IS 15878:2010 specifies the requirements and test methods for coir hardboard used for general purposes. It covers physical, mechanical, and performance characteristics of medium, standard, and tempered coir hardboards manufactured from coir fibers and other lignocellulosic materials. This standard is essential for manufacturers, quality controllers, and engineers involved in the production, testing, and application of coir-based panel materials in construction and furniture industries.
Overview
IS 15878:2010 specifies the requirements and test methods for coir hardboard used for general purposes. It covers physical, mechanical, and performance characteristics of medium, standard, and tempered coir hardboards manufactured from coir fibers and other lignocellulosic materials. This standard is essential for manufacturers, quality controllers, and engineers involved in the production, testing, and application of coir-based panel materials in construction and furniture industries.
Audience
Contents
Structure
IS 15878: Scope and Key Specifications
Scope (Clause 10.2.1):
A lot conforms if requirements in Clauses 7, 8, and 11.4.1 to 11.4.12 are met.
Dimensions (Clause 1.22):
Rounding Off (No Clause):
Final test or calculation values must be rounded per IS 2:1960 rules, retaining the same significant figures as specified.
Reference Standards:
Definitions per IS 707 apply.
| Parameter | Values (m) | Tolerance |
|---|---|---|
| Width | 1.52, 1.22 | ±3 mm/m |
| Length | 3.05, 2.44, 1.83, 1.22 | ±3 mm/m |
If you need formulas or detailed test procedures from Clauses 7, 8, or 11.4, please specify!
IS 15878 Key References: Coir Hardboard Specifications & Formulas
| Property | Medium Coir Hardboard | Standard Coir Hardboard | Tempered Coir Hardboard |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bulk density (kg/m³) | 350 - 850 | ≥ 800 | ≥ 800 |
| Thickness & tolerance (mm) | 1.5 to 12.0 ± varies | Same as Medium | Same as Medium |
| Moisture content (%) | 5 - 15 | 5 - 15 | 5 - 15 |
| Water absorption (%) after 24h | 65 | 40 | 25 |
| Swelling in thickness (%) after 24h | 25 | 25 | 5 |
| Modulus of rupture (N/mm²) | 12 - 16 (varies by thickness) | 30 | 50 |
| Modulus of elasticity (N/mm²) | 2000 | 3000 | 4000 |
| Resistance to spread of flame | - | - | Must pass test |
[ \text{MOR} = \frac{3WL}{2bt^2} ]
Where:
(W) = failing load (N)
(L) = span length (mm)
(b) = specimen width (mm)
(t) = specimen thickness (mm)
Modulus of Elasticity (MOE):
[ \text{MOE} = \frac{P L^3}{4 b h^3 \Delta} ]
Where:
IS 15878 – Key Definitions and Specifications
Density (ρ) of a test specimen is calculated by:
[ \rho = \frac{m}{L \times b \times t} ]
Where:
| Property | Medium Coir Hardboard | Standard Coir Hardboard | Tempered Coir Hardboard |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bulk density (kg/m³) | 350 - 850 | ≥ 800 | ≥ 800 |
| Thickness & tolerance (mm) | 1.5 to 12.0 ±0.4-0.9 | Same | Same |
| Squareness (max, mm/m) | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| Edge straightness (max, mm/m) | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Moisture content (%) | 5 - 15 | 5 - 15 | 5 - 15 |
| Water absorption (%) after 24h | 65 | 40 | 25 |
| Swelling in thickness (%) after 24h | 25 | 25 | 5 |
| Modulus of rupture (N/mm²) | |||
| - Up to 3 mm | 12 | 30 | 50 |
| - 4 to 12 mm |
IS 15878: Classification & Key Specifications for Coir Hardboards
| Property | Medium Coir Hardboard | Standard Coir Hardboard | Tempered Coir Hardboard |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bulk density (kg/m³) | 350 - 850 | ≥ 800 | ≥ 800 |
| Thickness (mm ± tolerance) | 1.5 to 12.0 ±0.4 to 0.9 | Same as Medium | Same as Medium |
| Squareness (max mm/m) | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| Edge straightness (max mm/m) | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Moisture content (%) | 5 - 15 | 5 - 15 | 5 - 15 |
| Water absorption (%) after 24h | 65 | 40 | 25 |
| Swelling in thickness (%) after 24h | 25 | 25 | 5 |
| Tensile strength parallel to surface (N/mm²) | — | — | 0.25 (min) |
| Modulus of rupture (N/mm²) | 12-16 (varies with thickness) | 30 | 50 |
| Modulus of elasticity (N/mm²) | 2,000 | 3,000 | 4,000 |
| Modulus of rupture after 8h boiling (N/mm²) | 5-8 | 15 | 30 |
| Breaking load (N) | — | — | 360 (min) |
| Tensile strength (N/mm²) | — | — | 25 (min) |
| Resistance to spread of flame | — | — | Must pass test |
| Drop impact test | — | — | Must pass test |
| Flexibility | — | — | Must pass test |
| Property | Medium Coir Hardboard | Standard Coir Hardboard | Tempered Coir Hardboard |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bulk density (kg/m³) | 350 - 850 | ≥ 800 | ≥ 800 |
| Thickness (mm) & tolerance | 1.5±0.4 to 12.0±0.9 | Same as Medium | Same as Medium |
| Squareness (max, mm/m) | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| Edge straightness (max, mm/m) | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Moisture content (%) | 5 - 15 | 5 - 15 | 5 - 15 |
| Water absorption (max, %) | 65 | 40 | 25 |
| Swelling in thickness (%) | 25 | 25 | 5 |
| Tensile strength parallel (N/mm²) | — | — | ≥ 0.25 |
| Modulus of rupture (N/mm²) | |||
| - Up to 3.0 mm | 12 | 30 | 50 |
| - 4.0 to 12.0 mm | 16 | 30 | 50 |
| Modulus of elasticity (N/mm²) | 2000 | 3000 | 4000 |
| Modulus of rupture after 8h boiling (N/mm²) | |||
| - Up to 3.0 mm | 5 | 15 | 30 |
| - 4.0 to 12.0 mm | 8 | 15 | 30 |
| Breaking load (N) | — | — | ≥ 360 |
| Tensile strength (N/mm²) | — | — | ≥ 25 |
| ** |
IS 15878: Dimensions and Tolerances for Coir Hardboards
| Parameter | Values/Formula | Tolerance/Accuracy |
|---|---|---|
| Width | 1.52 m, 1.22 m | ±3 mm/m |
| Length | 3.05 m, 2.44 m, 1.83 m, 1.22 m | ±3 mm/m |
| Test specimen length | ( 25 \times t + 50 \text{ mm} ) | - |
| Test specimen width | 75 mm | - |
| Measurement accuracy | - | ±1 mm (length & width) |
If custom dimensions are needed, they must be agreed upon between manufacturer and purchaser.
flowchart LR
A[Coir Hardboard] --> B[Width: 1.22 or 1.52 m]
A --> C[Length: 1.22, 1.83, 2.44, 3.05 m]
B & C --> D[Tolerance: ±3 mm/m]
E[Test Specimen] --> F[Length = 25 × thickness + 50 mm]
E --> G[Width = 75 mm]
This concise summary ensures compliance with IS 15878 dimensional requirements.
IS 15878: Physical Requirements for Coir Hardboards (Clause 7.3, 8 & Table 1)
| Property | Medium Coir Hardboard | Standard Coir Hardboard | Tempered Coir Hardboard |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bulk density (kg/m³) | 350 - 850 | ≥ 800 | ≥ 800 |
| Thickness & tolerance (mm) | 1.5±0.4, 2.0±0.4, 3.0±0.4, 4.0±0.5, 6.0±0.5, 8.0±0.7, 10.0±0.7, 12.0±0.9 | Same as Medium | Same as Medium |
| Squareness (max mm/m) | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| Edge straightness (max mm/m) | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Moisture content (%) | 5 - 15 | 5 - 15 | 5 - 15 |
| Water absorption (% max, 24h) | 65 | 40 | 25 |
| Swelling in thickness (%) max | 25 | 25 | 5 |
| Tensile strength parallel (N/mm²) | — | — | 0.25 |
| Modulus of rupture (N/mm² min) | a) ≤3.0 mm: 12 (Med), 30 (Std), 50 (Temp)<br>b) 4-12 mm: 16 (Med), 30 (Std), 50 (Temp) | Same as Medium | Same as Medium |
| Modulus of elasticity (N/mm² min) | 2000 | 3000 | 4000 |
| Modulus of rupture after boiling (N/mm² min) | a) ≤3.0 mm: 5 (Med), 15 (Std), 30 (Temp)<br>b) 4-12 mm: 8 (Med), 15 (Std), 30 (Temp) | Same as Medium |
IS 15878: Mechanical Requirements Summary
| Property | Medium Coir Hardboard | Standard Coir Hardboard | Tempered Coir Hardboard |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bulk Density (kg/m³) | 350 - 850 | ≥ 800 | ≥ 800 |
| Thickness (mm ± tolerance) | 1.5 to 12.0 ± (0.4 to 0.9) | Same as Medium | Same as Medium |
| Tensile Strength Parallel to Surface (Min, N/mm²) | — | — | 0.25 |
| Modulus of Rupture (Min, N/mm²) | |||
| - Up to 3.0 mm | 12 | 30 | 50 |
| - 4.0 to 12.0 mm | 16 | 30 | 50 |
| Modulus of Elasticity (Min, N/mm²) | 2,000 | 3,000 | 4,000 |
| Modulus of Rupture after 8h boiling (Min, N/mm²) | |||
| - Up to 3.0 mm | 5 | 15 | 30 |
| - 4.0 to 12.0 mm | 8 | 15 | 30 |
| Water Absorption (Max, % after 24h) | 65 | 40 | 25 |
| Swelling in Thickness (Max, % after 24h) | 25 | 25 | 5 |
Tensile Strength Parallel to Surface (Clause 11.4.6):
Modulus of Rupture & Elasticity (Clause 11.4.7):
Flexibility Test (Clause 1.1 K-1.1):
IS 15878: Workability & Finish Key Points
[ \text{MOR (MPa)} = \frac{3WL}{2bt^2} ]
Where:
(W) = failing load (N)
(L) = span length (mm)
(b) = specimen width (mm)
(t) = specimen thickness (mm)
Modulus of Elasticity (MOE):
[ \text{MOE (N/mm}^2) = \frac{PL^3}{4bh^3 \Delta} ]
Where:
(P) = load at proportional limit (N)
(L) = span length (mm)
(b) = specimen width (mm)
(h) = specimen thickness (mm)
(\Delta) = deflection at proportional limit (mm)
Tensile Strength Parallel to Surface:
Minimum values specified in Table 1 (refer IS 15878 Table 1 for exact values).
| Property | Max Limit |
|---|---|
| Squareness | mm/m (as per IS 15878) |
| Edge Straightness | mm/m |
| Moisture Content | Percent |
| Water Absorption (24h soak) | Percent |
| Swelling in Thickness (24h) | Percent |
flowchart LR
A[Specimen] --> B[Load Application]
B --> C{Measure}
C --> D[Failing Load (W)]
C --> E[Load at Proportional Limit (P)]
C --> F[Deflection (Δ)]
D --> G[Calculate MOR]
E & F --> H[Calculate MOE]
Note: Refer to IS 15878 for exact permissible limits in Table 1 and detailed
IS 15878 — Sampling and Criteria for Conformity
Clause 10.1: Scale of Sampling
Clause 10.2: Criteria for Conformity
| Lot Size (units) | Number of Samples (n) |
|---|---|
| Up to 50 | 2 |
| 51 to 150 | 3 |
| 151 to 500 | 5 |
| 501 to 1000 | 8 |
| Above 1000 | 13 |
(Note: Confirm exact numbers from Clause 10.1.3)
flowchart TD
A[Select samples as per 10.1.3] --> B{Do all samples comply?}
B -- Yes --> C[Lot Accepted]
B -- No --> D[Select second set of samples]
D --> E{Any sample fails?}
E -- Yes --> F[Lot Rejected]
E -- No --> C
IS 15878: Key Test Methods & Specifications
| Test | Specimen Size | Number of Specimens | Key Condition | Result Calculation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Density | 100 mm ± 1 mm square | 2 | Average density reported | Average of two densities |
| Moisture Content | As per test unit | 1+ | Oven drying at 103 ± 2℃ | (\frac{W_{wet} - W_{dry}}{W_{dry}} \times 100) |
| Mechanical Properties | As per Annex G | 3 | Mid-value of three specimens | Mid-value reported |
flowchart TD
A[Test Specimen Preparation] --> B[Density Measurement]
B --> C[Calculate Average Density]
A --> D[
Key Points:
ECO-Mark Basis:
Based on Gazette Notification No. 170 (May 16, 1996) for Wood Substitutes as Environment Friendly Products.
Manufacturer Obligations:
Marking on Coir Hardboards:
Each board shall be legibly marked near a corner with:
BIS Certification Marking:
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Documentary Evidence | Certificate/declaration for eco-friendliness |
| Environmental Clearances | Consent from SPCB under relevant Acts |
| Product Marking | Manufacturer, type, size, date, ECO criteria |
| BIS Marking | Combined ISI + ECO logo (optional for manufacturers) |
flowchart LR
A[Manufacturer] --> B[Submit Documentary Evidence]
B --> C[Obtain Environmental Clearances]
C --> D[Manufacture Coir Hardboard]
D --> E[Mark Product with Required Details]
E --> F[Apply for BIS ECO-Mark Certification]
F --> G{Approval?}
G -->|Yes| H[Product Marked with ISI + ECO Mark]
G -->|No| I[Revise & Resubmit]
This ensures compliance with environmental and quality standards for eco-friendly wood substitute products under IS 15878.
IS 15878 - Marking (Clause 14.1 & Table 14 BIS)
(Exact table details are in the code, but typically include the layout and size of the mark on the product.)
flowchart LR
A[Manufacturer] --> B[Apply for BIS License]
B --> C[License Granted]
C --> D[Use of Standard Mark on Product]
D --> E[Product Compliance Verified]
Summary: Marking ensures traceability and quality assurance per BIS licensing; consult BIS for exact marking format and license conditions.
IS 15878: Certification Mark Key Points
Standard Mark Use: Governed by the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 1986. License conditions for use are obtained from BIS (Clause 14.1).
Marking on Coir Hardboards (Clause 14):
Rounding Off Values: Follow IS 2:1960 for rounding test results to the same significant figures as specified values.
| Marking Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer Name | Legible near any corner |
| Type | Specific coir hardboard type |
| Dimension & Thickness | Exact size and thickness |
| Date of Manufacture | Production date |
| ECO-Mark Criteria | Environmental compliance details |
| BIS Standard Mark | Optional BIS certification symbol |
flowchart LR
A[Manufacturer] --> B[Coir Hardboard]
B --> C{Marking on Board}
C --> D[Name]
C --> E[Type]
C --> F[Dimension & Thickness]
C --> G[Date of Manufacture]
C --> H[ECO-Mark Criteria]
C --> I[BIS Standard Mark (optional)]
IS 15878: List of Referenced Indian Standards
The standard references key IS codes essential for timber technology and related materials:
| IS No. | Title |
|---|---|
| IS 707:1976 | Glossary of terms applicable to timber technology and utilization (2nd revision) |
| IS 9308 (Parts 1-3):1987 | Specification for mechanically extracted coir fibres (1st revision) |
Summary Diagram:
graph TD
A[IS 15878] --> B[IS 707: Timber Glossary]
A --> C[IS 9308: Coir Fibres]
A --> D[BIS Certification Mark]
D --> E[BIS Act 1986]
D --> F[License Conditions]
This ensures clarity on terminology, materials, and certification under IS 15878.
Frequently Asked
According to IS 15878, the density ranges for different types of coir hardboards are:
Medium Coir Hardboard:
Density between 350 kg/m³ and 800 kg/m³
(Uniform thickness)
Standard Coir Hardboard:
Density exceeding 800 kg/m³
(Uniform thickness)
Tempered Coir Hardboard:
Not explicitly defined by density in the provided clauses; typically, it is a treated variant of standard coir hardboard with enhanced properties.
| Type | Density Range (kg/m³) | Thickness |
|---|---|---|
| Medium Coir Hardboard | 350 – 800 | Uniform |
| Standard Coir Hardboard | > 800 | Uniform |
| Tempered Coir Hardboard | Not specified (treated) | Uniform |
These classifications help in selecting the right board based on mechanical strength and application.
Moisture Content Determination (IS 15878 Clause 11.4.3 & Annex C):
[ \text{Moisture content} = \frac{m_1 - m_0}{m_0} \times 100 ]
Acceptable Limits:
Refer to Table 1 of IS 15878 (not provided here), which specifies maximum moisture content values depending on the wood product type.
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Note: Moisture content affects durability and dimensional stability; hence, compliance with specified limits is critical.
Mechanical Strength Tests for Coir Hardboards as per IS 15878
Breaking Load Test (Clause 3.1 & 11.4.9):
Modulus of Rupture (MOR) (Table 1):
Tensile Strength Parallel to Surface (Tempered):
Modulus of Elasticity (Tempered):
Additional Tests for Tempered Boards:
| Property | Tempered Coir Hardboard Minimum |
|---|---|
| Breaking Load (N) | 360 |
| Modulus of Rupture (N/mm²) | 50 |
| Tensile Strength (N/mm²) | 0.25 |
| Modulus of Elasticity (N/mm²) | 4000 |
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Note: Follow Annex G for detailed test
IS 15878: Procedure for Testing Resistance to Spread of Flame
Specimen Preparation:
Flame Application:
Acceptance Criteria:
Testing:
| Step | Action | Duration/Value |
|---|---|---|
| Specimen size | 150 mm × 25 mm | |
| Orientation | 45° angle, flat side up | |
| Flame width | 25 mm batswing flame | |
| Flame application | Lower end, 30 s on, 30 s off, 30 s on | |
| Post-flame burn | ≤ 20 s after flame removal | |
| Number of specimens | 3 | Mid-value considered |
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This procedure ensures reliable evaluation of coir hardboard's flame spread resistance as per IS 15878.
IS 15878 Flexibility and Impact Resistance Tests
| Test | Sample Size (mm) | Test Condition | Acceptance Criteria | Specimens |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flexibility | 400 × 75 | Bend 180° around 250 mm mandrel | No visible cracks | 3 |
| Impact Resistance | 100 × 100 | Drop from 130 mm height | No puncture; cracks ≤ 20 mm diameter | 3 |
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This ensures sheet materials meet durability and safety requirements per IS 15878.
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