Determination of the hydro-thermal area stability of wet blue provides information concerning the efficacy of the tanning process as well as the adequacy of the wet blue for intended end use applications where area stability is a particular requirement. Relative area stability of chrome-tanned leather is a requirement for many applications such as bookbinding, shoe and boot components, upholstery, seals and gaskets, etc.

This test method is suitable for use in development work and process control in the tannery and for specification testing of wet blue for domestic and international commercial purposes.

1.1 This test method provides a standard procedure for determination of the dimensional stability or area shrinkage of a specimen of wet blue that is submersed in boiling water for a specified time period. This test method is applicable to all types of wet blue.

1.2 The values given in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The inch-pound units given in parentheses are 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.