This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles

for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

Designation: D3786/D3786M − 18 (Reapproved 2023)

Standard Test Method for

Bursting Strength of Textile Fabrics—Diaphragm Bursting
Strength Tester Method1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D3786/D3786M; the number immediately following the designation indicates the
year of original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last
reapproval. A superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.

1. Scope 2. Referenced Documents

1.1 This test method describes the measurement of the 2.1 ASTM Standards:2
resistance of textile fabrics to bursting using a hydraulic or D123 Terminology Relating to Textiles
pneumatic diaphragm bursting tester. This test method is D1776/D1776M Practice for Conditioning and Testing Tex-
generally applicable to a wide variety of textile products. tiles
D3787 Test Method for Bursting Strength of Textiles—
1.2 This test method may also be applicable for stretch Constant-Rate-of-Traverse (CRT) Ball Burst Test
woven and woven industrial fabrics such as inflatable re- D4850 Terminology Relating to Fabrics and Fabric Test
straints. As new materials that may exceed the range of the Methods
instrument are developed, please refer to the reporting section D6797 Test Method for Bursting Strength of Fabrics
iTeh Standards
and consider using Test Methods D3787 or D6797 instead.
1.3 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units
2.2 Other Standard:
Constant-Rate-of-Extension (CRE) Ball Burst Test

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3
TAPPI Method T 403 , Bursting Strength of Paper
are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in
each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each

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3. Terminology
system shall be used independently of the other. Combining
values from the two systems may result in non-conformance3.1 For all terminology related to D13.59, Fabric Test
with the standard. Methods, see Terminology D4850.
NOTE 1—For the measurement of the burstingASTM 3.1.1 The following terms are relevant to this standard:
strength D3786/D3786M-18(2023)
by means of a
ball burst mechanism, refer to Test Method D3787. bursting strength, knitted fabric, nonwoven fabric, stretch
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woven fabric, woven fabric.
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the 3.2 For all other terminology related to textiles, see Termi-
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- nology D123.
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 4. Summary of Test Method
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor- 4.1 A specimen is clamped over an expandable diaphragm.
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard- The diaphragm is expanded by fluid pressure to the point of
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the specimen rupture. The difference between the total pressure
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom- required to rupture the specimen and the pressure required to
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical inflate the diaphragm is reported as the bursting strength.
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D13 on Textiles contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D13.59 on Fabric Physical Test Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
Methods A. the ASTM website.
3
Current edition approved June 1, 2023. Published July 2023. Originally approved Available from Technological Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry
in 1979. Last previous edition approved in 2018 as D3786–18. DOI: 10.1520/D3786 (TAPPI), 15 Technology Parkway South, Suite 115, Peachtree Corners, GA 30092,
_D3786M-18R23. http://www.tappi.org.

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States

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 D3786/D3786M − 18 (2023)
5. Significance and Use capacity of the gage shall be such that the individual readings
5.1 This method for the determination of diaphragm burst- will be not less than 25 % nor more than 75 % of the total
ing strength of knitted, nonwoven and woven fabrics is being capacity of the gage.
used by the textile industry for the evaluation of a wide variety 6.1.4 Pressure System—A means of applying controlled
of end uses. increasing pressure to the underside of the diaphragm until the
specimen bursts. This can be achieved by two methods;
5.2 In cases where test results obtained using the procedures hydraulic or pneumatic.
in Test Method D3786 have not been correlated with actual 6.1.4.1 Hydraulic pressure is produced by a fluid displaced
performance, Test Method D3786 is considered satisfactory for at the rate of 95 mL/min 6 5 mL/min. The fluid is displaced by
acceptance testing of commercial shipments of textile fabrics a piston in the pressure chamber of the apparatus. The
for bursting strength since the method has been used exten- recommended chamber fluid is USP chemically pure 96 %
sively in the trade for acceptance testing. In cases where glycerin.
disagreement arising from differences in values reported by the
NOTE 4—Ethylene glycol may be substituted for the glycerine if
purchaser and the supplier when using Test Method D3786 for desired.
acceptance testing, the statistical bias, if any, between the
laboratory of the purchaser and the laboratory of the supplier 6.1.4.2 Pneumatic pressure is produced by controlling the
should be determined with comparison based on testing speci- flow of clean dry air through a valve. The valve is configured
mens randomly drawn from one sample of material of the type as per 11.4.1
being evaluated. 6.1.5 Aluminum Sheet For Checking Performance of
Tester5—Pieces of pretested aluminum sheet having a known
NOTE 2—The kind of load transfer and stretch that occur when knitted bursting strength in the range of 70 kPa to 790 kPa [10 psi to
goods and nonwoven fabrics are worn are prevented by clamping them as 115 psi] may be used for checking the overall performance of
described in this method.
the tester.
6. Apparatus and Materials NOTE 5—Use of an aluminum sheet from one tester manufacturer may
4 not be suitable for burst testing machines from other tester manufacturers.

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6.1 Inflated Diaphragm Bursting Tester — A testing ma- Manufacturers’ instructions for checking should be followed.
chine that meets the requirements of 6.1.1 – 6.1.4. Mounted so
6.1.6 Pressure Recording.
as to be free of externally induced vibrations.
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6.1.6.1 Hydraulic Instruments—Means shall be provided at
6.1.1 Clamps, for firmly and uniformly securing the test the instant of rupture of the specimen for stopping any further
specimen between two annular, parallel, and durable surfaces, application of the loading pressure and for holding unchanged
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without slippage during the test. Use sufficient pressure to
effect the practicable minimization of slippage. The upper and
lower clamping surfaces shall have a circular coaxial aperture
the contents of the pressure chamber until the total bursting
pressure and the pressure required to inflate the diaphragm
indicated on the gage have been recorded.
of 31 mm 6 0.75 mm (1.22 in. 6 0.03 in.) in diameter: The 6.1.6.2 Pneumatic Instruments—Means shall be provided
surfaces of the clamps shall be durable ASTM
and any D3786/D3786M-18(2023)
edge which for recording the loading pressure at the point of rupture.
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might cause a cutting action shall be rounded to a radius of not Diaphragm correction (tare pressure) is achieved by inflating
more than 0.4 mm. The lower clamp shall be integral with the the diaphragm to the same distension recorded at bursting and
chamber in which a pressure medium inflates the rubber recording the amount of pressure to achieve this.
diaphragm.
NOTE 3—Since the clamping mechanism and clamping surfaces are 7. Sampling
subject to considerable wear and distortion, they should be examined 7.1 Lot Sample—As a lot sample for acceptance testing, take
periodically and repaired or replaced when necessary. The effectiveness of
grooving the clamping surfaces in the manner specified has not been
at random the number of rolls of fabric directed in an
determined. applicable material specification or other agreement between
the purchaser and the supplier. Consider rolls of fabric to be the
6.1.2 Diaphragm—A diaphragm of molded synthetic or
primary sampling units.
natural rubber, clamped between the lower clamping plate and
the rest of the apparatus so that before the diaphragm is NOTE 6—An adequate specification or other agreement between the
stretched by pressure underneath it the center of its upper purchaser and the supplier requires taking into account the variability
between rolls of fabric and between specimens from a swatch from a roll
surface is nominally level with the plane of the clamping of fabric to provide a sampling plan with a meaningful producer’s risk,
surface. The diaphragm should be inspected frequently for consumer’s risk, acceptable quality level, and limiting quality level.
permanent distortion and renewed as necessary.
7.2 Laboratory Sample—As a laboratory sample for accep-
6.1.3 Pressure Gage—The instrument must be fitted with a tance testing, take a full width swatch 1 m [1 yd] long from the
pressure measuring system, accurate throughout the entire end of each roll of fabric in the lot sample, after first discarding
range of its scale to within a value of 1 % of its maximum a minimum of 1 m [1 yd] of fabric from the very outside of the
capacity. For those instruments with a Bourdon type gage the roll. From each roll or piece of circular knit fabric selected
from the lot sample, cut a band at least 305 mm [1 ft] wide.

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Hydraulic and pneumatic bursting strength testers and accessories are
5
commercially available. Standardized aluminum sheets are commercially available.

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 D3786/D3786M − 18 (2023)
7.3 Test Specimens—Cut ten test specimens from each NOTE 8—For specimens with considerable stretch, it may be necessary
swatch in the laboratory sample with each specimen being to extend the fabric uniformly over the plate to remove some of the stretch
before clamping.
125 mm [5 in.] square.
11.2.2 Rotate the hand wheel, clockwise at a uniform speed
8. Calibration of 120 rpm until the specimen bursts.
8.1 Routine Verification of Testing Machine—The operation 11.2.3 Stop turning the hand wheel at the instant of rupture
of the testing machine may be checked periodically (such as of the specimen (see Note 9).
once each month) by bursting five specimens of standard 11.2.4 Immediately after rupture and in rapid succession,
aluminum sheet. The average of the indicated bursting resis- release the clamping lever over the specimen. Immediately
tance for the five specimens of aluminum sheet should be release the strain on the diaphragm by turning the wheel
between 65 % of that marked on the package of the pretested counterclockwise to its starting position and record the pres-
aluminum sheet standard. Use of the aluminum sheet may not sure required to inflate the diaphragm (tare pressure). Record
be suitable for all burst testing machines. See the manufactur- the total pressure required to rupture the specimen.
er’s instructions for routine verification procedures applicable
to individual testing machines. NOTE 9—If the pressure stops increasing, as indicated by the dial, and
the specimen has not broken, push the operating lever to remove the
8.2 Calibration of Pressure Measuring System—Calibrate pressure. Record that the stretch of the fabric exceeds the dimensional
the pressure measuring system, while inclined at the same limitations of the tester. If slippage of the specimen is noted, discard the
angle at which it is used, by means of a dead-weight tester of result and use a new specimen.
the piston type. Alternatively, a traceable electronic pressure 11.3 Motor-Driven Hydraulic Tester:
gage may be used or other calibration instrumentation recom- 11.3.1 Insert the specimen between the top and bottom
mended by the equipment manufacturer. Such calibration is clamp ensuring that the specimen is free from creases and
preferably carried out with the gage in its normal position in folds. Securely clamp the specimen in place by following the
the tester. manufacturers instructions appropriate to the machine. Apply
8.3 Where agreement is not attained, check the tester pressure to the specimen until it bursts.

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according to the instructions given in TAPPI Method T 403. 11.3.2 Diaphragm Correction (Tare Pressure)—Using the
NOTE 7—Possible causes of low readings are gage error (bias or same settings as employed to burst the specimen, record the
pressure required to distend only the diaphragm to the same
nonlinearity), gage expansivity too high, excessive gage pointer friction,
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air in hydraulic system or gage, diaphragm collapsed too far at zero, and
low pumping rate (hand-driven tester). Possible causes of high readings
height as used to burst the specimen.
are: gage error (bias nonlinearity), loose gage pointer (overshoot), gage 11.4 Pneumatic Tester:
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pointer bent by stop-pin, insufficient clamping force (slipping), nonuni-
form clamping (partial slipping), stiff or inelastic diaphragm, diaphragm
11.4.1 Adjust the control valve of the bursting tester so that
the mean time to distend a specimen to burst falls within
above clamping plate at zero, multiple sheet testing, high pumping rate
(hand-driven tester), and double bursts. If a gage is accidentally used (20 6 5) s. Preliminary trials may be needed to fix the correct
beyond its capacity, it must be recalibrated beforeASTM D3786/D3786M-18(2023)
it is used again. setting of the control valve. Time to burst is to be recorded
between the beginning of vaulting and the bursting of the test
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9. Conditioning
specimen.
9.1 Bring the specimens (or laboratory samples) from the 11.4.2 Clamp the specimen securely. Ensuring that the
prevailing atmosphere to moisture equilibrium for testing in the specimen does not slip. Place the distension recording device
standard atmosphere for textile testing as directed in Practice into the measuring position and adjust it to the zero position.
D1776/D1776M. Fasten the safety cover in position according to machine
10. Selection and Number of Specimens requirements. Apply pressure to the test specimen until the
fabric bursts.
10.1 Unless otherwise agreed upon, as when specified in an
applicable material specification, take ten specimens of the 11.4.3 Diaphragm correction. With the same setting of the
laboratory sample(s) of fabric. Each specimen shall be at least control valve as that employed in the above tests, distend the
125 mm (5 in.) square, or a circle 125 mm (5 in.) in diameter. diaphragm without the presence of a test specimen by an
Specimens need not be cut for testing. No two specimens from amount equal to the mean height at burst of the test specimen.
knitted fabric should contain the same wale or course yarns. Note the pressure at this distension of the diaphragm as the
Take no specimens nearer the selvage than one tenth the fabric “diaphragm pressure”.
width. This restriction does not apply to tubular knitted fabric.
12. Calculation
11. Procedure
12.1 Calculate the bursting pressure of each specimen by
11.1 Make all tests on specimens conditioned in the stan- subtracting the tare pressure required to inflate the diaphragm
dard atmosphere for testing textiles as directed in 9.1. from the total pressure required to rupture the specimen.
11.2 Hand Driven Hydraulic Tester:
12.2 Report the pressure reading of each individual speci-
11.2.1 Insert the conditioned specimen under the tripod,
men and the average for each laboratory sampling unit and the
drawing the specimen taut across the plate, and clamp speci-
lot.
men in place by bringing the clamping lever as far to the right
as possible. 12.3 Report the type of bursting tester used.