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Leather has a wide range of applications, each with its own set of requirements and constraints. Its remarkable adaptability is one of its fundamental qualities. However, it is important to ensure that its properties are a good match for the intended end-use.
Discover the range of physical tests and analyses commonly carried out on leather and available through the CTC laboratories.
Before going to market or during production control, the physical tests carried out on leather aim to reproduce and quantify a stress to which it may be subjected during the manufacture of the item and during normal use.
Put simply, the tests are used to verify that a product is fit for purpose and meets current regulatory requirements and specifications.
The tests can be grouped into four main categories:
Most of the test methods are based on established standards: ISO for international standards, in which CTC plays an active role, but also AFNOR for France and GB for China...
Mechanical strength is the standard form of physical and mechanical testing. The purpose of these tests is to assess how well the leather can withstand different types of stress.
The aim is to avoid problems during use or manufacture. To take into account the natural stretch direction of the leather, samples are taken in two perpendicular directions where possible.
“Leather” standards only describe the testing machines and procedures, without specifying required values (with the exception of NF EN 13336, which is a guide for the selection of leather for upholstery).
The fundamental mechanical tests are:
Other, more specific tests are available for a more comprehensive assessment. These include:
Not all of these tests need to be carried out systematically. Our experts can help you select the most appropriate tests depending on the end-use of your product or the problem you are facing.
| Test name | Standard |
| Abrasion resistance - Martindale method | CTC method - CTC-P-CU-028 |
| Adhesion of finishing (dry and wet conditions) | EN ISO 11644 |
| Adhesion of finishing (dry conditions) | EN ISO 11644 |
| Adhesion of finishing (wet conditions) | EN ISO 11644 |
| Determination of apparent density | EN ISO 2420 |
| Determination of tear load trouser test piece | EN ISO 3377-1 |
| Determination of thickness | EN ISO 2589 |
| Fastness of leather grain (Ball burst test) | EN ISO 3379 |
| Permanent deformation | NF G 52 003 |
| Repeated flex resistance (dry condition) | EN ISO 5402-1 |
| Repeated flex resistance (wet condition) | EN ISO 5402-1 |
| Resistance of leather to ripping | EN ISO 23910 |
| Shrinking temperature | EN ISO 3380 |
| Tear resistance (central cut) | EN ISO 3377-2 |
| Tensile strength and percentage extension | EN ISO 3376 |
As leather is used to enhance the aesthetic value of finished products, its visual qualities must not fade too easily with use.
Similarly, interactions with other components (linings, clothing, etc.) must not result in colour transfer.
This is why colour fastness testing is so important. The following tests can be used to predict the behaviour of finishes or colours:
| Test name | Standard |
| Color fastness to light (each additional 24h) | CTC method - CTC-P-DV-01 |
| Color fastness to light (until 72h) | CTC method - CTC-P-DV-01 |
| Color fastness to perspiration | EN ISO 11641 |
| Color fastness to rubbing (dry and wet conditions) | EN ISO 20433 |
| Color fastness to rubbing (dry condition) | EN ISO 11640 |
| Color fastness to rubbing (sweat condition) | EN ISO 11640 |
| Color fastness to rubbing (wet condition) | EN ISO 11640 |
| Color fastness to water | EN ISO 11642 |
| Color fastness to water spotting | EN ISO 15700 |
| Resistance to surface wetting | EN ISO 17231 |
Comfort is an important differentiator that can influence purchase decisions. It is determined by assessing qualities such as breathability and impermeability to water:
| Test name | Standard |
| Static absorption of water | EN ISO 2417 |
| Water resistance | EN ISO 5403-1 |
| Water resistance of heavy leathers | EN ISO 5404 |
| Water vapour absorption | EN ISO 17229 |
| Water vapour permeability | EN ISO 14268 |
CTC also offers the option of measuring the size of hides and skins.
Generally speaking, the conditioning of a test sample is part of what might be called good laboratory practice. For physical and mechanical testing of leather, sample conditioning is essential.
To ensure that results are reliable and reproducible, test methods rely on two tools:
The first is your responsibility, the second is CTC's.
CTC laboratories are equipped with multi-zone air conditioning systems to maintain a temperature of 23 °C ± 2 °C and a relative humidity of 50% ± 5%.
For safety reasons, all our laboratories are continuously monitored at several points. An alarm system alerts the laboratory manager and technical services if the set points are exceeded. If this occurs, all tests that could be affected by the recorded variations are immediately stopped.