Martindale abrasion testing
Welcome to 3 Minute Methods, where we aim to teach you a fundamental method in textiles testing, in that’s right, just 3 minutes.
What is it?
Martindale abrasion testing measures how well a fabric resists wear when rubbed against a standard abrasive surface. It’s one of the most widely used methods for assessing durability in textiles, from apparel to upholstery. Knowing how well a fabric (and garment) will resist abrasion and eventual breakdown, gives key indicators to the quality of the product that is intended for sale.
An abrasion test for most textile fabrics involves a Martindale tester, fabric specimens, test materials, and a grading environment for final assessments.
Why it matters
Daily use of fabrics, particularly our garments, means that friction is inevitable; think clothing rubbing during walking or furniture under constant contact. This abrasion test replicates that real-world stress, helping manufacturers gauge product quality and lifespan, so that production processes can be adapted in response.
For premium products, technical textiles, or any fabric other than fast-fashion, being able to prove how durable a product is links directly to how it is priced.
How it works
Circular cut fabric specimens are mounted into the test heads, secured under a defined load, and rubbed against a wool abradant in a Lissajous pattern (a looping line figure). The specimen holder rotates freely, ensuring even wear.
- Pressure applied: 9–12 kPa (depending on fabric tested)
- Movement: 16 rubs = 1 abrasion cycle
- Test Materials: Wool abradant, felt pads, polyurethane foam discs
Fact: The Lissajous is so named after physicist Jules Lissajous’ comprehensive research into this complex harmonic motion.
What you’ll see
On many specimens, you will see broken threads which determine whether your specimen is considered a ‘fail’, or whether you continue testing (if specified) to a desired or set end point. These end points differ between apparel and upholstery fabrics, and on what fibre and treatment the fabric might have, so a fundamental understanding of how the fabric should perform is key.
Results gathered from this test include:
- Revolutions to breakdown (2-3 threads broken, holes or severe wear)
- Mass loss (grams)
- Appearance change (visual assessment)
Standards like ISO 12947 Parts 2–4 define these assessments.
When we talk about grading abrasion testing, the higher the rev count, the better the abrasion resistance, and in turn this means that typically, the quality is higher.
The untested blue denim abrasion specimen (pictured left). The tested specimen, we can see significant colour change (pictured right).
Quick takeaway
Martindale abrasion testing is the industry standard for testing a textile materials resistance to abrasion, on materials such as standard fabrics, technical fabrics, nonwovens, medical textiles and more. Almost every fabric intended for commercial or private use, should have or will have undergone an abrasion test on a Martindale tester.
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