In the textile industry, one of the most important quality measures which must be maintained or achieved is the level of odour control in the product. It is particularly necessary for products that come in direct contact with the body, like clothes, and those products that are used in close quarters, such as home textiles. ISO 17299 provides a series of standard protocols for evaluating the extent to which textiles can deodorise. Part 3 of the ISO 17299 series specifically deals with the gas chromatography method used to test the deodorant capacity of textiles. This article on the ISO 17299-3 standard aims to explore its importance and application in the industrial sector, which contributes to understanding its use and influence on ensuring the quality of the textile industry and client satisfaction.
The Importance of Odour Testing in Textiles
Impact on Consumer Perception and Market
- The importance of odour control extends beyond a consumer’s rejection of using an ill-smelling product; people may assume a product is of low quality solely because of its characteristic stench. Conversely, odour-resistant textiles are more likely to attract and retain customers. This is particularly seen in markets such as sportswear, where sweat absorption and odour resistance are key selling points. ISO 17299-3 helps manufacturers ensure their products are effective in resisting or reducing odour buildup thus enhancing overall product quality and user comfort.
Regulatory and Quality Standards
- Manufacturers who comply with established standards such as ISO 17299-3 are better able to satisfy regulatory standards and consumer expectations regarding quality. These products undergo rigorous testing to verify that they meet measures that are internationally accepted, which boosts a product’s reputation, improving the chances of product credibility and marketability.
Innovation and Improvement
- Standardising the processes of odour testing using ISO 17299-3 also stimulates innovation in textile treatment methods. These standards motivate manufacturers to develop materials and treatments that meet or exceed the standardised norms.
Understanding the Gas Chromatography Method
ISO 17299-3 standard
- ISO 17299-3 uses gas chromatography (GC) technique to measure the concentration of odour-causing chemicals like indole, isovaleric acid, nonenal, and acetic acid in textiles. This technique is highly sensitive and capable of detecting even minute amounts of odorants thus providing a quantitative measure of the deodorant properties of the textile.
Principle of the test
- In odour test, the textile specimen is first placed inside a sealed container with a known amount of odour-causing chemicals, like indole, isovaleric acid, nonenal, acetic acid, among others. After a set time period, the air in the container is sampled, and the concentration of the odorant is estimated using gas chromatography. The effectiveness of the deodorant property of the textile is determined by comparing the odour concentration in containers with and without the textile.
Procedure of ISO 17299-3 test
Preparation and Execution
- The above standard provides for two methods of preparing the specimens — method A involves avoiding direct contact of the specimen with the odorant while method B requires contact. Such flexibility makes it possible to evaluate various types of textile treatments and their effectiveness in various circumstances.
Sampling and Analysis
- At the end of the exposure period, the concentration of odorants is determined. The standard clearly describes the configuration of the gas chromatography system, i.e., the column type, and detector to be used. This information is extremely important because it ensures consistency and repeatability of results across different laboratories.
Applications in the Textile Industry
Product Development
- Manufacturers can use ISO 17299-3 to test fabrics and treatments. This would allow them to develop products through identifying the most optimal ways in which to improve odour development and concentration.
Quality Control
- Additionally, the production phase involves continuous quality assurance testing under ISO 17299-3 to guarantee that all the produced batches of textiles comply with the predetermined guidelines for reducing odour.
Certification and Labelling
- Adoption of ISO 17299-3 has serious impacts on consumer products especially in sectors where odour control is an important selling point, such as activewear, footwear, and bedding. Products that meet the ISO 17299-3 standards can be labelled accordingly. This provides textile products with considerable value in the market.
Role of Microbe Investigations Switzerland (MIS)
At Microbe Investigations Switzerland, we provide industry-leading solutions for textile odour testing, adhering to the ISO 17299-3 standards. Our precise testing methods ensure that your textiles meet the rigorous requirements for odour control, enhancing product appeal and consumer satisfaction. Trust our expertise to help you navigate the complexities of ISO 17299-3 and achieve optimal results in textile performance.
To explore how our textile odour testing services can benefit your products, or to receive a quote, please contact our experts today.
