This test method covers the quantitative determination of the thermal conductivity of leather.

Formerly under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D31 on Leather and Subcommittee D31.03 on Footwear, this test method was discontinued in September 2008 and replaced by Practice D 7340 for Thermal Conductivity of Leather, because the standard required a special piece of testing equipment which is no longer available.

Part of the function of a shoe is to assist the foot in maintaining body temperature and to guard against large heat changes. The insulating property of a material used in shoe construction is dependent on porosity or the amount of air spaces present. A good insulating material has a low thermal conductivity value, k. The thermal conductivity value increases with an increase in moisture content since the k value for water is high, 14 by 10⁴cal·cm/s·cm⁴ · °C (0.59 W/m·K).

1.1 This test method covers the quantitative determination of the thermal conductivity of leather. The measured parameters are the area, the thickness, and the temperature difference between the two sides of a leather specimen. This test method is not limited to leather, but may be used for any poorly conductive material such as rubber, textiles, and cork associated with the construction of shoes. Specimens up to 0.5 in. (13 mm) thick may be run. This test method does not apply to wet blue.

1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are provided for information only.

1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

Note 1—Thermal conductivity must be measured under steady-state conditions; however, this transient test method can be used to estimate the thermal conductivity of leather.