Testing Methods of Genuine Leather and Polyurethane Leatherand Polyvinylchloride Coated Fabric for Automobiles

In the automotive manufacturing field, the quality and performance of interior materials directly affect the comfort, safety, and overall product quality of the driving experience. As an important component of automotive interiors, leather is widely used for its unique texture, aesthetics, and durability. This standard document was carefully prepared by Nissan’s internal technical team, bringing together years of extensive experience and expertise in the research, production, and quality control of automotive interior materials. It covers testing methods for a variety of materials, from natural leather to synthetic leather and PVC-coated fabrics, providing a comprehensive solution for evaluating the performance of automotive interior leather materials.

Scope of Application: This standard applies to natural leather (hereinafter referred to as genuine leather) and synthetic leather used in automotive seats, consoles, doors, instrument panels, and interiors. It specifies the test method for nitrile rubber used in seats, consoles, and linings.

Physical performance testing

1. Thickness measurement

Condition: Room temperature conditions

Tool: Micrometer

2. Width and length measurement

Condition: Room temperature conditions

Tools: Inspection machine, ruler, or tape measure

3. Weight measurement

Condition: Standard condition (natural leather) or room temperature condition (synthetic leather, PVC)

Tool: Chemical balance

4. Tensile strength and elongation

Conditions: Natural leather (standard condition), synthetic leather, and PVC (room temperature condition)

Load: 1.96N

Speed: 200mm/min

5. Tear strength

Conditions: Natural leather (standard condition), synthetic leather, and PVC (room temperature condition)

Load: 1.96N

Speed: 200mm/min

6. Suturing strength

Conditions: Natural leather (standard condition), synthetic leather, and PVC (room temperature condition)

Load: 1.96N

Speed: 200mm/min

7. Stiffness testing

Condition: Standard condition

Load: 3.9N

Speed: approximately 10mm/s

8. Chemical performance testing

9. Acid resistance test

Condition: Room temperature conditions

Tool: pH meter

10. Lightfastness test

Method: Xenon lamp aging test (Sunshine or Xenon method)

Conditions: Temperature 83±3°C, Humidity 50%±5%

Irradiation time: varies by material and use (200~600 hours)

11. Heat resistance test

Conditions: Temperature 110°C or 120°C

Time: 100 hours or 400 hours

12. Cold resistance test

Conditions: Temperature: -30°C±2°C or -40°C±2°C

Time: 24 hours or 60 minutes

13. Moisture and heat resistance test

Conditions: Temperature 50°C, Humidity 90%±5%

Time: 500 hours or 1000 hours

Durability testing

1. Wear resistance test

Methods: Taber wear test, learning vibration friction test, etc

Conditions: Depending on material and application, load capacity 9.8N or 1.32kg, speed 50 reciprocating cycles/min, reciprocal count 1000~20000 cycles

2. Friction resistance test

Conditions: load capacity 4.9N, speed 30 reciprocating per minute, reciprocating distance 200mm, 1000 reciprocal cycles

3. Sweat resistance test

Conditions: load capacity 1.96N, speed 30 reciprocating per minute, reciprocating distance 200mm, reciprocal number 100

4. Flex resistance test

Conditions: Temperature -30°C or -40°C, load 800g, impact energy 800g×15cm

5. Impact resistance testing

Conditions: Temperature -30°C or -40°C, load 800g, impact energy 800g×15cm

6. Appearance Testing

Color, luster, and texture

Conditions: Standard light source (CIE D65), visual inspection

Special testing conditions

1. Sweat resistance friction test

Conditions: load capacity 4.9N, speed 30 reciprocating speed/min, reciprocal distance 200mm, reciprocal number 100 times

Material: artificial sweat

2. Chemical resistance testing

Condition: Room temperature conditions

Materials: Depending on the specific medicine (such as cleaning agents, cosmetics, etc.)

3. Lightfastness test (xenon lamp aging)

Conditions: Temperature 89±3°C, Humidity 50%±5%

Irradiation time: varies by material and use (200~600 hours)

4. Thermal aging resistance test

Conditions: Temperature 110°C, time 200 or 400 hours

5. Moisture and heat cycle resistance test

Conditions: Temperature 50°C, humidity 90%±5%, 10 cycles