Textile Formaldehyde Testing

Formaldehyde in textiles is widely concerned by consumers, and the detection of formaldehyde is particularly important. Formaldehyde gives textiles anti-shrink, anti-wrinkle, and non-iron functions. This volatile substance is easily released from the fabric, thereby harming human health, and in particular irritating the respiratory mucosa.

In textile processing, formaldehyde mainly comes from the following three aspects:

(1) Anti-wrinkle finishing: Formaldehyde-containing cross-linking agents are still widely used in anti-wrinkle and iron-free finishing. Improper use will cause its concentration to exceed the allowable range;

(2) Improve color fastness: cheap formaldehyde-containing additives are often used for direct dyes, and occasionally used for post-treatment of reactive dyes;

(3) Coating printing: High-quality formaldehyde-containing crosslinking agents are widely used in coating printing processes.

Formaldehyde Testing

When light passes through the solution, part of the light is absorbed by the substance in the solution, making the intensity of the transmitted light smaller. By changing the wavelength of the incident light, the degree of light absorption (transmittance or absorbance) is different, and the wavelength of the incident light at the maximum absorption degree is called the absorption peak of the substance. The absorption peak of each substance is different, and the change of the light transmittance (or absorbance) of the absorption peak caused by the change of substance concentration is the most sensitive. Formaldehyde in aqueous solution shows yellow with the maximum absorption peak at 412 nm wavelength after being colored by acetylacetone, which is used in the determination of formaldehyde content.

Formaldehyde Limits for Different Product Classes according to OEKO-TEX Standard 100

Testing Standards

• Released formaldehyde

AATCC112-2014 Formaldehyde release from fabric, determination of: Sealed Jar Method        
ISO 14184-2:2011 Textiles — Determination of formaldehyde — Part 2: Released formaldehyde (vapour absorption method)        
GB/T 2912.2-2009 Textiles — Determination of formaldehyde — Part 2: Released formaldehyde (vapour absorption method)

• Free formaldehyde

BS 6806:2002 Textiles. Determination of formaldehyde. Method for the determination of total and free (water extraction method) formaldehyde using chromotropic acid        
ISO 14184-1:2011 Textiles — Determination of formaldehyde — Part 1: Free and hydrolysed formaldehyde (water extraction method)        
GB/T 2912.1-2009 Textiles — Determination of formaldehyde — Part 1: Free and hydrolysed formaldehyde (water extraction method)

Alfa Chemistry Testing Lab

As an authoritative testing organization with many years of experience, Alfa Chemistry Testing Lab provides reliable formaldehyde testing services for all types of fabrics, including but not limited to cotton, linen, silk, woolen fabric, leather fabric, chemical fiber fabric, blended fabric, modal fabric, etc., please consult our technical experts for details.