Useful Method: WSP 400.

0 (05)
Surface Linting of Nonwovens
The number in parentheses indicates the year of the last revision

1. Scope

This test method originated from EDANA and the test method measures particle loss from
the surface of nonwovens, i.e. it evaluates the weight of particles, mainly fibers, likely to
become detached from the surface of the nonwoven under conditions of use.

SI values are regarded as the official standard system of measurement for this standard
test method.

NOTE 1 SAFETY

This standard does not claim to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine
the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. It is expected that the person performing this test has
been fully trained in all aspects of this procedure.

2. Normative References

The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this
document:

2.1 ISO test methods

a) ISO 554: 1976 Standard Conditioning
b) ISO 186: 1985 Nonwoven Sampling

2.2 EDANA test methods

a) ERT 60.2 – 99 Standard Conditioning
b) ERT 130.2 – 89 Nonwoven Sampling
c) ERT 300.0 – 84 Surface Linting

This is based on methods already used as internal methods by industry and which have
been adapted by the Technical Committee of EDANA.

2.3 WSP test methods

a) WSP 1.0 – 05 Standard Terminology Relating to the Nonwoven Industry, EDANA’s
and INDA’s Standard Test Methods
b) WSP 3.0 – 05 Guidelines for Standard Atmospheres for Conditioning and/or
Testing
c) WSP 5.0 – 05 Nonwoven Sampling

3. Principle

A roller covered with a specified adhesive tape passes ten times over the nonwoven
sample. Samples are weighed before and after the roller treatment, the difference in
weight thus giving a quantitative measurement of particles collected by the adhesive rolls.
1 of 9
Reference number
WSP 400.0 (05)UM
Measurements were taken on the two sides of the nonwoven and in both directions MD
and CD.

4. Apparatus

4.1 Roller (Plexiglass® cylinder)

a) Outside diameter = 70 mm
b) Width = 60 mm
c) Weight = 390 g
(including axle but not adhesive)
d) Speed = 240 cm/min

4.2 Adhesive tape (double surface type)

a) Reference = 3M 400 S
b) Width = 50 mm

4.3 Balance
Capable of determining mass to an accuracy of 0.0001 g

5. Conditioning

Bring samples to moisture equilibrium in the standard atmosphere for testing nonwovens
as directed in ERT 60.2-99 (clause 3). Equilibrium is considered to have been reached
when the increase in mass of the specimen in successive weighings made at intervals of
not less than 2 hours does not exceed 0.25 % of the mass of the specimen.

NOTE 2 While conditioning for a fixed time cannot be accepted in cases of dispute, it may be sufficient in
routine testing to expose the material to the standard atmosphere for testing textiles for a reasonable period of
time before the specimens are tested, i.e. 4 hours.

6. Sampling

6.1 Lot sample

Take a lot sample as directed in the applicable material specification. In the absence of
such a specification randomly select the roll or pieces that constitute the lot sampling
using the following schedule from ERT 130.2-89.

These units shall be intact and in good condition

Number of units in the lot inclusive Number of units that comprise the lot
sample
1 to 5 All
6 to 99 5
100 to 400 15
over 400 20

NOTE 3 An adequate specification or other agreement between the purchaser and supplier requires taking
into account the variability between rolls of nonwoven fabric and between specimens from a swatch from a roll
of material to provide a sampling plan with meaningful producer’s risk, consumer’s risk, acceptable quality
level, and limiting quality level.
2 of 9
Reference number
WSP 400.0 (05) A
6.2 Laboratory sample
From each roll or portion of material taken from the lot sample, cut at least one laboratory
sample the full width of the fabric and 1 m (1 yard) in the machine direction. This is done
after removing the first outside wrap or discarding the first 1 m (1 yard) length. For
nonwoven fabric components of fabricated systems use the entire system.

6.3 Test specimens

Take the test specimens from areas of the sample that are free of folds, wrinkles and any
distortions that would make these specimens abnormal from the rest of the test material.
a) Care in handling should be observed so that specimens do not contact any
contaminants such as soap, salt, oil etc., which might facilitate or hinder water
penetration.
b) Specimens should be cut 50 x 400 mm.
c) Unless otherwise specified, cut 10 MD and CD specimens, evenly spaced across
the available width of each sample.
d) The area tested (5 cm x 15 cm = 75 cm²) is delinted by two adhesive silicon
papers put on the sample as shown on the diagram. The purpose is to avoid
extending fibers when the roller changes direction.

7. Procedure

Procedure Worked Example

7.1 Cut 10 samples in each direction (MD and CD) to a

size of 50 x 400 mm and note side A and side B on
the sample.
For each direction, 5 samples will be tested on side A
and 5 others on side B.

7.2 Put the adhesive silicon paper on the side to be

tested according to the diagram.

7.3 Weigh the samples to an accuracy of 0,0001 g. (This

is weight m1).

7.4 Open the clamps of the apparatus.

7.5 Place the first test piece (side A, MD) over the
platform without distortion and without pre-tensioning.

7.6 Clamp it into position.

7.7 Cut a length of 220 mm, from the adhesive tape roll
(width 50 mm) and stick it to the roller.

7.8 Put the roller on the runner.

7.9 Run the test (roller passes over sample 5 times to and Side A, MD
fro). m1 m2 LintA MD

3 of 9
Reference number
WSP 400.0 (05) A
7.10 Release clamp and weigh the sample to an accuracy (g) (g) (g/m2)
of 0.0001 g. (This is weight m2) 1.9712 1.9706 0.08
2.0534 2.0529 0.07
7.11 The amount of surface lint is calculated as follows : 2.6822 2,6817 0.07
Lint = (m1 - m2) X 133 g/m² 2.9623 2.9616 0.09
2.6473 2.6468 0.07
7.12 Repeat with the other 4 remaining samples (Side A,
MD) Average: LintA,MD = 0.08 g/m2
Average: LintA,CD = 0.12 g/m2

7.13 Average the 5 values for side A, MD = LintA,MD (g/m²) Surface linting side A:

0.08 + 0.12
7.14 Repeat with side A, CD and side B, MD and CD LintA = = 0.10 g/m2
2

7.15 Calculations and results (in g/m²):

Side B
a) Average measured for surface linting Average: LintB,MD = 0.06 g/m2
Average: LintB,CD = 0.09 g/m2
LintA,MD + LintA,CD
side A: LintA =
2
Surface linting side B:
b) Average measured for surface linting
0.06 + 0.09
LintB,MD + LintB,CD LintB = = 0.08 g/m2
side B: LintB = 2
2

c) Total amount of surface linting for the sample Total surface linting:
Total lint = LintA +LintB Total lint = 0.18 g/m2

8. Report

In addition to the precise test results, the report shall include the following information:
a) Reference the test method used
b) Complete identification of all materials tested and method of sampling
c) Name and address of testing institution
d) Make and model of testing equipment
e) Laboratory testing conditions
f) Number of specimens tested and note CD and/or MD if significant
g) For computer processed data, identify the software used and the version
h) Deviation from the standard test procedure, if any
i) When calculated, the standard deviation or the coefficient of variation
j) Whether or not samples were conditioned prior to testing and, if so, for how long
k) Anything unusual noted during the testing
l) Average surface linting on each side of sample in g/m²
4 of 9
Reference number
WSP 400.0 (05) A
 m) Total amount of surface linting in g/m²

9. Precision

The precision for this method is yet to be determined.

5 of 9
Reference number
WSP 400.0 (05) A
6 of 9
Reference number
WSP 400.0 (05) A
7 of 9
Reference number
WSP 400.0 (05) A
8 of 9
Reference number
WSP 400.0 (05) A
9 of 9
Reference number
WSP 400.0 (05) A