Abrasion resistance measurement

Abrasion resistance testing assesses the durability and robustness of materials subjected to friction or wear. This test determines a material's ability to retain its physical and aesthetic properties when exposed to repeated contact or prolonged use.

ISO 9352 standards (for plastics) and ISO 12947 (for textiles and leathers, Martindale method), this analysis is essential to guarantee the mechanical performance, longevity and conformity of materials used in the packaging, polymer, technical textile and furniture sectors.

Principle of measurement

Two main approaches allow us to characterize abrasion resistance according to the nature of the material:

• ISO 9352 Method – Plastics and Polymers : A sample is subjected to circular friction using a Taber abrasimeter. The test quantifies the loss of mass or volume after a defined number of cycles, revealing the surface's resistance to wear.
• ISO 12947 Method – Textiles and Leather (Martindale test) : A Martindale abrasimeter reproduces multidirectional friction movements between the sample and an abrasive fabric under standardized pressure. The analysis measures the number of cycles required before visible deterioration, perforation, or loss of strength.

These tests make it possible to anticipate the lifespan of a product , to optimize the formulation of materials and to compare the performance of different references.

To learn more, also check out:

• the tensile test to measure resistance and elongation at break,
• the bending test to evaluate stiffness and resilience,
• or the elastic limit to determine the maximum stress before permanent deformation.

Industrial applications

Abrasion resistance testing is used in many fields:

• Materials and polymers : validation of the resistance of films, plates, coatings and injected parts intended for packaging, transport or construction.
• Packaging : monitoring the durability of plastic or metal surfaces subjected to handling, storage and friction.
• Technical textiles and leathers : assessment of the wear resistance of fabrics for clothing, furniture, automotive or protective equipment.
• Cosmetics and pharmaceuticals : verification of the resistance of primary and accessory packaging (capsules, bottles, applicators).
• Industrial environment : selection of abrasion-resistant materials in transport systems, piping, joints and technical components.

These tests help to optimize the formulation of materials and to guarantee a consistent quality of finished products , meeting normative and regulatory requirements.

Analytical interest and complementarity

Abrasion resistance can be combined with other mechanical and physicochemical tests for a comprehensive evaluation of material performance:

• Shore hardness test to characterize surface resistance;
• Melt flow index (MFI) to link mechanical properties to the viscosity of the molten polymer;
• Accelerated aging test to observe the effects of wear over time;
• FTIR infrared spectroscopy to identify chemical changes induced by abrasion;
• DSC thermal analysis to correlate mechanical and thermal properties.

These combined approaches make it possible to understand the mechanisms of wear and to propose solutions to improve the strength and durability of materials.

YesWeLab Services

YesWeLab collaborates with a network of partner laboratories accredited to ISO 17025 and/or COFRAC , specializing in mechanical, abrasion, and material durability testing .
Our experts select the appropriate method for your application—Taber, Martindale, or another—based on the material, the applicable standard, and the industrial objective.

Thanks to the YesWeLab digital platform , you can centralize your analysis requests, track your samples, and access your reports online. Since 2020, YesWeLab has been supporting manufacturers in the packaging, polymer, textile, and furniture sectors with their performance and compliance testing.

For personalized support or a quote request, contact our scientific team today.