Tencel fabric is widely used in the clothing and home furnishing industries for its excellent moisture absorption, soft touch, and environmentally friendly properties. To ensure its quality meets standards, it undergoes a systematic testing process covering three core areas: physical properties, chemical safety, and environmental indicators.
1. Physical Properties Testing
First, a visual inspection is conducted to assess the fabric's color uniformity, surface defects, and weft skew. Key physical indicators are then tested:
1. Strength Test: A tensile testing machine is used to measure the breaking strength in the warp and weft directions to ensure fabric durability.
2. Shrinkage Test: Samples are washed and dried according to standard procedures, and dimensional change is measured. Shrinkage is generally required to be ≤3%.
3. Breathability and Moisture Absorption: The moisture absorption and quick-drying properties are verified using the permeability cup method or water evaporation rate test.
2. Chemical Safety Testing
Although Tencel is a naturally regenerated fiber, it still undergoes rigorous screening for harmful substances:
• pH Determination: The pH of the fabric is tested after being soaked in water and must fall within the safe range of 4.0-7.5 for human skin.
• Formaldehyde and Heavy Metals: Residual levels are analyzed through extraction, with formaldehyde levels required to be ≤75mg/kg and heavy metal content below the limit.
• Banned Azo Dyes: Gas chromatography is used to screen for carcinogenic aromatic amines to ensure compliance with dyeing procedures.
3. Environmental and Functional Verification
Tencel is made from wood pulp and requires FSC forest certification or EU ECOCERT certification to demonstrate the sustainability of the raw materials. Furthermore, functional claims such as antibacterial and UV protection require accelerated laboratory testing to verify the durability of the product.
The testing process ultimately results in a standardized report that covers all parameter results and conclusions. This rigorous testing system not only protects consumer rights but also provides a high-quality endorsement for the global application of Tencel fabrics.
