ASTM D2259-02(2011)

Test Method D2259 for testing yarn for shrinkage in boiling water, saturated steam, dry heat, or solvents is considered satisfactory for acceptance testing of commercial shipments of yarn because the test method has been used extensively in the trade for that purpose.

If there are differences of practical significance between reported test results for two laboratories (or more), comparative tests should be performed to determine if there is a statistical bias between them, using competent statistical assistance. As a minimum, use the samples for such comparative tests that are as homogeneous as possible, drawn from the same lot of material as the samples that resulted in disparate results during initial testing and randomly assigned in equal numbers to each laboratory. The test results from the laboratories involved should be compared using a statistical test for unpaired data, a probability level chosen prior to the testing series. If a bias is found, either its cause must be found and corrected, or future test results for that material must be adjusted in consideration of the known bias.

Results obtained by this test method can be used for the following purposes:

As an aid in predicting the dimensional stability of fabrics to wet processing,

As an aid in predicting the dimensional stability of fabrics during processing at elevated temperatures, and

As a control measure in the manufacture of some types of fibers.

The shrinkage medium to be used in the test depends on the requirements of the parties involved.

The procedure for shrinkage in boiling water is described in Section 12, for shrinkage in dry heat in Section 13, for shrinkage in saturated steam in Section 14, and for shrinkage in solvents in Section 15. A 30-min exposure time is prescribed for boiling water. In exposure to dry heat, saturated steam, or solvents, the extent of change in the length of yarn is dependent upon the fiber type and upon the time and temperature of the exposure. Fiber types differ in their reaction to elevated temperature as well as the nature of the specific solvent, and prior fiber history can have a great influence upon the heat and solvent shrinkage of a yarn. Therefore, the time and temperature conditions to be used to determine dry heat or saturated steam shrinkage must be agreed upon for the particular product involved. In addition, time and temperature conditions, and solvent to be used must be agreed upon for solvent shrinkage determination for the particular product involved.

1.1 This test method is used to determine the shrinkage of yarns in skein form when treated in boiling water, dry heat, saturated steam, or solvents. This test method is applicable to yarns made from any fiber or combination of fibers where the tex of the yarn is known or can be determined. This test method is not recommended for elastomeric yarns and those yarns that stretch more than 5 % under the tension loadings prescribed, although it has been used for the latter.

Note 1—Procedures for determining yarn shrinkage and bulk properties of textured yarns are covered in Test Method D4031.

1.2 This test method shows the values in both SI and inch-pound units. “SI” units is the technically correct name for the system of metric units known as the International System of Units. “Inch-pound” units is the technically correct name for the customary units used in the United States. The values stated in either SI units or in other units shall be regarded as standard. The values expressed in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore each system must be used independently of the other without combining in any way.

1.3 This standard does not purport 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.