In textile industry, one of the most important features of garment leathers, shoe covers and saddlery leathers is the strength of the skin against friction. Because these leather products are in constant friction during use with the other textile products they are used with. As a result of these frictions, the processes (finishing) to improve the handling properties of the leathers are damaged and disrupted. Especially in leather products used in wet and humid environments, friction causes more damage. Therefore, the leather materials are subjected to friction movement and their strength is tested.

In the laboratories, friction fastness devices are used for the tests. In addition, these tests are carried out in a condition. The conditioning chambers are rooms that carry the relative humidity conditions at 20 degree room temperature and 65 percentage.

Rubbing fastness tests on the skin are carried out to determine how much the skin is damaged by rubbing and to what extent they contaminate other textile products.

Basic dyes are used to add gloss and shine to the leather. However, basic dyes, when combined with some oils and solvents, show melting properties. In leather products dyed with basic dyes, friction sensitivity is low.

Accredited laboratories perform tests to determine the sensitivity of the skin to sweat within the scope of specific tests. In these tests, national and international standards are taken into consideration. The standards for determining the rubbing fastness of the skin are as follows:

• TS EN ISO 11640 Leather - Color fastness tests - Color fastness to back and forth friction cycles
• ISO 11640 (IULTCS / IUF 450) Leather - Color fastness tests - Color fastness to back and forth friction

The above standards include a method for determining the resistance to abrasion of a leather surface by felt.

 

• TS EN ISO 105-X12 Textiles - Color fastness tests - Part X12: Determination of color fastness to rubbing