Testing and Analysis of Textiles
Swerea IVF is one of Europe's most comprehensive textile laboratories with more than 400 testing methods to choose from and with expertise in textile chemistry, mechanics, physical properties, materials science, evaluation, development and consultancy. We are naturally accredited according to SS-EN ISO 17025.
Click on the link for current methods.
Our modern laboratories allow us to implement most tests and analyses in relation to textile materials. We help customers ensure the quality of their products throughout the production chain; from development and material selection to incoming goods inspections and complaints. We also have expertise competence in the specialist area of down and feathers with customers all over the world. One area for which our customers use us more and more, is the development and revision of demand specifications. Good demand specifications with proper limit values are increasingly important, not least as a large proportion of production is located in different parts of the world.
Below is a selection of what we can help you with:
- identifying fibres and tracing base elements
- Analysis of fabric construction
- Investigating strength characteristics
- Changing colour and appearance, absorption properties
- Implementing aging (UV, heat, humidity, etc)
- Analysing adhesion and contact angles
- Measuring emissions (VOCs)
- Optimising cleaning processes and testing detergents
- Material selection
- Comparing standards
- Fire testing and evaluating flame resistance
- Plasma treatment to change the surface properties of a material
... and much more.
Unique textile chemical experience
Swerea IVF has unique expertise in Sweden on tracing chemicals in textiles including leather and shoes. We have many years of experience, not least through our work with Oeko-Tex® and our ongoing method development work with annual international analysis comparisons. Among other things, we analyse:
- carcinogenic and allergenic dyes
- phthalates
- metals, extractable and total content
- dimethylfumarate (DMF)
- pentachlorophenol (PCP)
- polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)
- formaldehyde.
We have recently launched a very attractive concept offer which means that we select which analyses should be run based on fibre/material content, colorants and finish treatment - if any. See also the link below.
CE-labelling
Testing textiles and protective clothing for CE-labelling is one of our specialties. Now, we have also, together with SP as the Notified Body, developed an offer that means you, the customer, only need to contact one of the instituts to get your products certified according to the PPE-directive (Personal Protective Equipment). See also under Certification.
Training and Standardisation
We also hold courses and are involved in various development projects and consultations. Swerea IVF is also actively involved in international and national standardisation. As an expert in the various working groups, we are well acquainted with the new standards from the outset.
Swedish Chemicals Agency list