Guide to Testing: AATCC 16.3 Color Fastness to Light Standard for Textiles
The AATCC 16.3 Colorfastness to Light standard is a key method used to test how well textiles resist fading when exposed to light. The test method can be complex, but understanding it is essential for ensuring your products maintain their color integrity.
In this article, we explain the basics of the AATCC 16.3 standard, explore its benefits, and guide you through the testing process to help you determine if it’s the right choice for your textile products.
An Overview of AATCC 16.3
What is AATCC 16.3? The AATCC 16.3 Colorfastness to Light standard is a widely recognized testing method used to assess the ability of textile materials to resist fading when exposed to light. It was created by the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC) to provide a consistent and reliable means of evaluating the lightfastness of textiles throughout the textile industry.
How does the test work? The testing process involves exposing textile specimens to a Xenon arc light source under controlled conditions. The Xenon arc simulates natural sunlight, providing a realistic assessment of how the material will perform over time. By comparing the test specimens against standards with known rates of lightfastness change, it is possible to evaluate the degree of fading and color change. This accelerated aging method helps predict the long-term durability of the textile's color when subjected to light.
Is it required? The AATCC 16.3 test is voluntary and not a mandatory requirement. However, it is a highly recommended practice for manufacturers aiming to uphold high standards of quality. Conducting this test helps identify potential colorfastness issues early, preventing costly returns and enhancing consumer satisfaction with your brand.
What products does it apply to? This test standard applies to a wide range of textile products, including clothing, upholstery, and outdoor fabrics. Textiles that are frequently exposed to sunlight, such as drapery and outdoor gear, particularly benefit from this testing.
The AATCC 16.3 Test Method
Below are the key steps involved in AATCC 16.3 colorfastness to light testing.
1. Preparation of Specimens:
Textile samples, including swatches of fabric or yarns, are prepared for testing. Swatches must be at least 70 mm x 120 mm in size, and yarns should have a length of approximately 150 mm.
At least three replicate specimens are typically required to ensure consistent results.
2. Selection of Test Conditions:
The test offers three options for conditions, each utilizing a Xenon arc light source but varying in parameters like temperature, relative humidity, and light cycle hours.
Option 1 involves alternating light and dark cycles with specific conditions for black standard temperature, chamber air temperature, and relative humidity. This option mimics the natural light exposure cycle, making it ideal for products used indoors where light exposure varies, such as curtains or drapes.
Option 2 uses continuous light with different temperature and humidity settings. This option is most relevant to textiles that will face constant light exposure without significant temperature changes, such as items in climate-controlled indoor environments.
Option 3 also employs continuous light but under slightly different conditions compared to Option 2. This option is appropriate for outdoor textiles or products exposed to moderate temperature fluctuations.
Different test options are applicable to all kinds of textile materials. Choosing between the AATCC 16.3 test options depends on the specific use and environmental conditions the textile will face. Additionally, considering the textile's temperature and humidity sensitivity and product development stage helps ensure the most relevant testing conditions for maintaining quality and durability. A third-party laboratory can help you design the most appropriate testing protocol for your products.
3. Exposure to Xenon Arc Light Source:
The specimens are exposed to a Xenon arc light source, which simulates natural sunlight. This light source emits radiation from below 270 nm in the UV spectrum to the visible spectrum and the infrared.
The exposure is conducted in a controlled environment, with specific irradiance levels, pH level, and water conditions (demineralized, distilled, or reverse osmosis).
4. Monitoring and Comparison:
During the exposure period, the specimens are periodically monitored for any changes in color.
The degree of fading is compared against blue wool standards, which have known rates of lightfastness change.
The exposure continues until a predetermined level of fading is observed, as indicated by comparison to the blue wool standards.
5. Evaluation and Rating:
After the exposure, the color change in the specimens is evaluated and rated on a scale from Class 5 (no fading or color change) to Class 1 (severe fading or color change).
This rating helps determine the textile’s colorfastness to light and its suitability for various applications.
Other Colorfastness to Light Standards
When deciding if the AATCC 16.3 Colorfastness to Light test is right for your textile products, it's important to know that other colorfastness to light standards exist, each with unique methodologies.
AATCC 16.1 determines the colorfastness of textile materials outdoors under glass.
AATCC 16.2 measures the colorfastness of textile materials by exposing them to a carbon-arc lamp. Like the 16.3 standard, this standard offers both a continuous light option and an alternating light and dark option.
ISO 105-B01:2014 determines the resistance of textile colors to daylight, using two sets of blue wool references as benchmarks. Fabric samples are exposed to daylight under controlled conditions, and the color change is evaluated against the blue wool references.
ISO 105-B02:2014 is most similar to AATCC 16.3. It assesses the effect of artificial light sources, representative of natural daylight, using a xenon arc lamp. Blue wool references are also used to measure color change. This standard specifies multiple testing methods (like the options described above), some of which are more similar to AATCC 16.3 test options than others.
Differences Between AATCC and ISO Standards
AATCC and ISO standards for colorfastness to light share many similarities. In fact, many ISO standards are based on AATCC standards. However, they are not identical. Differences include:
Geographical Use:
AATCC standards, including AATCC 16.3, are commonly used in the US textile industry.
ISO standards, such as ISO 105-B01 and ISO 105-B02, are more commonly used internationally.
Test Methods and Procedures:
AATCC 16.3 and ISO 105-B02 both use xenon arc lamps but differ in methodologies.
AATCC 16.3 requires the use of xenon arc lamps with spectral distribution as close as possible to natural sunlight. It typically employs filtering techniques to simulate specific environmental conditions (such as sunlight behind window glass).
ISO 105 B02 also use xenon arc lamps, but ISO standards may have stricter or slightly different requirements for the spectral distribution of light sources, light intensity, and environmental control of testing equipment.
ISO 105-B01 uses natural daylight exposure under controlled conditions.
These variations can lead to differences in test results.
Comparability of Results:
Results from one standard cannot be directly compared to those from another. Comparisons should be made only within the same standards body, specific standard, part, and option.
Choosing between these standards depends on your specific needs, the markets you serve, and the regulatory requirements you must meet. QIMA can help you determine which test method is best for you.
AATCC 16.3 Testing with QIMA
QIMA offers laboratory AATCC 16.3 testing to help you ensure that your textile products meet your standards of colorfastness to light. Our global network of laboratories provides accurate and reliable results, with industry-leading turnaround times for test results. Partner with us to verify that your textiles resist fading, maintain their appearance, and uphold consumer trust.
Learn more about our textile testing services or contact us today to book a test.
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