Standardized Test
Analytical methods for determining the plasticizer content of textile products employ specific chemical solvents to dissolve polymeric coatings. Following the steps of iso 14389 phthalate extraction, laboratories use tetrahydrofuran to dissolve polyurethane or polyvinyl chloride before precipitating the polymer and analyzing the liquid phase. This procedure is designed for synthetic coatings and prints, meaning it does not apply to untreated natural fibers.
It ensures that testing facilities worldwide use the exact same temperature and solvent ratios to produce uniform results.
Material Scope
Fabrics with rubberized graphics, synthetic leather jackets and laminated rainwear are the primary targets for this testing. Because phthalates are added to make hard plastics soft and flexible, any soft plastic detail must be analyzed. Children’s wear faces the most frequent testing under this standard.
Testing Process
The laboratory cuts the sample into tiny pieces and heats it in the solvent for several hours. Once the plasticizers are extracted, the solution is analyzed using gas chromatography mass spectrometry to identify the specific compounds and their concentrations. This process provides highly repeatable results across different labs.
Compliance Check
Meeting the requirements of this extraction standard allows garment manufacturers to export their goods to markets with strict chemical laws. This test remains the industry benchmark for compliance.
