A modified AATCC 193 test method is used to quantify the chemical splash resistance. The method uses an “A” through “D” rating scale to rate the interaction of water and water/alcohol mixtures with the fabric surface. In the test, the fabric is held on a flat surface and the test droplet is placed onto the fabric. An “A”, “B”, “C”, or “D” rating is assigned after ten seconds. An “A” rating corresponds to no interaction with the fabric while a “D” rating designates complete wicking of the solvent across and through the fabric. Ratings “B” and “C” are intermediate designations.
“A” and “B” ratings indicate that the fabric would possess a resistance to penetration following inadvertent chemical splash.
There are countless liquid chemicals and combinations thereof that could be tested and rated according to the above method. A finite list of challenge chemicals were selected including those from the ASTM F1001-12 method. These challenge chemicals are designed to represent a broad range of chemical classes, hazards, and physical characteristics.
This list is intended to provide a basic guideline as to the capabilities of ShieldCSRTM fabric. Decisions regarding resistance of the fabric towards a certain chemical or chemical combination, it is recommended that a challenge droplet be applied to the fabric and rated according to the AATCC 193 test method in a controlled manner before the fabric is used as PPE.