TECHNICAL REPORT AD ________________

NATICK/TR-17/015

CORRELATION OF AATCC TEST METHOD 150 TO

AATCC TEST METHOD 61 FOR USE WITH
LAUNDERING DURABILITY STUDIES OF
RETROREFLECTIVE ITEMS AS DEFINED IN
PURCHASE DESCRIPTION CO/PD-06-05A

by
Megan L. Hoey
and
Denise M. Tolliver

June 2017

Final Report
October 2014 – April 2016

Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited

U.S. Army Natick Soldier Research, Development and Engineering Center

Natick, Massachusetts 01760-5000
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4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE 5a. CONTRACT NUMBER

CORRELATION OF AATCC TEST METHOD 150 TO AATCC

5b. GRANT NUMBER
TEST METHOD 61 FOR USE WITH LAUNDERING
DURABILITY STUDIES OF RETROREFLECTIVE ITEMS AS 5c. PROGRAM ELEMENT NUMBER
DEFINED IN PURCHASE DESCRIPTION CO/PD-06-05A
6. AUTHOR(S) 5d. PROJECT NUMBER
14-156
Megan L. Hoey and Denise M. Tolliver
5e. TASK NUMBER

5f. WORK UNIT NUMBER

7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) 8. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION REPORT

NUMBER
U.S. Army Natick Soldier Research, Development and Engineering Center
ATTN: RDNS-TMF NATICK/TR-17/015
10 General Greene Avenue, Natick, MA 01760-5000
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11. SPONSOR/MONITOR’S REPORT NUMBER(S)

12. DISTRIBUTION / AVAILABILITY STATEMENT

Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited
13. SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES

14. ABSTRACT
This report contains laundering test data to the support the correlation between 5 laundering cycles of the America
Association of Textile Chemists & Colorists Test Method 61 “Colorfastness to Laundering, Home and Commercial:
Accelerated” to 25 laundering cycles of the America Association of Textile Chemists & Colorists Test Method 150
“Dimensional Change of Garments after Home Laundering”. The U.S. Army Natick Soldier Research, Development and
Engineering Center (NSRDEC) endorsed this work under the Warfighter Improved Combat Identification Development
project to explore the opportunity for reducing laundering test time and laundering test cost for the launderability testing
of the ¾ inch Identification of Friend or Foe (IFF) patch that is sewn to the uniform. Through several trials the
appropriate test parameters were identified to yield the same level of degradation, identified by visual examination, for
samples that underwent 5 laundering cycles of AATCC 61 and 25 cycles of AATCC 150.
15. SUBJECT TERMS
TIME SHRINKAGE COLORFASTNESS DEFECTS(MATERIALS) PERFORMANCE TESTS
COSTS TOLERANCE DEGRADATION QUALITY CONTROL VISUAL EXAMINATION
FABRICS VARIATIONS TEST METHODS WEAR RESISTANCE ENDURANCE(GENERAL)
PATCHES DURABILITY REQUIREMENTS VISUAL INSPECTION LAUNDRY OPERATIONS
TEXTILES STANDARDS ACCEPTABILITY LABORATORY TESTS TEST AND EVALUATION
UNIFORMS DEFICIENCIES SPECIFICATIONS PERFORMANCE(ENGINEERING) PARAMETERS
SAMPLING CORRELATION DETERIORATION LIFE EXPECTANCY(SERVICE LIFE)
16. SECURITY CLASSIFICATION OF: 17. LIMITATION OF 18. NUMBER 19a. NAME OF RESPONSIBLE PERSON
a. REPORT b. ABSTRACT c. THIS PAGE ABSTRACT OF PAGES Megan Hoey
U U U UU 40 19b. TELEPHONE NUMBER (include area code)
(508) 233-6421
Standard Form 298 (Rev. 8-98)
Prescribed by ANSI Std. Z39.18
This page intentionally left blank
Table of Contents

List of Figures ............................................................................................................................................... iv

List of Tables ................................................................................................................................................. v
Preface ......................................................................................................................................................... vi
1.0 Introduction ...................................................................................................................................... 1
2.0 Task I – Testing, Home Laundering ................................................................................................... 3
2.1 Methodology ...................................................................................................................................... 3
2.1.1 Items Evaluated ........................................................................................................................... 3
2.1.2 Specimen Preparation ................................................................................................................. 3
2.1.3 Test Procedures ........................................................................................................................... 5
2.1.4 Specimen Observation Procedures.............................................................................................. 5
2.2 Results and Discussion........................................................................................................................ 6
3.0 Task II – Testing, Accelerated Laundering ......................................................................................... 9
3.1 Methodology ...................................................................................................................................... 9
3.1.1 Items Evaluated ............................................................................................................................ 9
3.1.2 Test Specimen Preparation .......................................................................................................... 9
3.1.3 Test Procedures .......................................................................................................................... 10
3.2 Results and Discussion ...................................................................................................................... 13
3.2.1 TMET Work Order Number 14294 ............................................................................................. 13
3.2.2 TMET Work Order Number 14412, Part 1 .................................................................................. 13
3.2.3 TMET Work Order Number 14412, Part 2 .................................................................................. 14
3.2.4 TMET Work Order Number 14412, Part 3 .................................................................................. 15
3.2.5 TMET Work Order Number 14412, Part 4 .................................................................................. 17
3.2.6 TMET Work Order Number 14412, Part 5 .................................................................................. 18
3.2.7 TMET Work Order Number 14412, Part 6 .................................................................................. 19
4.0 Conclusions and Recommendations ............................................................................................... 20
Appendix A Home Laundering .................................................................................................................... 21
Appendix B Home Laundering Observations .............................................................................................. 23
Appendix C Home Laundering – Surface Characteristics Baseline ............................................................. 27
Appendix D IR Patch – Accelerated Laundering Sequence ......................................................................... 29
Appendix E Table I – Test Conditions of AATCC Test Method 61-2013 ...................................................... 31
Appendix F Proposed Changes to AATCC Test Method 61 ......................................................................... 33

iii
List of Figures

Figure 1. Test specimen, initial surface appearance .................................................................................... 3

Figure 2. IR patch with stitching guidelines ................................................................................................. 4
Figure 3. Home laundering – Cloth panel with five IR patches (test specimens) ........................................ 4
Figure 4. IR patch with protective cover in use and protective cover turned back ..................................... 5
Figure 5. Home laundering: Surface characteristics and visual appearance from initial to 25 cycles. a)
Unlaundered; b) after 1 home laundering cycle; c) after 10 home laundering cycles; d) after 25
home laundering cycles ................................................................................................................... 7
Figure 6. Accelerated laundering test specimen preparation ..................................................................... 9
Figure 7. TMET Work Order Number 14294, laundered test specimens after four cycles in accordance
with AATCC 61-2013. a) Test 1A; b) Test 2A; c) Test 3A ................................................................ 13
Figure 8. TMET Work Order Number 14412, Part 1, test specimens after accelerated laundering cycles.
a) one cycle; b) two cycles; c) three cycles; d) four cycles; e) five cycles ...................................... 14
Figure 9. TMET Work Order Number 14412, Part 2, test specimens after three, four, and five
accelerated laundering cycles. A) three cycles, Specimen #21; b) three cycles, Specimen #22; c)
three cycles, Specimen #24; d) four cycles, Specimen #26; e) four cycles, Specimen #28, f) four
cycles, Specimen #30; g) five cycles, Specimen #26; five cycles, Specimen #28; i) five cycles,
Specimen #30 ................................................................................................................................. 15
Figure 10. TMET Work Order Number 14412, Part 3, test specimen deterioration, three accelerated
laundering cycles of Groups A, B, and C. a) Group A specimen after three accelerated laundering
cycles; b) Group B specimen after three accelerated laundering cycles; c) Group C specimen
after three accelerated laundering cycles ..................................................................................... 16
Figure 11. TMET Work Order 14412, Part 3, test specimens maintained integrity, three accelerated
laundering cycles of Groups D and E. a) Specimen D1 after three accelerated laundering cycles;
b) Specimen D2 after three accelerated laundering cycles; c) Specimen E1 after three
accelerated laundering cycles; d) Specimen E2 after three accelerated laundering cycles .......... 16
Figure 12. TMET Work Order Number 14412, Part 3, test specimens peeling to stitch line and loss of
surface luster, three accelerated laundering cycles of Groups F and G. a) Specimen F1 after three
accelerated laundering cycles; b) Specimen F2 after three accelerated laundering cycles; c)
Specimen G1 after three accelerated laundering cycles; d) Specimen G2 after three accelerated
laundering cycles ........................................................................................................................... 16
Figure 13. TMET Work Order Number 14412, Part 4, test specimens after one, three, and five
accelerated laundering cycles. a) one cycle, specimen “A1”; b) one cycle, specimen “A2”; c)
three cycles, specimen “A1”; d) three cycles, specimen “A2”; e) five cycles, specimen “A1”; f) five
cycles, specimen “A2” .................................................................................................................... 18
Figure 14. TMET Work Order Number 14412, Part 5, test specimens after five accelerated laundering
cycles. a) specimen “A1-Group 2”; b) Specimen “A2-Group 2”..................................................... 18
Figure 15. TMET Work Order Number 14412, Part 6, specimens after five accelerated laundering cycles.
Top row, left to right: specimens 2, 4, 5, 7, and 8; bottom row, left to right: specimens 11, 12,
13, 14, and 15 ................................................................................................................................ 19

iv
List of Tables

Table 1. Home laundering test conditions .................................................................................................... 5

Table 2. IR patch surface characteristics and visual appearance ................................................................. 6
Table 3. IR patch, recommended surface characteristics and visual appearance baselines ....................... 8
Table 4. Accelerated laundering – TMET Work Order Number 14294 ....................................................... 10
Table 5. Accelerated laundering – TMET Work Order Number 14412, Part 1 ........................................... 11
Table 6. Accelerated laundering – TMET Work Order Number 14412, Part 2 ........................................... 11
Table 7. Accelerated laundering – TMET Work Order Number 14412, Part 3 ........................................... 11
Table 8. Accelerated laundering – TMET Work Order Number 14412, Part 4 ........................................... 12
Table 9. Accelerated laundering – TMET Work Order Number 14412, Part 5 ........................................... 12
Table 10. Accelerated laundering – TMET Work Order Number 14412, Part 6 ......................................... 12
Table 11. Accelerated laundering: final procedures for IR patches ............................................................ 19

v
Preface

Identification of Friend or Foe (IFF) is an important capability for the Solider in the field. One of the
current IFF capabilities utilized by Soldiers is a ¾ inch square retroreflective patch, two of which are
sewn to the Army Combat Uniform (ACU) Coat (one on each shoulder) and three of which are sewn to
the ACU Helmet Cover. The purchase description Patch and Brassard, Identification, Infrared
Retroreflective (CO/PD-06-05A) covers the requirements for identification patches and brassards made
of infrared (IR) retroreflective material for use with combat clothing, equipment, and vehicles. The IR
item of interest herein is the ¾ inch square patch, sewn on application (referred to in the purchase
description as Type 1). The purchase description requires evaluation of the surface characteristics, visual
appearance, and retroreflective performance of the ¾ inch square patch before and after 25 laundering
cycles as outlined in the America Association of Textile Chemists & Colorists (AATCC) Test Method 150
“Dimensional Changes of Garments after Home Laundering”. Performing 25 laundering cycles of a large
swatch of fabric on which 5 patches are sewn is both time consuming and costly. There are other
laundering test methods that utilize various techniques (e.g., smaller swatch sizes, more aggressive cycle
conditions) to simulate the exposure of multiple cycles within a single wash cycle. One such test method
is AATCC 61 “Colorfastness to Laundering, Home & Commercial: Accelerated”. Identifying a method by
which the number of wash cycles required is reduced while still gaining useful correlated information
about sample durability will save time as well as cost in the process of material and sample down
selection.

The study performed in this report was carried out in order to correlate the laundering test parameters
for AATCC 61 to AATCC 150 as a means to achieve the same degradation as 25 launderings in only 5
wash cycles. When researchers are evaluating new materials, they are required to assess the durability
via AATCC 150 per the purchase description to ensure the new material will at least match the
legacy/current material. When there are several samples to be evaluated, the time associated with 25
laundering cycles and the cost associated with a large swatch of fabric become cumbersome. Utilizing a
correlated AATCC 61 method would enable researchers to decrease run time by up to 80% and reduce
fabric waste from several square feet to a few square inches. This correlation allows the determination
of changes in the surface characteristics, visual appearance, and retroreflective performance of the
patches to be examined after five wash cycles; this will decrease both test run time and costs. This study
was designed and conducted from October 2014 to April 2016 by United States Army researchers,
working at the Natick Solider Research Development and Engineering Center (NSRDEC) in Natick,
Massachusetts under the internal funding of the Warfighter Improved Combat Identification
Development (WICID) effort.

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank several groups for their contributions to this report: the NSRDEC Fiber &
Textile Science Team members for their continued support, the NSRDEC Textile Material Evaluation
Team member Susan Gasset for providing her textile technology expertise and for executing all of the
developmental laundering tests, NSRDEC Personal Protective Equipment Team members for their
ongoing support, and the Navy Clothing Textile Research Facility, Defense Logistics Agency-Product Test
Center (DLA-PTC) and Precision Testing Laboratories for executing the finalized correlated testing
parameters in order to validate the findings from testing performed at Natick.

vi
CORRELATION OF AATCC TEST METHOD 150 TO AATCC TEST METHOD
61 FOR USE WITH LAUNDERING DURABILITY STUDIES OF
RETROREFLECTIVE ITEMS AS DEFINED IN PURCHASE DESCRIPTION
CO/PD-06-05A
1.0 Introduction
Work for this report was performed from October 2014 to April 2016 by the Natick Soldier Research,
Development and Engineering Center (NSRDEC), with the goal of reducing test cost and run time for
durability standards of infrared retroreflective patches. This report focuses specifically on the laundering
and durability of the ¾ inch square Identification of Friend or Foe (IFF) retroreflective patch.

The purchase description CO/PD-06-05A Patch and Brassard, Identification, Infrared Retroreflective,
dated 10 November 2011, details a specific American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists
(AATCC) laundering test method to be used to evaluate the durability of such items. The current test
method, AATCC 150 Dimensional Change of Fabrics After Home Laundering, requires 25 laundering
cycles before evaluation of the item(s); this method is both timely and costly. The AATCC has an
accelerated laundering test method, AATCC 61, 2A Colorfastness to Laundering, Home and Commercial:
Accelerated (Machine Wash), which would reduce the required laundering cycles to five and thereby
reduce run time and costs associated with the durability testing. There are several parameters that can
be varied within AATCC 61 in order to achieve specific laundering conditions. These parameters were
explored by members of the Fiber and Textile Science Team (FTST) and Personal Protective Equipment
Team (PPET) of the NSRDEC. This report details the multitude of experimental laundering tests
performed in order to identify the AATCC 61 test method parameters which best correlate to the AATCC
150 home laundering test method. The importance of correlating the two methods is to ensure that the
same material durability information is being derived from the 5 laundering cycles as the 25 cycles. If the
results of the two methods do not match, then the accelerated method cannot replace AATCC 150.

AATCC 150 requires the ¾ inch square IFF patches be sewn to a large piece of fabric that then undergoes
25 wash cycles at specific temperatures. The changes seen in surface characteristics, visual appearance,
and retroreflective performance of the patches as a result of the 25 cycles of AATCC 150 were correlated
to 5 cycles of AATCC 61. It is important to ensure that the patches will maintain their structural integrity
and, in turn, their performance capability through the laundering process. If the patch degrades past its
threshold of operational effectiveness through the laundering cycle, it is of no use to the Soldier. The
examination of the visual appearance of the patch surface allows the identification of any delamination
that may have taken place during laundering. Delamination of the thin films that make up the patch will
cause the retroreflective performance to diminish below a level of operational effectiveness. This study
aims to identify the parameters required to assess patch durability after 5 cycles of AATCC 61 versus 25
cycles of AATCC 150. AATCC 61 offers various parameters/conditions that accelerate the results of
standard home laundering. AATCC 61 is performed using small 2 inch x 6 inch sample fabric swatches
that are then put in a steel canister along with steel or silicone pellets/balls and water. There are two
accepted canister sizes, the number of steel and or silicone pellets/balls can be varied, and the liquid
volume of the water specified. These parameters, as well as procedure temperature, were explored
extensively to identify the set of parameters that best represented the same changes seen in surface
characteristics, visual appearance, and retroreflective performance of the patches as a result of the 25
cycles of AATCC 150. The first task outlined in this report focuses on the current purchase description

1
laundering test method AATCC 150. It was important to establish strong baselines utilizing this method
before going on to any correlation steps. Several ¾ inch patches from two different suppliers went
through 25 laundering cycles under AATCC 150 conditions. The surface characteristics realized by visual
examination of these patches were used in the correlation of the samples produced in the second task.
The second task of this report focuses on the accelerated laundering parameters required to generate
correlated results of 25 home laundering cycles in just 5 accelerated laundering cycles. The accelerated
test method used in Task II was AATCC 61. Several laundering experiments were performed while
varying AATCC 61 testing parameters in order to replicate the same results as AATCC 150. In order to
change the purchase description laundering requirements from 25 cycles of AATCC 150 to 5 cycles of
AATCC 61, it is imperative that the ¾ inch patches exhibit the same level of degradation and durability
through both processes.

2
2.0 Task I – Testing, Home Laundering
2.1 Methodology

Task I employed two functions for home laundered Infrared (IR) patches. The first function subjected IR
patches to 25 cycles of home laundering. This was done in accordance with the specification
requirements outlined in the CO/PD-06-05A for the ¾-inch IR patches (referred to in the purchase
description and throughout this report as Type I patches). The patches were tested for determination of
changes in surface characteristics and visual appearance. Surface characteristics pertain to the
occurrence of scratches, marring, cracks, curling, melting, flaking, and/or crazing; visual appearance
pertains to ink or coating color changes or color loss. The second function established home laundered
IR patch baselines with respect to surface characteristics and visual appearance utilizing AATCC 150.
These baselines provided the foundation to rate IR patches laundered under home or other laundering
conditions.

2.1.1 Items Evaluated

In response to the 2014 NSRDEC Market Survey posted on the Federal Business Opportunity website,
two current and military approved IR patch manufacturers, CeJay Engineering and Infrared Tools,
provided production-level IR Patches, herein referred to as test specimens for this laundering study. The
CeJay Engineering specimens had a glossy, honeycomb textured appearance while the Infrared Tools
specimens had a low gloss, smooth surface appearance. Both IR patches are shown in Figure 1. Test
specimens from each company were randomly selected and then prepared and home laundered in
accordance with AATCC 150 as stated in the CO/PD-06-05A.

CeJay Engineering Patch Infrared Tools Patch

Figure 1. Test specimen, initial surface appearance

2.1.2 Specimen Preparation

Type I, ¾-inch IR patches are permanently sewn to military end items such as the Army Combat Uniform
(ACU) Coat and the Advanced Combat Helmet (ACH) Cover. During operational use, the attached IR
patches are laundered under the same conditions as the end items. To simulate home laundering of
end items and to ensure testing consistency for the IR patches, test specimens were prepared in
accordance with CO/PD-06-05A specification verification sections paragraphs 4.6.3, 4.6.3.1, 4.6.3.2, and
4.6.4 (see Appendix A). Five test specimens were box stitched to a cloth panel as shown in Figures 2 and
3.

3
 1/2-inch box
stitched to cloth
¾ inch panel or garment

¾ inch

Figure 2. IR patch with stitching guidelines

Figure 3. Home laundering – Cloth panel with five IR patches (test specimens)

The specification requires a large woven cloth panel approximately 60 inches wide by 36 inches long
with a minimum cloth weight of 6 oz per square yard to simulate a typical military end item and provide
adequate agitation during the laundering and drying cycles. The specimens were box stitched to the
cloth panel without a cloth or webbing protective cover, which is normally present during laundering on
military end items in the field. This set-up replicated a worst case scenario when the IR patch is left
unprotected during operational use or laundering. When test specimens perform satisfactorily and
maintain integrity under worst case scenarios, then the product will perform well under normal
laundering conditions. Figure 4, shown below, illustrates the standard cloth protective cover that is
normally present.

4
 Protective
cover

With protective cover Protective cover turned back

Figure 4. IR patch with protective cover in use and protective cover turned back

2.1.3 Test Procedures

A total of 15 specimens were home laundered and evaluated. Each of the two manufacturers, CeJay
Engineering and Infrared Tools, had five randomly selected specimens designated as an independent set
prepared for laundering. The two sets were separately laundered for 25 cycles (i.e., a complete wash,
rinse, and dry cycle) in accordance with required parameters in AATCC 150, the laundering specification
used by CO/PD-06-05A. The test conditions for this study are shown in Table 1. Using a water
temperature of 140 °F, which is designated “very hot” by AATCC, represents the worst case exposure
when cleaning heavily soiled garments or garments laundered in Military operational environments.

Table 1. Home laundering test conditions

Machine Machine Load
Machine Type Wash Temp Rinse Temp Dryer Setting
Cycle Type Weight (lb)
4 lb; cloth panel with
Top load Permanent Permanent
sewn specimens plus 140 °F 80 °F
washer press press
ballast

A third set of home laundering tests were performed using low gloss, smooth surface specimens from
Infrared Tools. This company was selected to provide additional specimens because 100 ACU coats
received from theater and inspected at NSRDEC represented the low gloss, smooth surface IR patches
seen on military end-items rather than the honeycomb pattern observed on CeJay Engineering IR
patches.

2.1.4 Specimen Observation Procedures

The CO/PD-06-05A provides IR patch surface characteristics and visual appearance requirements. These
can be found in the purchase description in notes 4, 6, and 7 listed under Table 1 titled "Physical
requirements of end item”. The criteria for surface characteristics and visual appearance referenced in
the notes of the purchase description are listed here in Table 2.

5
 Table 2. IR patch surface characteristics and visual appearance
Scratch
Marring
Cracks
Surface
Curling
characteristics
Melting
Flaking
Crazing
Color Change – Ink or coating
Visual appearance
Color Loss – Ink or coating

The specification requirements are stated in absolute performance terms such as “shall not crack, melt,
lose color…” or “shall be no cracking, crazing or flaking of inks…”1. In addition, the specification does not
provide criteria for rating specimens or specimen lots that encountered minimal degradation of surface
characteristics and visual appearance after laundering.

For this NSRDEC study, surface/visual examinations were made after the following laundering cycles
(intervals): 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 10, 12, 15, 20, and 25. Observations were made at these intervals rather
than at the end of the 25th cycle, as indicated in the specification, to better record the occurrence of
any specimen changes (see Appendix B). Without a minimum, maximum, or range criteria for the
surface characteristics and visual appearance, as stated in Table 2, observations were noted when the
specimen changes occurred and the details of the change were recorded in comparison to the previous
observations.

2.2 Results and Discussion

At the specified home laundering intervals (Section 2.1.4) each test specimen was examined for the
determination of changes in surface characteristics and visual appearance (Table 2). Starting after the
first or second laundering cycle, some test specimens underwent some surface and/or visual changes
when compared to a new, unlaundered specimen (see Figure 5a and 5b). Common specimen changes
were bending or curling upwards to the stitch line on one or more corners. As the laundering
progressed to approximately 10 cycles, the corners bent slightly more and the infrared top coating lifted
from the base material on some corners (see Figure 5c). From 11 to 25 cycles, bent corners stabilized,
the infrared top coating lifted from the base material on more corners and from some straight edges up
to the stitch line, and light creasing occurred on the specimen center (see Figure 5d).

1
Purchase Description Patch and Brassard, Identification, Infrared Retroreflective (CO/PD-06-05A). 10
November 2011.

6
 a)

b)

c)

d)

Figure 5. Home laundering: Surface characteristics and visual appearance from initial to 25 cycles. a)
Unlaundered; b) after 1 home laundering cycle; c) after 10 home laundering cycles; d) after 25 home
laundering cycles

After 25 home laundering cycles, no specimens from either manufacturer exhibited absolute
performance in terms of no degradation to surface characteristics and/or visual appearance. Changes
ranged from minimal to slightly noticeable. All specimens maintained a visual functional center area,
approximately ¼ square inches (161 square mm) within the stitching line.

Home laundering findings demonstrated three common specimen changes to the surface characteristics
and/or visual appearance: corners or edges curled/bent, infrared top coating lifted from the base
material on corners or edges, and light creases throughout the specimen. The derived recommended
baselines are listed in Table 3 and diagramed in Appendix C.

7
Table 3. IR patch, recommended surface characteristics and visual appearance baselines

IR Patch Characteristic Recommended Baseline

Peeling or lifting off base material from
Infrared, black top coating corner or edge no greater than 1/16-inch
(0.06).
Depth no greater than 1/16-inch (0.06)
Creasing or bending without breaking coating or exposing base
material.
Edges (up to the stitching line) curling or
Curling or bending bending upwards from cloth panel or
substrate no greater than 3/32-inches (0.09).

8
3.0 Task II – Testing, Accelerated Laundering
3.1 Methodology

The goal of Task II was to fully explore accelerated laundering test methods as a replacement for home
laundering procedures cited in Purchase Description, Patch and Brassard, Identification, Infrared
Retroreflective, CO/PD-06-05A for Type I, square patch, sewn-on application. The development and
adoption of an accelerated laundering test method, when compared to specification home laundering
procedures, would potentially reduce laundering time by approximately 80% and lower laundering cost
nearly 75% when considering decrease in labor hours for sample preparation and testing as well as the
decrease in fabric required by approximately 97%. AATCC Test Method 61-2013, Colorfastness to
Laundering, Home & Commercial: Accelerated Test Method was used to develop accelerated laundering
procedures for IR patches.

3.1.1 Items Evaluated

Only IR patches from Infrared Tools were used to develop an accelerated laundering test method. Using
one manufacturer minimized test specimen differences, thus allowing experimental focus on laundering
effects rather than product variability encountered then using multiple suppliers.

3.1.2 Test Specimen Preparation

Test specimen preparation of IR patches for accelerated laundering augmented and eliminated some
AATCC Test Method 61-2013 set-up requirements to accommodate IR Patches and better simulate
laundering of this product. The base cloth acted as a carrier for the IR patch (test specimen) rather than
as an agent being assessed for colorfastness. For this reason, the specified multifiber test fabric was
eliminated, because colorfastness was not being assessed. The test specimen was sewn to a woven
base cloth weighing approximately 6 oz per square yard to simulate the individual cloth weight of
military end-items. The base cloth test component dimensions were either 2-inch width by 4-inch
length or 2-inch width by 6-inch length, as specified by the AATCC Test Method 61. The test specimen
was box stitched to the upper third of the base cloth test component using the same stitching
procedures as outlined in specification CO/PD-06-05A, paragraph 4.6.3.1 (see Figure 6).

IR Patch,
test specimen 4-inch
or
6-inch
length as
specified by
Base cloth, test method
test component

2-inch,
width
Figure 6. Accelerated laundering test specimen preparation

9
3.1.3 Test Procedures
Six accelerated laundering trials were conducted by NSRDEC Textile Material Evaluation Team (TMET) to
establish procedures for IR patches (see Appendix D). This was done in order to determine correlation
between the accelerated laundering method with home laundering surface characteristics and visual
appearance test specimen baselines. The trials ranged from laundering test specimens using the same
test conditions outlined in Table I of AATCC Test Method 61-2013 to formulating test procedures, which
adjusted such factors as laundering temperature, liquid volume, and number of steel balls (which
provide mechanical agitation). Each succeeding trial based its test procedures on results from the
previous set of trials. For this study, surface/visual examinations were made prior to laundering (the
initial state) and after each accelerated cycle. As outlined in AATCC Test Method 61-2013, paragraph
2.1, each accelerated laundering cycle approximates five hand or home laundering cycles.

3.1.3.1 TMET Work Order Number 14294

The first trial, TMET Work Order Number 14294, was conducted to understand the effects of surface
characteristics and visual appearance on test specimens using AATCC Test Method 61-2013, Test
Numbers 1A, 2A, and 3A procedures. See Table 4 for more details. These test numbers were selected
because they represent typical laundering procedures for military end items. Specifically, 1A uses warm
water with the lowest number of steel balls; 2A uses hot water, a medium number of steel balls, and is
used to test Army Combat Shirts; and 3A uses extra hot water, the highest number of steel balls, and is
used to test colorfastness of 50/50 nylon/cotton blend, wind resistant poplin rip stop cloth, which is
the base material for the ACU. The full test condition table from AATCC Test Method 61-2013 can be
found in Appendix E.

Table 4. Accelerated laundering – TMET Work Order Number 14294

Base cloth Number
Laundering Liquid Test Oven drying
Test test Laundering of
temperature volume canister temperature
number component cycles1 steel
(°F ± °4) (mL) size (mL) (°F)
size (inches) balls
500
1A 2x4 105 4 200 10 140
(Type 1)
1200
2A 2x6 120 4 150 50 140
(Type 2)
1200
3A 2x6 160 4 50 100 140
(Type 2)
Note: Four accelerated laundering cycles simulates 20 home laundering cycles

3.1.3.2 TMET Work Order Number 14412, Part 1

TMET Work Order Number 14412 was established to better track test procedure changes. Part I
evaluated one laundering temperature against a variable number of steel balls in order to assess
agitation on test specimens. The laundering temperature was set at 140 °F to correlate with home
laundering of ACUs under test conditions. The number of steel balls varied from a high of 100 to a low
of 10. All trials used a 2-inch by 6-inch base cloth test component and were laundered for five
accelerated cycles, which simulates 25 home laundering cycles. The test procedures are outlined in
Table 5.

10
 Table 5. Accelerated laundering – TMET Work Order Number 14412, Part 1
Laundering Test canister size Liquid volume Oven drying
Test Number of
temperature (mL) (mL) temperature
number steel balls
(°F ± °4) (°F)
A-140-100 140 1200 (Type 2) 150 100 140
A-140-50 140 1200 (Type 2) 150 50 140
A-140-25 140 1200 (Type 2) 150 25 140
A-140-10 140 1200 (Type 2) 150 10 140

3.1.3.3 TMET Work Order Number 14412, Part 2

TMET Work Order Number 14412, Part 2 enabled the evaluation of the laundering of 15 specimens that
had been measured for Coefficient of Retroreflection (RA) prior to laundering. All trials used a 2-inch by
6-inch base cloth test component and were laundered for 5 accelerated cycles, which simulates 25
home laundering cycles. The test procedures are outlined in Table 6.

Table 6. Accelerated laundering – TMET Work Order Number 14412, Part 2

Specimen Laundering Test canister size Oven drying
Liquid volume Number of
Test temperature (mL) temperature
(mL) steel balls
numbers1 (°F ± °4) (°F)
16-30 140 1200 (Type 2) 150 100 140
Note: The test number was marked on the base cloth test component for tracking purposes and prevention of
test specimen damage

3.1.3.4 TMET Work Order Number 14412, Part 3

TMET Work Order Number 14412, Part 3 trials were conducted to evaluate four different test
parameters: laundering temperature, liquid volume, number of steel balls, and drying temperature. All
trials used a 2-inch by 6-inch base cloth test component and were laundered for 5 accelerated cycles,
which simulates 25 home laundering cycles. The test procedures are outlined in Table 7. The TMET ID
alpha character represents a set of test parameters while the numeric character represents the
specimen; two test specimens were laundered for each set of parameters.

Table 7. Accelerated laundering – TMET Work Order Number 14412, Part 3

Laundering Liquid
Test canister Number of Oven drying
TMET ID1 temperature volume
size (mL) steel balls temperature (°F)
(°F ± °4) (mL)
A1 and A2 140 1200 (Type 2) 150 100 140
B1 and B2 140 1200 (Type 2) 150 100 120
C1 and C2 140 1200 (Type 2) 150 50 120
D1 and D2 140 1200 (Type 2) 50 100 120
E1 and E2 140 1200 (Type 2) 50 50 120
F1 and F2 120 1200 (Type 2) 150 100 120
G1 and G22 120 1200 (Type 2) 150 50 120
Note 1: For each test parameter, two test specimens were laundered; they were numbered 1 and 2
Note 2: The test parameters were the same as for AATCC Test Method 61-2013 except the oven temperature was
set to 120 °F

11
3.1.3.5 TMET Work Order Number 14412, Part 4
TMET Work Order Number 14412, Part 4 trials were conducted to assess the effect of liquid volume. All
trials used a 2-inch by 6-inch base cloth test component and were laundered for 5 accelerated cycles,
which simulates 25 home laundering cycles. The test procedures are outlined in Table 8.

Table 8. Accelerated laundering – TMET Work Order Number 14412, Part 4

Laundering Liquid Oven drying
Test canister Number of
TMET ID1 temperature volume temperature
size (mL) steel balls
(°F ± °4) (mL) (°F)
A1 and A2 120 1200 (Type 2) 50 50 120
B1 and B2 120 1200 (Type 2) 150 50 120
Note: For each test parameter, two test specimens were laundered; they were numbered 1 and 2

3.1.3.6 TMET Work Order Number 14412, Part 5

TMET Work Order Number 14412, Part 5 trials were conducted to verify the effects of liquid volume
reduction to 50 mL. All trials used a 2-inch by 6-inch base cloth test component and were laundered for
5 accelerated cycles, which simulates 25 home laundering cycles. The test procedures are outlined in
Table 9.

Table 9. Accelerated laundering – TMET Work Order Number 14412, Part 5

Laundering Liquid Oven drying
1 Test canister Number of
TMET ID temperature volume temperature
size (mL) steel balls
(°F ± °4) (mL) (°F)
“A1-Group 2”
and 120 1200 (Type 2) 50 50 120
“A2-Group 2”
Note: For each test parameter, two test specimens were laundered; they were numbered 1 and 2

3.1.3.7 TMET Work Order Number 14412, Part 6

TMET Work Order Number 14412, Part 6 evaluated the laundering of 10 specimens that had been tested
for RA prior to laundering. All trials used a 2-inch by 6-inch base cloth test component and were
laundered for 5 accelerated cycles, which simulates 25 home laundering cycles. The test procedures are
outlined in Table 10.
Table 10. Accelerated laundering – TMET Work Order Number 14412, Part 6
Laundering Liquid Oven drying
Specimen Test Test canister Number of
temperature volume temperature
numbers1 size (mL) steel balls
(°F ± °4) (mL) (°F)
2, 4, 5, 7, 8,
11, 12, 13, 14, 120 1200 (Type 2) 50 50 120
and 15
Note: The test number was marked on the base cloth test component for tracking purposes and prevention of
test specimen damage

12
3.2 Results and Discussion

After each accelerated laundering trial, the test specimens were examined for surface characteristics
and visual appearance (shown previously in Table 2) plus visually compared to specimens laundered 25
times under home laundering conditions (see Section 2.2). The results from each accelerated laundering
trial determined if changes were required of subsequent trials in order to correlate with home
laundering results.

3.2.1 TMET Work Order Number 14294

The first accelerated laundering trial, which evaluated test specimens in accordance with the
specifications given in Section 3.1.3.1, produced specimens having three distinctive appearances (see
Figure 7). Laundered test specimens from Test Number 1A yielded a gently laundered product that had
almost no changes from unlaundered test specimens. Test Number 2A specimens had similar surface
characteristics/visual appearance approaching that of home laundered test specimens. Test Number 3A
produced harshly laundered test specimens in which the black infrared translucent ink and top coating
layers delaminated from the base material, a micro-prismatic retroreflective layer. Although Test
Number 2A specimens demonstrated performance capabilities within the surface/visual parameters for
home laundering, the laundering temperature was 20 °F less than what is normally used to launder
combat uniforms during testing. As a result, additional trials were needed to access test specimen
performance when laundered at higher temperatures.

a) b) c)

Figure 7. TMET Work Order Number 14294, laundered test specimens after four cycles in accordance
with AATCC 61-2013. a) Test 1A; b) Test 2A; c) Test 3A

3.2.2 TMET Work Order Number 14412, Part 1

This trial held the laundering temperature at 140 °F and varied the number of steel balls (see Section
3.1.3.2 for test procedures). Because the IR patch is affixed to military garments, such as the ACU coat,
all components (i.e., coat and patch) must be treated as a system during laundering. As a result,
additional accelerated laundering trials were warranted to determine the effects in raising the
laundering temperature from 120 °F used in AATCC Test Method 61-2013, Test Number 2A to 140 °F
used for laboratory testing of ACUs. Besides increasing the laundering temperature, mechanical
agitation was also assessed to determine if the scrubbing action from steel balls affected the test
specimens in the same manner or to a greater extent when the laundering temperature was increased.
The trial was constructed with 4 test groups, each containing a different number of steel balls: 100, 50,
15, and 10. Laundering commenced with Test Number A-140-100, which used test parameters of 140 °F
with 100 steel balls. This test produced satisfactory results after each accelerated laundering cycle in
which the specimens acquired comparable surface characteristics and visual appearance as those
observed in 25 home laundering cycles (see Figures 5 and 8). Because the results of Test Number A-140-
100 closely paralleled home laundering outcomes, no further test groups from this trial were evaluated.

13
a) b) c) d) e)

Figure 8. TMET Work Order Number 14412, Part 1, test specimens after accelerated laundering cycles.
a) one cycle; b) two cycles; c) three cycles; d) four cycles; e) five cycles

3.2.3 TMET Work Order Number 14412, Part 2

TMET Work Order Number 14412, Part 2 evaluated the laundering of 15 test specimens, numbered 16
to 30, in accordance with the specifications given in Section 3.1.3.3. The three trial objectives were: 1)
measure the coefficient of retroreflection (RA) prior to laundering to quantify retroreflective
performance (coefficient of retroreflection measurements were done at the Defense Logistics Agency-
Product Test Center (DLA-PTC)); 2) observe test specimen surface characteristics and visual appearance
during the five accelerated laundering cycles (NSRDEC TMET); and 3) measure RA after laundering to
assess retroreflective retention (DLA-PTC). The retroreflective test. Were performed in accordance with
paragraphs 4.6.1 and 4.6.3 of CO/PD-06-05A. This non-destructive test does not affect test specimen
surface characteristics or visual appearance. Because the main objective for this study was to develop
an accelerated laundering test method, the RA measurements were only taken to follow specification
requirements stated in paragraph 4.6.3 of CO/PD-06-05A.

Observations after the first laundering cycle noted slightly more variation in surface characteristics and
visual appearance than what had been detected during TMET Work Order Number 14412, Part 1. By the
third laundering cycle, test specimens exhibited surface characteristics and visual appearances that were
normally seen after five accelerated laundering cycles (see Figures 9a-9c). A few test specimens had the
black infrared translucent ink and top coating layers delaminated from the base material along the
edges up to the stitching line. As laundering progressed through the fourth and fifth cycles, several test
specimens exhibited catastrophic deterioration with up to 50% exposure of the base material (see
Figures 9d-9i). Due to the number of unacceptable test specimens after five laundering cycles, the third
trial objective, measure RA after laundering, was cancelled.

14
 a) b) c)

e) f)
d)

h) i)
g)

Figure 9. TMET Work Order Number 14412, Part 2, test specimens after three, four, and five
accelerated laundering cycles. A) three cycles, Specimen #21; b) three cycles, Specimen #22; c) three
cycles, Specimen #24; d) four cycles, Specimen #26; e) four cycles, Specimen #28, f) four cycles,
Specimen #30; g) five cycles, Specimen #26; five cycles, Specimen #28; i) five cycles, Specimen #30

3.2.4 TMET Work Order Number 14412, Part 3

Due to extensive specimen deterioration observed in TMET Work Order Number 14412, Part 2, the two
objectives for this trial were as follows: 1) examine key test parameters to better understand the
laundering interactions; and 2) achieve specimens that meet home laundering surface characteristics
and visual appearance. Seven laundering trials were conducted in accordance with the specifications
given in Section 3.1.3.4 using four different test parameters: laundering temperature (120 °F or 140 °F),
liquid volume (50 mL or 150 mL), number of steel balls (50 or 100), and oven drying temperature (120 °F
or 140 °F). Although the liquid volume was set to either 50 mL or 150 mL, the test canister size was held
at a constant of 1200 mL to allow the maximum frictional effect of the test specimen against the
canister walls.

After one laundering cycle, test specimens in TMET ID groups A through C had the black infrared
translucent ink and top coating layers delaminated from the base material along the edges up to the
stitching line; groups D thru G maintained test specimen integrity with respect to surface characteristics
and visual appearance. Observations after the second laundering cycles noted that test specimens in
TMET ID groups A thru C continued to deteriorate to the point some specimens were removed from the
trials due to excessive exposure of the base material. Test specimens in groups D, E, and F maintained
performance, while test specimens in group G had peeling of the black infrared translucent ink and top
coating layers from the base material on one or more corners or on the edges up to the stitching line.
After the third laundering cycle, test specimen performance fell into one of three categories: continued
deterioration, groups A thru C (see Figure 10); maintained integrity, groups D and E (see Figure 11); and

15
minor edge peel with loss of surface luster, groups F and G (see Figure 12). The same performance
categories were observed after laundering cycles 4 and 5 with degradation of the test specimens
continuing at a minor rate.

a) b) c)

Figure 10. TMET Work Order Number 14412, Part 3, test specimen deterioration, three accelerated
laundering cycles of Groups A, B, and C. a) Group A specimen after three accelerated laundering cycles;
b) Group B specimen after three accelerated laundering cycles; c) Group C specimen after three
accelerated laundering cycles

a) b)

c) d)

Figure 11. TMET Work Order 14412, Part 3, test specimens maintained integrity, three accelerated
laundering cycles of Groups D and E. a) Specimen D1 after three accelerated laundering cycles; b)
Specimen D2 after three accelerated laundering cycles; c) Specimen E1 after three accelerated
laundering cycles; d) Specimen E2 after three accelerated laundering cycles

b)
a)

c)
d)

Figure 12. TMET Work Order Number 14412, Part 3, test specimens peeling to stitch line and loss of
surface luster, three accelerated laundering cycles of Groups F and G. a) Specimen F1 after three
accelerated laundering cycles; b) Specimen F2 after three accelerated laundering cycles; c) Specimen G1
after three accelerated laundering cycles; d) Specimen G2 after three accelerated laundering cycles

16
Close examination of specimens from TMET ID groups D, E, F, and G disclosed that only three test
parameters were varied: laundering temperature (120 °F or 140 °F), liquid volume (50 mL or 150 mL),
and number of steel balls (50 or 100). Test specimens in groups D and E were laundered at the higher
temperature (140 °F), maintained a constant liquid volume of 50 mL, and varied the number of steel
balls by either 50 or 100. In contrast, specimens in groups F and G used the lower laundering
temperature (120 °F), retained a higher liquid volume (150 mL), and varied the number of steel balls by
either 100 or 50. The core test parameters separating groups D and E from F and G were laundering
temperature and liquid volume. At the higher laundering temperature and lower liquid volume, the test
specimens maintained the initial surface luster, which was also observed on 25 cycle home laundered
test specimens. In comparison, at the lower laundering temperature and higher liquid volume, the test
specimen surface became dull with a matte haze. Through examination of test parameters, the liquid
volume affected test specimen surface performance. The higher liquid volume created more agitation
on the test specimen, thus forming surface modulations from low luster/matte hazing to a “sanded”
surface.

3.2.5 TMET Work Order Number 14412, Part 4

The main objective for this accelerated laundering trial was to evaluate the effects of liquid volume on
the test specimen. This trial set liquid volume level at 50 mL for test specimens “A1” and “A2” and 150
mL for test specimens “B1” and “B2”. In addition to establishing the liquid volume test parameter, this
trial also evaluated laundering temperature and number of steel balls. The laundering temperature was
set back to 120 °F for three reasons: 1) it is the normal temperature setting for AATCC Test Method 61-
2013, test number 2A; 2) independent and government laboratories are accustomed to this
temperature setting and will not require equipment adjustment; and 3) Test Number 2A specimens
from TMET Work Order Number 14294 retained the low gloss luster at this laundering temperature
setting. Because variation in the number of steel balls had minimal to no effect on the previous test
specimen outcomes, the steel ball quantity was set at 50 to correspond with AATCC Test Method 61-
2013, Test Number 2A. Specimens “A1” and “A2” performed well throughout the 5 accelerated
laundering cycles to achieve surface characteristics and visual appearance proficiencies similar to 25
cycle home laundering test specimens (see Figure 13). Because “A1” and “A2” met the criteria using 50
mL liquid volume, specimens “B1” and “B2” were not evaluated.

17
 a) b)

c) d)

e) f)

Figure 13. TMET Work Order Number 14412, Part 4, test specimens after one, three, and five
accelerated laundering cycles. a) one cycle, specimen “A1”; b) one cycle, specimen “A2”; c) three cycles,
specimen “A1”; d) three cycles, specimen “A2”; e) five cycles, specimen “A1”; f) five cycles, specimen
“A2”

3.2.6 TMET Work Order Number 14412, Part 5

TMET Work Order Number 14412, Part 5 was conducted to verify that a 50 mL liquid volume for
accelerated laundering achieved similar surface characteristics and visual appearance as those observed
on 25 cycle home laundered test specimens. This trial was performed in accordance with the
specifications given in Section 3.1.3.6. The trial produced surface characteristics and visual appearance
for test specimens in “A1-Group 2” and “A2-Group 2”. See Figures 14a and 14b, which are similar to
both home laundering (see Figure 5) and accelerated laundering TMET Work Order Number 14412, Part
4 test specimens “A1” and “A2” (see Figures 13e and 13f). The test parameters for this Work Order
were similar to AATCC Test Method 61-2013, Table I, Test Number 2A procedures except the total liquid
volume was set at 50 mL instead of 150 mL.

Figure 14. TMET Work Order Number 14412, Part 5, test specimens after five accelerated laundering
cycles. a) specimen “A1-Group 2”; b) Specimen “A2-Group 2”

When the test specimen preparation requirements (Section 3.1.2) are combined with the Table 11 test
procedures, accelerated laundering procedures are defined for IR patches.

18
 Table 11. Accelerated laundering: final procedures for IR patches
Base cloth Percent
test Test powder Number
Test Laundering Liquid Number of Oven drying
component Specimen detergent of
canister temperature volume laundering temperature
size location, of total steel
size (mL) (°F ± °4) (mL) cycles (°F)
(inches) upper third volume balls

1200
2x6 120 50 0.15 50 5 120
(Type 2)

3.2.7 TMET Work Order Number 14412, Part 6

TMET Work Order Number 14412, Part 6, laundered 10 specimens numbered 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 14,
and 15 in accordance with the specifications given in Section 3.1.3.7, which were the same procedures
outlined in Table 11. These specimens had been tested for RA prior to laundering. The surface
characteristics and visual appearance for these test specimens were similar to both TMET Work Orders
14412, Part 4 and Part 5 and home laundering Section 2.2 (see Figure 15).

Figure 15. TMET Work Order Number 14412, Part 6, specimens after five accelerated laundering cycles.
Top row, left to right: specimens 2, 4, 5, 7, and 8; bottom row, left to right: specimens 11, 12, 13, 14, and
15

19
4.0 Conclusions and Recommendations

This study performed two tasks, as follows: (1) established a physical specimen baseline for surface
characteristic and visual appearance of IR patches after exposure to 25 cycles of home laundering; and
(2) developed accelerated laundering test procedures for IR patches. Home laundering was conducted
in accordance with CO/PD-06-05A, which used AATCC Test Method 150 and produced test specimens
with surface characteristics and visual appearance listed in Table 3 and diagramed in Appendix C. These
test specimens exhibited tolerances with respect to base material exposure, creasing/bending without
surface breakage, and edge curling in contrast to absolute surface/visual performance requirements
stated in the purchase description. The resulting test specimen performance in the areas of surface
characteristics and visual appearance established a baseline for 25 cycles of home laundered IR patches.

Once the study established a home laundering baseline for analysis of test specimens, trials were
executed in accordance with AATCC Test Method 61-2013, or variations of it, to develop a five cycle
accelerated laundering procedure for IR patches in order to reduce laundering time by approximately
80% and lower laundering cost nearly 75%. Test specimen preparation requirements (Section 3.1.2, and
Table 11 under TMET Work Order Number 14412, Part 5) established accelerated laundering procedures
that produced test specimens which had surface characteristics and visual appearance similar to the
home laundering baseline.

The accelerated laundering procedures for IR patches can be defined by three modifications of AATCC
Test Method 61-2013, which includes an elimination of some specimen preparation procedures,
reduction of liquid volume from 150 mL to 50 mL, and a decrease in the maximum oven drying
temperature from 160 °F to 120 °F. These recommended parameters, as also outlined in Table 11, were
validated by several other entities. Base cloth swatches with the sewn-on test specimens that were
provided to Precision Testing Laboratories, the Navy Clothing and Textile Research Facility (NCTRF) and
the Defense Logistics Agency Product Test Center (DLA-PTC). These three entities laundered the samples
according to AATCC Test Method 61-2013, Table I, Test Number 2A procedures except the total liquid
volume was set at 50 mL instead of 150 mL (Table 11) and visual examination of the samples matched
the samples from the TMET laundering tests.

When approval is granted from Product Manager Soldier, Clothing and Individual Equipment (PdM SCIE),
IR patch end-item developer and Defense Logistics Agency, Troop Support, specification manager,
technical data changes are recommended for CO/PD-06-05A to incorporate accelerated laundering
procedures described in Table 11 and detailed in Appendix F.

17/015

20
 Appendix A
Home Laundering

Laundering Procedures from Purchase Description, Patch and Brassard, Identification, Infrared
Retroreflective, CO/PD-06-05A, dated 10 November 2011:

4.6.3 After launderability (Type I only). Measure the initial coefficient of retroreflection on five (5)
test specimens at the perpendicular orientation as specified in 4.6.1. The laundered specimens shall be
prepared in accordance with 4.6.3.1 and laundered in accordance with 4.6.3.2. After laundering, re-
measure the coefficient of retroreflection for each of the test specimens. If any test specimen fails to
retain a minimum of 50 percent of its initial coefficient of retroreflection requirements for home
laundering, the sample unit shall be considered a failure.
4.6.3.1 Laundry specimen preparation (Type I only). Five (5) Type I specimens shall be stitched
to a cloth prior to laundering 4.6.3.2. Cloth and stitching requirements are listed in Table VII.

TABLE VII. Laundry specimen preparation requirements.

CHARACTERISTIC REQUIREMENT
Cloth, weight, oz/sq. yd (min) 6.0
Cloth, dimensions, sq. inches Approximately 2160
Specimen placement Randomly placed on cloth with a 3-inch
minimum from edge
Stitching Box stitch, 8 (± 1) stitches per inch, standard
301 lockstitch, seam type SSau-4

4.6.3.2 Laundering (Type I only). Type I specimens shall be laundered 25 cycles in accordance with
AATCC Test Method 150 using AATCC 1993 Standard Reference Detergent WOB (without optical
brightener). Wash, permanent press cycle, 140°F and rinse 80°F, 10 minutes agitation time using 66
grams AATCC detergent without bleach, dry permanent cycle for 40-45 minutes.

4.6.4 Sewability (Type I only). The basic material shall be capable of being sewn per ASTM D 6193
with a standard lockstitch 301 per seam type SSau-4 (boxstitch).

21
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22
 Appendix B
Home Laundering Observations

Table B-1. Infrared Tools Test Specimens

Laundering Cycle Observation Photo Number

0x, Initial Observed specimen sewn on cloth, MIL-DTL-
44436, Class 8 (ACU Universal Camouflage).
Specimens sewn in accordance with IR patch
specification
1x No change in appearance
2x Specimen #5, slight bend upwards on one 1439
corner
3x Specimens 4 and 5, slight fold upwards on one
corner
4x Specimens 4 and 5, slight fold upwards on one
corner
5x Specimen #1, slight fold upwards on two (2) 1517
corners; one corner less than 0.03-inch infrared
top coating lifting from base.
8x Same as 5x laundering observations
10x Specimens #3, 4, and 5 lifting on corner; little
more bending on corners.
12x Specimens #1, 3, 4, and 5 little more bending on
corners up to 0.10-inch, very light creasing
15x Little more bending on corners, very light 1647-film lifting on edge,
creasing, film lifting at corners. Specimen #1 1659-film lifting on corner
lifting of film along a straight edge.
20x Specimens #1-5, bending on corners, very light 1696-slight creasing
creasing, film lifting at corners and on few
straight edges, no more than 0.03-inches
25x Same as 20x with a little heavier creasing 1741-film lifting at corner,
1742-creasing, and 1747-
film lifting along edge

23
 Table B-2. CeJay Engineering Test Specimens

Laundering Cycle Observation Photo Number

Observed CeJay test specimens sewn on cloth 1788, #5
panel for any markings or stitching concerns in
order to establish reference point. Some test
specimens were stitched with uneven tension
on the bobbin (lower) thread which allowed the
0x, Initial
upper thread to be seen as a straight line on the
specimen surface. The tension did not affect
the test specimens which were securely
attached to the cloth panel. All test specimens
laid flat on the cloth panel.
1x Some test specimens exhibited on the corners a 1803, #3
slight lifting upwards (curling) from the cloth
panel.
2x Continued to observe test specimen corners 1826
slightly lifting upwards from cloth panel.
3x Specimen #1 on upper corner had black top 1842, 1844
coating peeling back from base material.
Continue to observe all test specimens having
some corners slightly lifting upwards from the
cloth panel.
4x Same observation as 3x. 1871, 1872, 1873
5x Specimen #1 corners on the upper left and 1895
lower right had the black top coating peeling
back from the base material. Continue to
observe all test specimens having some corners
slightly lifting upwards from the cloth panel.
8x Specimen #1 corners on the upper left and
lower right had the black top coating peeling
back from the base material were still intact.
10x Specimen #1 showed more curling from the
cloth panel, especially the upper left and lower
right corners. Peeled corner were still intact.
12x Same observation as 10x.
15x Same observation as 12x.
20x Specimen #1 showed more curling from the 2054, 2055, 2065
cloth panel, especially the upper left and lower
right corners. Peeled corner were still intact.
Approximately 0.01-inch shrinkage of black top
coating receding from all edges. Specimen #2
had black top coating peeling from lower edge.
25x Specimen #2 had a little more shrinkage of black 2095
top coating from edges.

24
 Table B-3. Infrared Tools Coefficient of Retroreflection (RA) Test Specimens

Laundering Cycle Observation Photo Number

0x, Initial Prior to sewing on the test specimen, 2293, 2294 (vertical imprinted
DLA-Product Test Center evaluated IR lines) and 2289-needle size dent
patches for initial Coefficient of
Retroreflection (RA). Each test specimen
was assigned a number to track RA after
laundering.
This evaluation randomly selected
specimens numbered 1, 3, 6, 9, and 10.
All specimens laid flat on cloth panel
after stitching.
Test specimens # 1 and 10 had a very
light imprinted vertical lines within the
black top coating
Specimen #1 had small needle size dent.
1x Specimens remained flat. 2304
Specimen #9, slight crease on upper
right side
Vertical lines could still be seen on
specimens 1 and 10.
5x Specimens # 1, 6, and 9 had two (2) 2330, 2336
corners slightly raised from cloth panel
Specimens #1 and 6 had some soft
creases on the center surface
Specimen #10, lower left corner black
top coating peeled away exposing
approximately 0.03-inches of base
material.
15x Specimen #3 within the box stitched 2354, 2355, 2360, 2362, 2368,
area had soft creases. Also light curling 2370
of lower left and right corners.
Specimen #9 had the black top coating
peel from the base material along the
left edge and upper left corner
Specimen #6 curling on three (3) corners
plus light creasing.
25x Observations similar to 15x, except
specimen curling was slightly greater
Creases still present but slightly more
pronounced
Curling on corners
Black top coating peeling on some
corners and along some edges.

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26
 Appendix C
Home Laundering – Surface Characteristics Baseline

27
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28
 Appendix D
IR Patch – Accelerated Laundering Sequence

29
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30
 Appendix E
Table I – Test Conditions of AATCC Test Method 61-2013

31
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32
 Appendix F
Proposed Changes to AATCC Test Method 61

33