Rubber- or plastics-coated fabrics - Determination of tensile strength and elongation at break
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The testing standard DIN EN ISO 1421 specifies two test methods for determining the tensile strength of coated textiles: the strip tensile test (Method 1) and the grab tensile test (Method 2). Both methods are used to assess the mechanical performance under uniaxial tensile stress, with the strip test additionally determining the elongation at maximum force.
In the strip tensile test, specimens of defined width (typically 50 mm) are cut from the coated fabric in both the longitudinal and transverse directions. They are clamped at both ends in the jaws of a tensile testing machine and stretched at a constant rate of extension until failure. The standard specifies exact conditions for clamping length, testing speed, and conditioning to ensure highly comparable results.
The grab tensile test is used when only a limited section of material is available or when partial clamping of the specimen is required. In this method, only the central portion of the specimen is stressed, allowing the assessment of actual strength under more realistic edge conditions, for example in coated fabrics with seams or reinforcements.
During the test, the applied force and elongation are continuously recorded. From these data, the maximum force (in N) and – in the strip test – the elongation at maximum force (in %), as well as, if applicable, the break elongation, are calculated. These parameters provide a precise assessment of the tensile strength, flexibility, and long-term load-bearing capacity of the material.
Our tsting lab performs testing in accordance with DIN EN ISO 1421 (determination of tensile strength of rubber- or plastics-coated textiles) competently in an accredited procedure.
Typical applications include PVC films, architectural membranes, tarpaulins, belts, protective clothing, or technical composite systems. The test is also required in automotive interior applications, for example according to BMW TL 9879076.6, BMW TL 7458357, Volkswagen VW TL 52745, or Mercedes-Benz DBL 5348.
Other important country codes for this standard: BS / NF / SN / UNE / UNI EN ISO 1421