate human skin sweating and to measure microclimate variables.
• Measurement of water‑vapour resistance (evaporative resistance) including the effect of an air layer adjacent to the sample.
• Monitoring and reporting of relative humidity in the simulated microclimate during testing.
• Specification of specimen preparation, mounting and conditioning requirements appropriate to fabrics, coatings, films and leather.
• Defined test conditions and procedures for steady‑state measurements and for calculation/interpretation of moisturizing effect.
• Reporting requirements to ensure repeatability and comparability (apparatus details, test temperatures, air layer geometry, results and units).

Typical use and users

Laboratories performing textile performance testing, R&D groups in textile and garment manufacturers, quality control departments, suppliers of functional coatings and membranes, test houses evaluating comfort and moisture management properties, and regulators or certification bodies assessing close‑contact textile products and personal protective equipment where microclimate moisture behaviour is relevant.

Related standards

Standards addressing related measurements and methods include ISO 11092 (measurement of thermal and water‑vapour resistance using a sweating guarded‑hotplate), ISO 15496 (measurement of water‑vapour permeability for quality control), and complementary national or industry methods such as ASTM F1868 (sweating hot plate methods for thermal and evaporative resistance). ISO 21232 is situated within the ISO/TC 38 series of textile testing standards and is complementary to other comfort and physiological‑effects standards.

Keywords

moisturizing effect; microclimate; sweating guarded‑hotplate; water‑vapour resistance; evaporative resistance; relative humidity; textiles; fabrics; coatings; leather; comfort testing; ISO/TC 38

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 21232:2018 is an international standard that specifies a test method using a sweating guarded‑hotplate to measure the microclimate moisture behaviour and thereby determine the moisturizing effect of textile materials.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers the measurement of water‑vapour resistance (including the air layer) and relative humidity in the simulated microclimate between a textile sample and a modelled skin surface, and provides procedures for specimen preparation, test conditions and result reporting for fabrics, films, coatings and leather.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Test laboratories, textile and apparel R&D and quality teams, suppliers of functional textiles and coatings, certification bodies, and researchers focusing on moisture management and wearer comfort.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: It is current. The standard was published on 25 September 2018 and was reviewed and confirmed as the current edition on 19 December 2023.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is part of the body of ISO/TC 38 textile testing standards and is complementary to other standards that address thermal and moisture resistance and permeability (for example ISO 11092 and ISO 15496).

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Key keywords include moisturizing effect, microclimate, sweating guarded‑hotplate, water‑vapour resistance, evaporative resistance, relative humidity, textile comfort.