Leather - Physical and mechanical tests - Determination of water vapour permeability
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Our test laboratory performs accredited testing according to DIN EN ISO 14268 for the determination of the water vapour permeability of leather. Water vapour permeability describes the ability of leather to transport water vapour through the material. This property significantly influences moisture management and comfort characteristics. In addition to leather structure and pore configuration, coatings, finishes, and material thickness may also influence the results.
Test Procedure
In the DIN EN ISO 14268 test, the leather specimen is mounted in a defined test arrangement and tested under controlled climatic conditions. Water vapour transmission is determined over a specified period based on mass change. Climatic boundary conditions must be maintained constantly, since temperature and humidity influence the results. The test is generally performed under standardized climatic conditions.
The standard is particularly applied to upper leather for footwear, occupational safety footwear, sports shoes, and functional footwear. In the automotive sector, it may be used for seat leather materials or perforated leather surfaces. The test is frequently supplemented by DIN EN ISO 17229, since both standards describe different aspects of moisture behaviour.
