Ford FLTM BN 153-01 Liquid Repellent Coating Verification Test

The “Ford FLTM BN 153-01 Liquid Repellent Coating Verification Test” standard, developed by Ford Motor Company (Ford), describes a procedure for evaluating the presence and effectiveness of liquid repellent coatings in interior seat fabric materials used in vehicles.

This standard is part of Ford’s broader quality control framework for automotive interior materials, ensuring fabrics meet performance, durability, and consumer comfort requirements. Liquid-repellent treatments (typically fluorochemical, silicone-based, or advanced nano-coatings) increase the fabrics’ resistance to stains from spills such as water, beverages, or oil, improving cleanliness and longevity in vehicles.

The primary purpose of this standard is to verify that a liquid-repellent coating is correctly applied to upholstery fabrics and performs as intended. It is generally applied to interior upholstery fabrics (woven, knitted, or nonwoven textiles). It focuses on the identification and qualitative/quantitative assessment of the coating's ability to repel liquids. This standard is critical for premium upholstery, performance vehicles, and families with children, where spill resistance enhances perceived quality and reduces maintenance costs.

The testing method essentially follows these steps:

• Sample preparation: Fabric samples are conditioned under controlled temperature and humidity.
• Liquid application: Standardized test liquids (e.g., water, oil-based simulators, or custom mixtures) are applied in controlled droplets or volumes.
• Observation and measurement: Evaluators measure the following:
  • The beading effect (the angle of contact between the droplets).
  • Absorption or penetration time.
  • Staining or absorption behavior.
• Rating system: Results are typically passed/fail or rated on a graded scale (e.g., similar to AATCC spray tests or ISO oil repellency ratings) to confirm the presence and effectiveness of the coating.
• Environmental considerations: Tests may include post-aging or environmental exposure simulations to verify durability.

In short, this test is used to determine whether liquid-repellent (hydrophobic) coatings are present and effective in automotive interior fabrics, particularly seat materials. The method is typically applied to:

• Upholstery fabrics
• Interior upholstery textiles
• flooring materials

It checks whether liquids (e.g., water-based or common contaminants) are properly repelled rather than absorbed by the textile surface.

The primary objectives of the Ford FLTM BN 153-01 standard are as follows:

• To verify whether the liquid repellent coating has been applied correctly.
• To provide consistent surface protection performance.
• Evaluating the resistance of interior materials to liquid penetration.
• Supporting quality control for automotive seat fabrics and upholstery components.

Simply put, this standard checks whether water or similar liquids remain as droplets on the material or are absorbed by it.

This test is primarily used for the following:

• Automotive seat fabrics
• Interior textile upholstery materials
• Coated flooring surfaces
• Indoor components requiring stain resistance or spill protection.

This standard is particularly important for modern vehicle interiors where stain resistance and easy-to-clean surfaces are required.

In principle, this testing method relies on observing how a liquid behaves when applied to a treated surface:

• A controlled drop of liquid is placed onto the material.
• The interaction is observed over a specific period of time.
• The evaluation is based on the following criteria:
  • Beading behavior (the formation of droplets from the liquid)
  • Absorption into the fabric
  • Wetting or spreading of the surface

A well-coated material should exhibit high repellency (low absorption).

Typical test evaluation criteria include:

• Liquid penetration degree
• Surface staining
• Time before absorption
• Visual appearance after exposure

The materials are evaluated as follows:

• It passes: The liquid remains on the surface, with minimal or no absorption.
• Failure: The liquid penetrates or causes visible staining.

Relationship of the Ford FLTM BN 153-01 standard to other Ford standards:

• Wear resistance (BN 108 series)
• Friction/color transfer (BN 107 series)
• Flexibility and durability tests (BN 102 series)
• Flammability and safety tests (BN 024 series)

Together, these standards ensure complete verification of interior upholstery performance.

The Ford FLTM BN 153-01 standard is required because it ensures that interior materials used in vehicles consistently meet expectations for spill resistance, longevity, and appearance retention. In automotive design, even minor variations in fabric upholstery performance can lead to visible stains, customer complaints, or long-term material degradation. This standard is considered necessary for the following reasons:

• Real-world spill protection: Car seats and upholstery are regularly exposed to liquids such as coffee, water, soda, or sweat. This standard verifies that treated fabrics actually repel liquids rather than absorb them, preventing permanent staining.
• Consistent quality among suppliers: Ford uses a wide range of material suppliers worldwide. This standard ensures:
  • Every supplier performs the same tests.
  • Materials from different facilities behave consistently.
  • There is no change in coating performance between batches.
• Customer satisfaction and brand perception: Indoor stains are quite visible and often permanent. If the upholstery fabric absorbs spills,
  • The interior appears to be rapidly deteriorating.
  • Customers perceive low quality.
  • Brand reputation will be negatively affected.

Therefore, the test protects not only technical performance but also perceived quality.

• Durability throughout the vehicle's lifespan: Coatings can deteriorate due to the following:
  • Exposure to UV rays
  • Cleaning chemicals
  • Friction and wear

This standard ensures that the repulsion is stable over time, not just temporary.

• Verification of chemical finishing processes: This test indirectly confirms the following:
  • The hydrophobic coatings have been applied correctly.
  • Chemical finishing processes are stable.
  • Surface treatments are in accordance with the design purpose.

In conclusion, the Ford FLTM BN 153-01 standard represents Ford's commitment to practical and high-performance interior materials. By verifying liquid repellency, it helps ensure that vehicle seats maintain their performance even after real-world use, such as snacks and daily wear and tear.

For many years, our organization, with its competent and experienced staff, has been understanding the needs of its customers, providing the advanced testing services they require, and assisting them in the establishment, implementation, and improvement of management systems. Within this framework, we also provide testing services to businesses in accordance with the Ford FLTM BN 153-01 standard.