Taber Abrasion Test

Definition and Overview

The Taber Abrasion Test is an abrasion test in which a circular test specimen is rotated while a specified abrasive wheel is pressed into contact with it under load. It checks mass loss after repeated friction, the number of rotations until a hole appears, fuzzing, and surface wear.

It is used to compare abrasion resistance not only of the material itself, but also of surface finishes such as brushed finishes, coatings, laminates, and synthetic leather. However, because the results depend on the test conditions, they do not by themselves determine the overall durability of the fabric.

Evaluable Characteristics

As abrasion progresses, woven fabrics may show fuzzing, yarn breakage, thinning, and holes, while brushed products may show disturbed nap and exposure of the ground structure. For coated products, surface scuffing, changes in gloss, and peeling are observed.

The test results provide a basis for examining how well a surface withstands rubbing in daily use. On the other hand, it is not a test that directly evaluates hand feel, shrinkage from washing, seam strength, or susceptibility to pilling.

Main Applications

It is used in development and quality verification of materials expected to be subject to contact and rubbing, such as bags, shoes and fashion accessories, workwear, uniforms, outdoor applications, and upholstery. In apparel, it is useful for examining materials for areas that are likely to rub, such as elbows, knees, pocket openings, and cuffs.

The need for testing is not determined by the season. Evaluation is based on the application, frequency of wear, contact with other materials, and the product's required appearance retention. For thin or delicate materials, the balance with design and comfort during wear is also considered, not just abrasion strength.

Selection and Handling Notes

When comparing fabrics, make sure that the type of abrasive wheel, load, number of rotations, condition of the test specimen, and judgment method are the same. Results from different conditions cannot be compared directly. The presence or absence of surface processing, as well as color and pattern, also affect how appearance changes are seen.

Before commercialization, in addition to testing the fabric alone, confirm the condition after washing under specifications close to the actual product, as well as friction against seams and attachments. If an overly hard finish is chosen to reduce abrasion, the hand feel, drape, and ease of handling during sewing may change.

• Check the test conditions and acceptance criteria in the test report.
• Also check surface changes after washing or dry cleaning separately.
• For brushed and pile products, visually evaluate the nap after abrasion as well.
• Because seams and edges wear differently from the center of the fabric, consider product testing as well.

Differences from Similar Terms

Abrasion strength refers to a material's performance in resisting wear and tearing caused by friction. The Taber Abrasion Test is one of the representative test methods for evaluating that performance. The test method and the performance being evaluated should be treated separately.

The Martindale method is also a test method for evaluating abrasion, but it repeatedly brings the abrasive material into contact with the specimen in a different motion. Because the motion of friction, the testing machine, and the way results are expressed differ from the Taber Abrasion Test, they cannot be treated as values on the same scale.

Frequently Asked Questions