This specification outlines the procedures for evaluating the surface abrasion resistance of glazed ceramic floor tiles by measuring mass loss and surface wear after controlled abrasion cycles. It provides engineers and quality assurance teams with methods to classify tiles based on durability, ensuring compliance with performance standards.
Overview
This specification outlines the procedures for evaluating the surface abrasion resistance of glazed ceramic floor tiles by measuring mass loss and surface wear after controlled abrasion cycles. It provides engineers and quality assurance teams with methods to classify tiles based on durability, ensuring compliance with performance standards.
Audience
Contents
Structure
Frequently Asked
Test specimens must be at least 100 mm by 100 mm in size with a flat glazed surface. Before testing, they are dried at 110 ± 5°C and weighed to record initial mass. A metal holder is clamped onto the glazed side to apply abrasive load during testing. Abrasion is performed at specified revolutions (100, 150, 600, 750, 1500, 2100, 6000, and 12000), removing specimens at each stage for examination. For the visual failure point, three additional specimens are tested to ensure reliability. After abrasion, specimens are rinsed, dried again at 110 ± 5°C, and weighed to determine mass loss per unit abraded area.
Calibration is conducted periodically or when test results are questionable by following Annex A procedures. It involves abrading calibration specimens of at least 100 mm by 100 mm float glass for 6,000 revolutions, then drying at 110 ± 5°C and measuring mass loss. The apparatus is considered properly calibrated if the mean mass loss per unit abraded area falls within 0.032 ± 0.002 mg/mm². The equipment includes a rotating plate 580 mm in diameter spinning at 300 rpm, with specimen holders spaced 195 mm from the center. Abrasive loads are applied via sealed metal holders during predefined abrasion cycles.
Tiles are categorized according to the abrasion stage at which visible surface failure occurs during testing. The classification ranges from Class 0 (failure at 100 revolutions) to Class 5 (no failure after more than 12,000 revolutions and passing stain resistance). Intermediate classes correspond to failures observed at 150, 600, 750/1500, and 2100/6000/12000 revolutions. If no visible failure is detected after 12,000 revolutions but stains cannot be removed, the tile is assigned Class 4. Visual failure is confirmed by retesting at the failure stage and adjacent stages, with the lower abrasion stage used for classification. Mass loss and surface changes may be recorded but do not influence class unless otherwise agreed.
Mass loss is determined by drying specimens at 110 ± 5°C, weighing them before abrasion (M₁), abrading for 6,000 revolutions, rinsing, drying again, and weighing after abrasion (M₂). The mass loss (ΔM) equals M₁ minus M₂ in milligrams. Dividing this by the abraded surface area yields mass loss per square millimeter. A lower mass loss indicates higher abrasion resistance and better tile durability. The standard requires the apparatus to produce an average mass loss of 0.032 ± 0.002 mg/mm² for accurate testing. Tiles are then classified based on the abrasion stage at which failure occurs, correlating with their expected service life.
Yes, for tiles that withstand abrasion testing beyond 12,000 revolutions (Class 5), stain resistance on the abraded surface is mandatory according to IS 13630 Part 8. Tiles must pass this stain resistance test to qualify as Class 5. If they do not pass, despite no visible abrasion failure, they are classified as Class 4. Thus, the highest abrasion resistance classification requires both excellent wear performance and stain resistance, ensuring comprehensive durability and usability under service conditions.
Ask AI about any clause, requirement, or provision in IS 13630 PART 11. Get instant, clause-cited responses powered by our indexed library.
Free tier includes 150 queries (50 AI + 100 Reference) · No credit card required