Polyester Fiber Fills Testing Services
VNPOLYFIBER services provide comprehensive analysis and quality assurance for polyester fiber fill materials. Testing covers the physical composition of the fiber, adherence to cleanliness standards, and key performance metrics to ensure product quality and labeling compliance.
Polyester Fiber Composition and Quality Analysis
| Test | Purpose (Why is it performed?) | Key Results & Metrics |
| Fiber Identification | To determine the fiber content of a filling, which is generally required for labeling. A label must state the ratio of multiple fibers. | Results are generally given as a percentage of the fiber(s) found during testing. This can be a single fiber or a blend of two or more fibers. |
| Fiber Blend Ratio | Evaluates the fiber blend ratio in a filling that contains more than one type of fiber. This is critical to ensure the proper performance of the filling, as inadequate blends can result in clumping and matting. | Five charts will be reported, four containing the blend ratio of the fiber types present and one chart with the calculated sample average ratios. Consistency between the ratios signifies proper blending. |
| Virgin or Regenerated Fiber | Subjectively determines whether a synthetic filling material is made up of virgin or regenerated fibers. Clients perform this test to confirm the fiber origin against a specification or guarantee an agreed-upon price point. | A color rating of 1 and the absence of plastic bottles indicates the sample is more likely to be Virgin. A color rating and the number of plastic fragments are reported. |
| Denier and Tex (Thickness) | Denier or tex is the linear density of a fiber. It is used to determine the fiber thickness. A higher denier count tends to equate to thicker, sturdier, and more durable material. | Results are reported as Denier or Tex. |
| Cross-Section Design | Examines the fiber’s cross-sectional shape. The design is an important factor in the physical properties and performance (resiliency, insulation, water repellency) of end-use products. | An image of the cross-section is reported along with the designated name and the hollow percentage. Hollow fibers can provide bulkiness with less weight. |
| Staple Length | Measures the average length of the manufactured staple fibers. This can be used to determine the relative number of fibers above and below a specified length, which is important because fiber length affects spinning and yarn breaking strength. | Results are reported as the average length of the staples in the sample. |
| Crimp Frequency | Measures how many crimps (wiggles) are in manufactured staple fibers. Crimps affect the carding and processing of the fiber, as well as the bulk and visual appearance of the finished product. | Results are reported as the number of crimps per inch. |
| Opening Ratio | Determines how much of the sample remains in its un-fluffed state. A high ratio of opened fibers ensures proper blending and describes the openness and loft of the fill material. | Results are reported as the percentage of opened versus unopened material by weight. |
| Fiber Ball Size | Measures the average fiber ball size of manufactured staple fibers that have been formed into balls. Fiber ball size affects the loft and therefore the hand and visual appearance of the finished product. | Results are reported as the average diameter of the balls, as well as a histogram to show the distribution of ball sizes. |
Cleanliness Tests
These tests ensure the synthetic material meets required cleanliness standards for consumer safety and product quality.
| Test | Purpose (Why is it performed?) | Key Results & Requirements |
| Oxygen Number | Indicates product cleanliness by providing a measurement of organic material coating the synthetic material. Governments require that products meet certain cleanliness requirements. | Reported as mg of oxygen per 100 g of sample. Most countries require the Oxygen Number to be less than 10; for a product to be labeled hypoallergenic in the USA, it must be 4.8 or less. |
| Turbidity | A cleanliness test that gives an indication of the amount of inorganic, organic, or biological particles on a sample. Governments require that products meet certain cleanliness requirements. | Measured in mm (metered glass tube, where higher value is cleaner) or NTU (Nephelometric Turbidity Unit, where lower value is cleaner). An NTU value of less than 10 is considered clean. |
| Percent Finish | Measures the amount of extractable solvent or finish applied to the synthetic fiber. A finish provides a smooth texture to the fiber. | The extractable content is reported as a percentage. It is recommended to perform this test before and after washing to ensure the specified percentage remains. |
Insulation and Durability Tests
| Test | Purpose (Why is it performed?) | Key Results & Metrics |
| Thermal Resistance | Measures the thermal resistance (insulation) provided by fabrics and battings. This is of considerable importance in determining its suitability for cold-weather protective clothing, sleeping bags, and bedding systems. | Mean Thermal Resistance is reported. A Clo value is calculated from this, where 1 Clo is the insulation value of typical indoor clothing. |
| Fiber Power | A volumetric measurement obtained from the quantity occupied by a synthetic filling material after being compressed. It may be used as a performance metric to distinguish different qualities in loose-fill synthetics. | Reported in volumetric units (e.g., cubic inches per 30g). The higher the number, the better the synthetic material’s ability to fill a larger volume. |
| Compression and Recovery | Provides a benchmark for the compressibility and durability of any loose-fill materials (down or synthetics). This is especially useful in choosing materials for finished products. | Fill Power, Compression, and Recovery values are reported in volumetric units or as a height measurement (mm or cm). |
| Evaluation of Matting and Clumping | Evaluates the resistance of a filling to matting and clumping when subjected to laundering or dry cleaning. This ensures the filling will maintain its intended feel and thermal properties after care. | The rating for matting/clumping is reported on a 1-5 scale with a side-by-side photo comparison of the washed and unwashed control sample. |
Read more:
Natural Fill Testing Guideline
