Waterproof Indicators of Reflective Raincoats in Various Standards

The waterproof performance of fabrics is mainly reflected in specific indicators such as water resistance, water repellency, water vapor permeability. Let's see how China, the United States, and Europe specify the waterproof performance of reflective raincoats.

Water resistance

It is expressed in mmH2O and refers to the water pressure strength per unit area. SFVEST laboratory uses the fabric hydrostatic pressure meter to test the maximum water pressure of distilled water spraying upward to the top that fabric can withstand, under standard conditions. If the water resistance is 2000mmH20, it means that the fabric can withstand the maximum pressure of 2 meters of water per unit area without leakage.

Common testing standards: American Standard AATCC 127, European Standard ISO 811, Japanese Standard JIS L1092B.

China and Europe have no standard for hydrostatic pressure of reflective clothing. The American Standard has hydrostatic pressure requirements for high-visibility warning clothing with waterproof function, which stipulates that the hydrostatic pressure is greater than or equal to 2000mmH20 after 5 times of washing.

3.1

Water repellency

SFVEST labs perform experiments with a splash-proof tester. Under standard conditions, distilled water is sprayed on the specimen through a funnel, and then rated against the standard grade of water resistance.

Common test standards: American Standard AATCC22, European Standard ISO4920.

China and Europe have no requirements for water repellency. American has splash-proof requirements for high-visibility warning clothing with waterproof function, which is greater than or equal to level 4 before washing and greater than or equal to level 2 after 5 times of washing.

In the industry, water repellency is divided into ordinary waterproof, splash-resistant, and Teflon waterproof. SFVEST has launched several Teflon waterproof material raincoats, which have been favored by customers upon their introduction. Teflon waterproof material is produced by DuPont in the U.S. and has the characteristics of being waterproof, dirt-proof, and oil-proof. Customers who have special requirements for splash-proof can choose this reflective raincoat.

3.2

Water vapor permeability

SFVEST laboratory uses a fabric moisture permeability meter to perform the test. Under standard conditions, let the two sides of the sample form a specified humidity difference, water vapor through the sample into the dry side, by measuring the change of the moisture permeability cup weight with time, so as to find out the water vapor transmission rate.

Common test standards: Positive cup method: ASTM E96 A, C, E; Japanese JIS L1099 A1. Inverted cup method: ASTM-E96; Japanese JIS L1099B1. Desiccant method: GB/T12704.1

China, Europe, and the U.S. all have requirements for moisture permeability, but the test methods are different. The water vapor permeability performance of standard clothes can comfort people.