Measurement of abrasion resistance

Abrasion resistance measurement is used to assess 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 repetitive contact or prolonged use.

ISO 9352 (for plastics) and ISO 12947 (for textiles and leathers, Martindale method) standards guarantee the mechanical performance, longevity and conformity of materials used in the packaging, polymers, technical textiles and furniture sectors.

Principle of measurement

There are two main approaches to characterizing abrasion resistance depending on the nature of the material:

• ISO 9352 method – Plastics and polymers : A sample is subjected to circular rubbing using a Taber abrader. 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 abrader reproduces multidirectional rubbing 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 discover:

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

Industrial applications

Abrasion resistance testing is used in many areas:

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

These tests help to optimize the formulation of materials and guarantee 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 complete assessment of material performance:

• Shore hardness test to characterize surface resistance;
• Melt Flow Index (MFI) to relate 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 wear mechanisms and propose solutions to improve the resistance and durability of materials.

YesWeLab Services

YesWeLab collaborates with a network of ISO 17025 and/or COFRAC , specialized in mechanical testing, abrasion and durability of materials .
Our experts select the method adapted to your application — Taber, Martindale or other — according to the nature of 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 packaging, polymer, textile, and furniture manufacturers with their performance and compliance testing.

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