I am trying to better understand the fabric and garment testing requirements specific to cleanroom apparel in the sterile and nonsterile cleanroom segments, globally. What are the specific tests for fabric and garments? What do the results mean to the end-user?

I always recommend turning to Institute of Environmental Sciences and Technology (IEST) documentation for current information on a cleanroom subject. The IEST published the latest revision of IEST-RP-CC003.3, “Garment Considerations for Cleanrooms and Other Controlled Environments” in 2003. It outlines all aspects of cleanroom garment systems, including the recommended components and construction of cleanroom garments and testing of the cleanroom reusableapparel used in cleanrooms.

FABRIC TESTING
The tests performed on non-woven fabrics manufactured in the U.S. are similar to the tests performed on all woven fabrics manufactured worldwide. Some fabrics are calendared, which means they are treated with heat and pressure.Calendared fabrics feel lighter and are softer to the operator’s skin.

Some of the most common tests and the standards applicable to those tests are:

What these test results indicate to the end-user:

Weight: Heaviness in ounces when one square yard is measured. A lighter fabric contributes to operator comfort.

Thickness: Measurement of fabric width in millimeters. A lower thickness is preferred because thickness directly correlates to weight.

Grab Tensile: Measures the durability of the fabric by measuring the breaking strength of the yarns.

Moisture Vapor Transmission (MVTR): Describes the amount of water in grams that passes through one square meter of fabric in 24 hours. More moisture passing through the fabric translates to more comfort for the operator. Moisture build-up causes the operator to feel hot because of the increase in humidity between the fabric and the body.