Rubtests
Rubtests refer to a family of standardized procedures used to evaluate how materials respond to rubbing or friction. They are applied across coatings, textiles, elastomers, plastics, and metal finishes to assess wear resistance, surface integrity, and, in textiles, colorfastness. The central aim is to simulate repetitive contact conditions and produce quantitative data that can be used to compare materials or to guide formulation and finishing decisions.
In methodological terms, rubtests typically involve mounting a specimen in a rubbing apparatus that drives a
Variants of rubtests address different use conditions. Dry rubbing uses air or inert media, while wet rubbing
Standards and quality control practices guide rubtests, with laboratories adapting procedures to reflect specific applications and
See also: Abrasion resistance, Taber abrasion test, Crocking, Colorfastness.