ISO 13938 bursting pressure

ISO 13938 tests the bursting properties of textile fabrics and is especially important for knits, nonwovens and laminates, where the strip tensile test (ISO 13934) is unsuitable. Part 1 (ISO 13938-1:2019) covers the hydraulic method: the sample is clamped over an elastic diaphragm using a clamp ring and pressurised from below with rising water or oil pressure until it bursts. Reported values are bursting pressure in kPa and distension in mm. Part 2 (ISO 13938-2:2019) covers the analogous pneumatic method with compressed air. Applies to conditioning under standard climate or wet state. Typical workwear tender values: t-shirts and polos at least 400 kPa, softshells at least 700 kPa, medical nonwovens at least 40 kPa. It is a mandatory element of many product standards such as EN 13034 type 6 and EN 14058.