Methods of Test for Plastic Flooring and Wall Tiles

IS 3464: Scope Overview & Key Specifications

This standard covers test methods for flexible PVC flooring and PVC asbestos floor tiles, focusing on quality and durability.

Key Test Methods & Corresponding Clauses

Important Notes

• Conditioning: Specimens must be conditioned as per Clause 2 before testing.
• Rounding Off: Final test values should be rounded per IS 2-1960 to match significant figures of specified values (Clause 0.4).
• Curl Measurement: Clause 8.1 details the method to determine curl in flexible PVC flooring.

Example: Dimensional Stability (Clause 5)

• Measure initial dimensions (length, width).
• Condition sample (temperature & humidity).
• Measure dimensions again.
• Calculate dimensional change (%) as:

[ \text{Dimensional Change} = \frac{\text{Final Dimension} - \text{Initial Dimension}}{\text{Initial Dimension}} \times 100 ]

This summary aids in understanding the scope and testing framework of IS 3464 for flexible PVC flooring materials.

IS 3464: Key References for Testing Methods

Standard Comparison Rubber Compound (Clause 20.5)

Note: High standard mixing technique is essential for uniform dispersion.

IS 3464: Dimensions and Squareness of Tiles

Key Specifications (Clause 4.3)

• Squareness Check Procedure:

  • After conditioning (Clause 2), place the tile against a right-angle jig.
  • Insert each corner into the jig’s right angle.
  • Hold one side of the tile against one arm of the jig with light pressure.
  • Measure any gap between tile edges and jig arms using a feeler gauge or microscope.

• Maximum Allowable Gap:
  0.15 mm

Related Clauses for Dimensions

Summary Table: Squareness Check

flowchart TD
    A[Condition Tile (Clause 2)] --> B[Place tile in jig corner]
    B --> C[Hold one side against jig arm]
    C --> D[Measure gap with feeler gauge]
    D --> E{Gap ≤ 0.15 mm?}
    E -- Yes --> F[Tile is square]
    E -- No --> G[Tile fails squareness]

Note: For dimensional measurements, refer to Clauses 3.3 and 3.4 for length and width tolerances.

IS 3464: Flatness Measurement Key Points

• Specimen Preparation (3.4.2):
  Lay sheet/roll on a flat surface immediately after conditioning, exposing full width without distortion. Measure width at 3 equally spaced points along length, with tape at right angles to edge.

• Flatness Apparatus:

  • Steel Plate (5.2.3): 180 x 180 mm, 12.5 mm thick, used to keep test piece flat during measurement.
  • Flat Slabs (8.2.2): Plate glass ≥5 mm thick or marble slabs ≥30 mm thick, size ≤ 200 x 200 mm, larger than specimen, non-metallic and non-warpable.
  • L-shaped Metal Jig (4.2): Two arms > specimen side length, right angle, on a perfectly flat metal base plate.
  • Measurement Tools: Feeler gauges or travelling microscope with 0.01 mm accuracy.

Typical Procedure for Flatness Check

1. Place specimen on flat slab or steel plate.
2. Use L-shaped jig to check edges at right angles.
3. Measure gap with feeler gauge or microscope.
4. Record max deviation as flatness error.

Summary Table of Apparatus Dimensions

flowchart TD
    A[Condition specimen] --> B[Place on flat slab/steel plate]
    B --> C[Position L-shaped jig at right angle]
    C --> D[Measure gaps with feeler gauge/microscope]
    D --> E[Record max gap = Flatness deviation]

Note: Flatness tolerance depends on specific product specs; IS 3464 focuses on measurement methodology rather than numeric limits.

IS 3464 - Dimensional Stability of PVC Flooring

Key Points from Clause 5 (Dimensional Stability):

• Test Method: Measure the distance between three pairs of marks on the sample before and after conditioning.
• Calculation: [ \text{Dimensional Stability (%)} = \frac{\text{Change in distance}}{\text{Original distance}} \times 100 ]
• Report: Average percentage change for three pairs of marks in each linear direction (length and width).

Procedure Summary:

1. Mark three pairs of points on the sample.
2. Measure initial distances (L₀).
3. Condition the sample as per standard.
4. Measure final distances (L₁).
5. Calculate percentage change for each pair: [ \Delta = \frac{L_1 - L_0}{L_0} \times 100 ]
6. Average the three values for each direction.

Table: Dimensional Stability Reporting Format

Notes:

• Negative values indicate shrinkage; positive values indicate expansion.
• Conditioning usually involves specific temperature and humidity per IS 3464.

flowchart LR
  A[Mark 3 pairs on sample] --> B[Measure initial distances (L₀)]
  B --> C[Condition sample]
  C --> D[Measure final distances (L₁)]
  D --> E[Calculate % change for each pair]
  E --> F[Average % change for length and width]
  F --> G[Report dimensional stability]

This method ensures precise quantification of dimensional changes in PVC flooring materials.

IS 3464: Conditioning of Test Specimens

Key Specification (Clause 20.4 & Clause 2)

• Conditioning refers to bringing the test specimen to a standard state before testing.
• Specimens must be conditioned as per Clause 2, which involves:
  • Maintaining specimens at 27 ± 2°C and 65 ± 5% relative humidity for at least 48 hours (typical standard conditioning).

Conditioning Procedure for Dimensional Stability (Clause 5.4)

1. After initial conditioning, place the specimen on a flat surface.
2. Place a 12.5 mm thick steel plate on top.
3. Measure distances between marks to the nearest 0.01 mm.
4. Remove the plate; place specimen in oven at 80 ± 2°C for 6 hours (wearing surface upwards).
5. Cool to room temperature; recondition as per Clause 2.
6. Re-measure distances between marks.

Measurement Notes (Clause 3.4.2)

• Measure width at 3 equally spaced points.
• Use a tape at right angles to the specimen edge.

Summary Table: Conditioning Parameters

flowchart TD
    A[Initial Conditioning at 27±2°C, 65±5% RH for 48 hrs] --> B[Place specimen on flat surface]
    B --> C[Place 12.5 mm steel plate on specimen]
    C --> D[Measure distances between marks (±0.01 mm)]
    D --> E[Remove steel plate]
    E --> F[Oven at 80±2°C for 6 hours (wearing surface up)]
    F --> G[Cool to room temperature]
    G --> H[Recondition at 27±2°C, 65±5% RH]
    H --> I

IS 3464 - Apparatus: Key Points

The code refers to apparatus primarily in Clauses 9.2.1, 9.3.1, 13.2, and 19.2, focusing on equipment used for testing concrete for impact resistance and other properties.

Clause 9.2.1 & 9.3.1 Apparatus (Impact Testing)

• Apparatus includes:
  • A pendulum impact testing machine with a calibrated hammer.
  • A specimen holder ensuring consistent positioning.
  • Measuring devices for impact energy.

Clause 13.2 Apparatus

• Equipment for preparation and curing of specimens.
• Includes molds, curing tanks, and conditioning rooms maintaining temperature and humidity.

Clause 19.2 Apparatus and Materials

• Apparatus for abrasion and wear resistance tests.
• Includes abrasion wheels, weights, and specimen holders.

Typical Apparatus Specifications (Summary)

flowchart LR
    A[Specimen Preparation] --> B[Mold Casting]
    B --> C[Curing (Clause 13.2)]
    C --> D[Testing Apparatus (Clause 9.2.1 & 19.2)]
    D --> E[Impact/Abrasion Tests]

For detailed dimensions and calibration, refer directly to IS 3464 clauses mentioned.

IS 3464: Preparation of Test Specimens

Key Specifications (Clauses 5.3, 20.3, 20.4)

• Specimen Size: Minimum 200 mm x 200 mm, thickness approx. 10 mm (built by laminating layers).
• Number of Specimens: Two specimens tested simultaneously.
• Reference Marks: Three sets of equally spaced marks along each linear dimension, with marks in each set 180 mm apart (see Fig. 3).
• Conditioning: Specimens must be conditioned as per Clause 2 before testing.

Summary Table for Specimen Preparation

Notes:

• Thickness is achieved by cementing layers.
• Conditioning ensures moisture and temperature equilibrium before testing.

flowchart LR
    A[Test Specimen Preparation] --> B[Cut 200x200 mm pieces]
    B --> C[Laminate layers to ~10 mm thickness]
    C --> D[Mark 3 sets of reference marks spaced 180 mm apart]
    D --> E[Condition specimens as per Clause 2]
    E --> F[Test 2 specimens simultaneously]

This ensures standardized, reproducible test results for properties like dimensional stability, ply adhesion, and resistance tests.

Indentation Resistance as per IS 3464

Indentation Test Setup:

• Indentation Tester (Clause 10.2.1):

  • Steel plate support.
  • Indenting tool: Cylindrical steel rod, 4.5 mm diameter, edge radius 0.15 mm.
  • Load applied: 360 N (36 kgf).

• Indentation Test (Clause 9.2 & 9.3):

  • Temperature conditions:
    • 27 ± 2°C (Clause 9.2)
    • 46 ± 2°C (Clause 9.3)
  • Rod with hemispherical end: 6.35 mm diameter.
  • Loads applied:
    • Initial load: 9 N (0.9 kgf)
    • Total load: 136 N (13.6 kgf)
  • Measurement: Dial gauge to read indentation depth.

Key Specifications Summary:

Interpretation:

• Indentation depth under specified load and temperature indicates resistance.
• Lower indentation = higher resistance to surface deformation.

flowchart LR
    A[Test Piece] -->|Supported on| B(Steel Plate)
    B --> C{Indenting Tool}
    C -->|Cylindrical Rod 4.5 mm| D[Apply 360 N Load]
    C -->|Hemispherical Rod 6.35 mm| E[Apply 9 N then 136 N Load]
    D & E --> F[Measure Indentation Depth with Dial Gauge]

Use this setup to assess surface hardness and resistance to indentation per IS 3464.

IS 3464 - Scratch Resistance Key Points

Apparatus (Clause 11.2)

• Rotatable table: 100 mm diameter, horizontal, rotates about vertical axis.
• Loading beam: Applies 5 N (0.5 kgf) load on scratch tool.
• Scratch tool: Tungsten carbide, 4.8 mm wide, radius 25 mm, shear angle 22°, leading edge angle 45°.
• Table and beam arranged to keep load horizontal regardless of specimen thickness.

Test Specimen (Clause 11.4.1)

• Size: 75 mm × 50 mm.
• Immersed in reagents (e.g., iso-propyl alcohol, cotton steel oil) at 27 ± 2°C for 46 ± 2 hours.
• Specimens separated by ~3 mm in immersion container.

Scratch Tool Preparation (Clause 11.4.2)

• Scratch width: 1.1 to 1.4 mm on unimmersed test pieces.
• If >1.4 mm, dull tool by drawing on unimmersed pieces.
• Handle carefully to avoid damage.

Scratch Resistance Measurement (Clause 11.6.1)

• Perform 3 scratch tests per specimen.
• Record average scratch width to nearest 0.01 mm as scratch resistance.

Summary Table

flowchart LR
    A[Prepare Specimen 75x50 mm] --> B[Immerse in reagent 27±2°C for 46±2 hrs]
    B --> C[Remove & blot specimen]
    C

IS 3464: Wear Resistance Key Points

1. Standard Comparison Rubber Compound (Clause 20.5)

Note: Proper mixing technique is essential for dispersion.

2. Abrasion Resistance Index (Clause 20.7)

[ \text{Abrasion Resistance Index} = \frac{S}{T} \times 100 ]

• S = Volume loss (ml/1000 revolutions) of standard rubber compound
• T = Volume loss (ml/1000 revolutions) of test PVC flooring

Higher index = better abrasion resistance.

3. Indentation Test Procedure (Clause 10.4)

• Load: 360 N (36 kgf)
• Duration: 10 minutes
• Temperature: 27 ± 2°C
• Measurement accuracy: 0.01 mm
• Post-load rest: 60 minutes

4. Scratch Test Apparatus (Clause 11.2)

• Rotatable table: 100 mm diameter
• Load: 5 N (0.5 kgf)
• Scratch tool: Tungsten carbide, 4.8 mm wide, radius 25 mm
• Shear angle: 22°
• Leading edge angle: 45°

flowchart LR
    A[Prepare Standard Rubber Compound] --> B[Conduct Abrasion Test]
    B --> C[Measure Volume Loss S]
    D[Prepare Test Material] --> E[Conduct Abrasion Test]
    E --> F[Measure Volume Loss T]
    C & F --> G[Calculate Abrasion Resistance Index (S/T *100

IS 3464: Chemical Resistance Key Points

1. Test Conditions (Clause 11.4.1)

• Test specimen size: 75 mm × 50 mm
• Immersion medium temperature: 27 ± 2°C
• Immersion duration: 46 ± 2 hours
• Specimen spacing: ≥ 3 mm apart if multiple in one container
• Post-immersion: Blot dry (no rubbing), visual inspection for color change, then scratch test

2. Chemical Resistance Testing Procedure

• One specimen reserved to check scratch tool sharpness.
• Others immersed individually in reagents (e.g., iso-propyl alcohol, cotton steel oil).
• After immersion, specimens examined for:
  • Color changes
  • Scratch resistance

3. Standard Compound for Abrasion Resistance (Clause 20.5)

Notes:

• High-standard mixing ensures proper ingredient dispersion.
• Chemical resistance depends on compound quality and curing.

flowchart TD
    A[Test Specimen Preparation] --> B[Immersion in Reagents at 27±2°C]
    B --> C[Duration: 46±2 hours]
    C --> D[Remove & Blot Dry]
    D --> E[Visual Inspection (Color Change)]
    E --> F[Scratch Test]
    F --> G[Report Average Values]

This summarizes chemical resistance testing and standard compound formulation per IS 3464.

IS 3464: Deflection Measurement for PVC Asbestos Floor Tiles

Key Specifications:

• Measurement Point: Deflection is measured at the midpoint between supports (Clause 13.2.2).
• Accuracy: Deflection gauge must measure to the nearest 1 mm.
• Curl Measurement: Use a curl gauge spanning specimen diagonals with a dial gauge graduated at 0.1 mm intervals (Clause 8.2.1, Fig. 4).
• Report: Average deflection without breakage must be reported (Clause 13.5).

Typical Deflection Measurement Setup:

• Supports at ends of test specimen.
• Dial gauge or scale placed at midpoint.
• Curl gauge measures vertical displacement (curl) at center.

Formula for Deflection (for uniform load on simply supported beam):

[ \delta = \frac{5 w L^4}{384 E I} ]

Where:

• (\delta) = deflection at midpoint (mm)
• (w) = uniform load (N/mm)
• (L) = span length (mm)
• (E) = modulus of elasticity (N/mm²)
• (I) = moment of inertia (mm⁴)

Summary Table:

graph LR
A[Test Specimen] -- Supports at ends --> B[Deflection Measurement]
B --> C[Dial Gauge at Midpoint]
B --> D[Curl Gauge across diagonals]

This ensures precise and consistent deflection measurement per IS 3464.

IS 3464: Measurement Procedures Summary

Width Measurement (Clause 3.4.2)

• After conditioning (Clause 2), lay sheet/roll flat without distortion.
• Measure width at 3 equally spaced points along length.
• Use a tape at right angle to the edge for accuracy.

Thickness Measurement (Clause 3.2.2)

• After conditioning, measure thickness at 20 scattered points.
• Average thickness is used for evaluation.

Conditioning (Clause 2)

• Specimens must be conditioned before measurement to ensure consistency.

Key Points from Clause 1.1 (Scope Table)

• Dimensions (width, thickness) covered under Clause 3.
• Other tests include squareness, dimensional stability, adhesion, etc.

Quick Reference Table for Measurement

flowchart TD
    A[Conditioning] --> B[Lay sheet flat]
    B --> C[Measure width at 3 points]
    B --> D[Measure thickness at 20 points]
    C --> E[Record average width]
    D --> F[Record average thickness]

This ensures repeatability and accuracy per IS 3464 standards.

IS 3464: Surface Appearance Evaluation - Key Points

1. Test Specimen (Clause 5.3)

• Size: Minimum 200 mm × 200 mm
• Mark three sets of reference marks along each linear dimension, spaced 180 mm apart.

2. Abrasion Resistance Test Setup (Clause 11.2)

• Apparatus: Horizontal rotatable table, 100 mm diameter.
• Load: 5 N (0.5 kgf) on a tungsten carbide scratch tool.
• Scratch tool: 4.8 mm wide, radius 25 mm, shear angle 22°, leading edge angle 45°.
• Loading beam pivot 100 mm from table axis; adjustable vertically.

3. Abrasion Resistance Index (Clause 20.7)

[ \text{Abrasion Resistance Index} = \left(\frac{S}{T}\right) \times 100 ]

• S = Volume loss (ml/1000 revolutions) for standard rubber compound.
• T = Volume loss (ml/1000 revolutions) for test PVC flooring.

Higher index = better abrasion resistance.

Summary Table:

flowchart LR
    A[Test Specimen: 200x200 mm] --> B[Mark Reference Points]
    B --> C[Fix on Rotatable Table (100 mm dia.)]
    C --> D[Apply 5 N Load on Scratch Tool]
    D --> E[Measure Volume Loss (T)]
    F[Standard Rubber Compound] --> G[Measure Volume Loss (S)]
    E & G --> H[Calculate Abrasion Resistance Index = (S/T)*100]

This covers the key specifications and formula for surface appearance

IS 3464 - Reagent Specifications Summary

• Ethyl Acetate (Clause 12.3)

  • Must be of pure grade conforming to IS: 229-1972 (Second Revision)
  • Used as a solvent in various tests
  • Typical properties:
    • Purity: ≥ 99%
    • Boiling point: ~77 °C
    • Free from water and impurities

• White Spirit (Clause 16.2)

  • Boiling range: 145 to 200 °C
  • Aromatic content: 16% to 22%
  • Used as a cleaning or diluting agent in testing

• General Reagent Requirements (Clause 11.3)

  • Reagents must be of analytical grade or conforming to relevant IS standards
  • Should be free from impurities that affect test results

Key Notes:

• Always refer to the latest IS standards for purity and handling instructions.
• Use reagents within specified boiling ranges and aromatic content for consistency.

flowchart TD
    A[Reagent Specifications] --> B[Ethyl Acetate]
    A --> C[White Spirit]
    B --> D[Pure Grade - IS:229-1972]
    C --> E[Boiling Range 145-200°C]
    C --> F[Aromatic Content 16-22%]

For detailed purity and test methods, consult IS:229-1972 and IS 3464 clauses directly.

IS 3464 - Test Environment Conditions: Key Points

1. Conditioning of Test Specimens (Clause 2.1 & 20.4)

• Standard Conditioning:
  • Temperature: 27 ± 2°C
  • Duration: At least 60 minutes
  • Environment: Air
• Conditioning ensures consistent moisture content and temperature equilibrium before testing.

2. Oven Specifications for Heat Tests (Clause 5.2.1)

• Oven Type: Circulating air oven with thermostatic control
• Temperature: 80 ± 2°C
• Shelves: Horizontal rigid metal plates or wired shelves
• Shelf Size: At least 25 mm larger than test specimen in all directions

3. Summary Table for Conditioning

flowchart TD
    A[Start: Test Specimen] --> B[Condition at 27 ± 2°C for 60 min]
    B --> C{Test Type?}
    C -->|Heat Deformation| D[Place in Oven at 80 ± 2°C]
    C -->|Other Tests| E[Proceed with Test]
    D --> E

This conditioning protocol ensures reproducibility and reliability of test results as per IS 3464.

IS 3464 - Reporting of Results: Key Points & Formulas

• Clause 3.2.3 & 3.4.3:
  Report the average (mean) of all observations/readings.
  [ \bar{x} = \frac{1}{n} \sum_{i=1}^n x_i ]

• Clause 12.6.1:
  Report the lowest value observed for the parameter under consideration.

• Clause 19.5:
  Requires calculation and clear reporting of results, typically including:

  • Average values (as above)
  • Relevant statistical measures (if applicable)
  • Units and test conditions
  • Any deviations or anomalies noted during testing

Summary Table for Reporting

Note: Always specify test conditions, units, and number of observations in the report for clarity and reproducibility.

IS 3464 - Surface Spread of Flame (Clause 19)

Key Specifications & Procedure:

• Specimen Conditioning: Place specimen on test apparatus.
• Fuel: 1 cc absolute ethyl alcohol in a cup (room temperature).
• Ignition: Ignite alcohol with a small gas/oil jet, then remove the heat source.
• Environment: Draft-free, subdued light room.
• Apparatus: Brass cup (16 mm OD, 0.8 mm thick), mounted on a 6 mm thick plate with a 3 mm steel rod support (Fig. 7).

Measurement (Clause 19.4.2):

• After fuel exhaustion, extinguish flames/glow at 1 minute.
• If flaming < 1 min, extinguish smouldering immediately.
• Determine char area by cutting slots along major and minor axes of elliptical char.
• Measure lengths at points where definite charring/decomposition ends.

Formula for Char Area (Elliptical Approximation):

[ \text{Char Area} = \pi \times \frac{L}{2} \times \frac{W}{2} = \frac{\pi L W}{4} ]

• L = major axis length
• W = minor axis length

Summary Table:

flowchart TD
    A[Place specimen on apparatus] --> B[Add 1 cc absolute ethyl alcohol]
    B --> C[Ignite alcohol, remove heat source]
    C --> D[Allow flame to burn out (~1 min)]
    D --> E[Extinguish any flame/glow]
    E --> F[Measure char area by cutting slots]
    F --> G[Calculate elliptical char area: (π × L × W)/4]

This method quantifies flame spread by measuring charred area post-burning, ensuring consistent safety evaluation of flooring materials.

IS 3464: Abrasion Testing Key Points

Apparatus (Clause 11.2 & 20.2)

• Rotating Table: 100 mm diameter, horizontal, rotates about a vertical axis.
• Loading Beam: Applies 5 N load on tungsten carbide scratch tool.
• Scratch Tool: 4.8 mm wide, radius 25 mm, shear angle 22°, leading edge at 45° to specimen.
• Du Pont Croydon Abrasion Tester used for standardized abrasion tests.

Standard Compound for Comparison (Clause 20.5)

Key Formula (Clause 20.7.1)

• Volume Loss (V):
  [ V = \frac{\text{Weight Loss (W)}}{\text{Density} (\rho)} ]

• Density is determined by weight in air and water (Archimedes' principle).

Notes

• Specify abrasive type, test temperature, and parameters S and T.
• Use high-quality mixing for compound uniformity.

flowchart LR
    A[Specimen Fixed on Rotating Table (100 mm)]
    B[Loading Beam applies 5 N load]
    C[Scratch Tool: Tungsten Carbide, 4.8 mm wide]
    D[Rotation causes abrasion]
    E[Weight Loss Measured]
    F[Volume Loss = Weight Loss / Density]

    A --> D
    B --> C --> D
    D --> E --> F

This summarizes abrasion test setup, compound specs, and volume loss calculation per IS 3464.