Materials for Use In The Manufacture of Magnesium Oxychloride Flooring Compositions

IS 657 - Scope & Key Specifications

The scope involves grading of fillers and aggregates for different flooring classes (4.1.4, 4.2.4, 4.3.1) as per Table 3.

Key Points from Table 3 (Grading of Fillers and Aggregates):

Additional Notes:

• Sampling & conformity for magnesium chloride and pigments as per relevant IS standards (Clause 7.4).
• Grading ensures particle size distribution suitable for specific flooring applications.
• Thickness and grading limits ensure durability and performance.

Summary Diagram of Grading

IS 657: Calcined Magnesite Key Specifications

1. Chemical Requirements (Clause 2.3, Table 1)

2. Physical Requirements (Clause 2.4, Table 2)

Notes:

• Tests are per IS:10032-1982 and sieves per IS:450 (Part I)-1978.
• Calcined magnesite is MgO from burnt natural magnesite, finely ground for reaction with magnesium chloride.

flowchart LR
    A[Natural Magnesite (MgCO₃)] --> B[Calcination (Burning)]
    B --> C[Calcined Magnesite (MgO)]
    C --> D[Grinding to required fineness]
    D --> E[Quality Checks

IS 657: Magnesium Chloride Key Specifications

• Magnesium Chloride Grade: Must conform to Grade 3 of IS:254-1973 (Clause 3.1).
• This ensures purity and suitability for magnesite flooring manufacture.

Calcined Magnesite Physical Requirements (Table 2, Clause 2.4)

*IS 450 (Part I)-1978 specifies test sieves.

Notes:

• Magnesium chloride Grade 3 ensures consistent chemical quality.
• Physical tests for calcined magnesite per IS 10032-1982.
• For laying practice, refer IS 658-1982.

flowchart LR
    A[Magnesium Chloride] -->|Grade 3| B[IS 254-1973]
    C[Calcined Magnesite] --> D[Physical Tests per IS 10032-1982]
    D --> E[Bulk Density 0.65-0.85 kg/l]
    D --> F[Fineness ≥ 95% passing 75 micron sieve]
    D --> G[Setting Time 3-6 hrs initial, 7-15 hrs final]
    D --> H[Modulus of Rupture ≥7 N/m² (7 days)]
    D --> I[Linear Change ≤0.25%]

This summary ensures compliance with IS 657 for magnesium chloride and calcined magnesite in flooring applications.

IS 657: Fillers and Aggregates - Key Specifications & Tables

1. Types of Fillers/Aggregates (Clause 4.3)

• Marble powder, talc, ground silica/sand/crushed stone/quartz, emery, fused abrasives, marble/granite chips, asbestos.
• Must be chemically inert with other flooring materials.

2. Grading of Fillers and Aggregates (Table 3)

Note: Granite and marble chips must be graded from 3.35 mm max, not exceeding 1/3 of finished floor thickness.

3. Sampling (Clause 7.2.1)

• Sample weights:
  • Calcined magnesite: 0.5 kg
  • Wood flour/sawdust: 3 kg
  • Other fillers: 7 kg
• Sampling method: Mix of at least 10 equal sub-samples from consignment.
• Sampling percentage depends on number of packages (bags/drums):

| Number of Packages

Key Specifications for Pigments as per IS 657 - Clause 5.1

• Pigments must conform to the above IS codes or their combinations.
• These standards specify pigment quality, chemical composition, and suitability for paints.

Notes on Sampling (Clause 7.1 & 7.4)

• Samples should be collected in dry, airtight containers and tested within 4 weeks.
• Sampling and conformity criteria for pigments are as per relevant IS standards.

Summary Table of Pigment IS Codes

If you need pigment properties or testing methods, refer directly to the cited IS codes for detailed specifications.

IS 657 - Packing and Specifications for Calcined Magnesite

1. Packing (Clause 6.1)

• Use jute bags lined with bitumen and polythene film to protect from atmospheric moisture.
• Each bag should preferably contain 50 kg of calcined magnesite.

2. Chemical Requirements (Clause 2.3, Table 1)

3. Physical Requirements (Clause 2.4, Table 2)

Notes:

• Test sieves per IS 450 (Part I) - 1978.
• Modulus of rupture indicates strength development.
• Linear change controls dimensional stability.

flowchart LR
    A[Calcined Magnesite] --> B[Packing]
    B --> C[Jute bags]
    C --> D[Bitumen & Polythene lining]
    A --> E[Chemical Properties]
    E --> F[MgO ≥ 87%]
    E --> G[CaO ≤ 2.5

IS 657: Selection of Samples (Clause 7.2)

Sample Weight Requirements (Clause 7.2.1):

• Calcined magnesite: ≥ 0.5 kg
• Wood flour or saw dust: ≥ 3 kg
• Other fillers: ≥ 7 kg

Sampling Procedure:

• Sample = mixture of at least 10 equal sub-samples from evenly spaced locations.
• For bulk material: sub-samples taken during filling/emptying.
• For packaged material (bags, drums): max 1 sub-sample per package.

Number of Packages to Sample:

Special Case (Clause 7.2.2):
If < 10 packages, sample all packages.

Additional Notes:

• Sampling must be representative of the consignment.
• Sub-samples must be taken evenly spaced.
• For magnesium chloride and pigments, follow relevant IS standards (Clause 7.4).

Summary Diagram:

flowchart TD
    A[Start Sampling] --> B{Number of Packages}
    B -->|<10| C[Sample all packages]
    B -->|≥10| D[Calculate % and minimum samples]
    D --> E[Take 1 sub-sample per package]
    E --> F[Mix ≥10 equal sub-samples]
    F --> G[Ensure sample weight per material]
    G --> H[Sample ready for testing]

This ensures statistically valid and representative sampling per IS 657.

IS 657 - Certification Marking (Clause 8.2 & 8.2.1)

• The Standard Mark usage is governed by the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 1986.
• Manufacturers must obtain a licence from BIS to use the Standard Mark.
• Details and conditions for licensing are available from BIS offices (contact info below).

Key Points:

Summary:

• Certification Marking confirms compliance with IS standards.
• Use of the Standard Mark is subject to BIS licensing.
• Contact BIS regional/branch offices for licensing procedures.

For grading details, refer to Table 3 (Clause 4.3.1 & 4.1.4) in IS 657.

flowchart LR
    A[Manufacturer] --> B{Apply for BIS Licence}
    B -->|Approved| C[Use Standard Mark]
    B -->|Rejected| D[No Marking]
    C --> E[Product Compliance]
    E --> F[Market Acceptance]

Note: Always refer to the latest BIS guidelines for licensing and marking.