This standard outlines the technical specifications and quality requirements for linoleum sheets and tiles employed as flooring materials. It covers aspects such as composition, dimensional accuracy, physical attributes, and performance benchmarks to guarantee suitability for applications in transport vehicles, healthcare, commercial, and industrial environments.
This standard outlines the technical specifications and quality requirements for linoleum sheets and tiles employed as flooring materials. It covers aspects such as composition, dimensional accuracy, physical attributes, and performance benchmarks to guarantee suitability for applications in transport vehicles, healthcare, commercial, and industrial environments.
Audience
Who Uses This Standard
Manufacturers of flooring materials
Engineers responsible for quality assurance
Structural and civil design professionals
Interior architecture specialists
Procurement managers
Building compliance inspectors
Facilities operation supervisors
Contents
Key Topics Covered
✓Constituent materials of linoleum sheets and tiles
✓Permissible variations in dimensions and thickness
✓Mechanical properties including flexibility and residual deformation
✓Resistance to color fading under daylight exposure
✓Limits on moisture absorption
✓Durability and ageing performance criteria
✓Sampling techniques and compliance testing methods
✓Specifications for backing materials
✓Different varieties of linoleum such as plain and patterned
✓Guidelines for product identification and packaging
✓Acceptable tolerances for tile size and squareness
✓Lot acceptance and rejection parameters
Structure
Table of Contents
1Scope and Dimensional Requirements▼
Overview of Standard Scope
This section defines the essential parameters concerning dimensions and tolerances for linoleum sheets and tiles.
Characteristic
Specification
Reference Test Clause
Sheet width
Average ± 3 mm
IS 9704:1980 Clause 2
Tile size tolerance
± 0.15% at cutting
IS 9704:1980 Clause 2
Thickness
Average ± 0.15 mm
IS 9704:1980 Clause 2
Squareness (tiles)
Maximum gap ≤ 0.25 mm between tile edge and metal jig
IS 9704:1980 Clause 3
Seasoning (plain)
No visible color or grain variation 24 hours post cutting
IS 9704:1980 Clause 4
Residual indentation
Not exceeding 10% of original thickness
IS 9704:1980 Clause 5
Flexibility
No fractures or cracks during bending
IS 9704:1980 Clause 6
Water absorption
Maximum varies by thickness (refer table below)
IS 9704:1980 Clause 7
Ageing
No discoloration; compliance with indentation, flexibility, color fastness, and water absorption
IS 9704:1980 Clause 9
Colour fastness
Not less than No. 5 rating on blue-dyed wool scale (IS 686:1985)
IS 9704:1980 Clause 9
Water Absorption Limits by Thickness:
Thickness (mm)
Max Percentage Water Absorption
4.5
5.5
3.2
6.5
2.0
10.0
1.65
11.5
2Referenced Standards and Dimensional Tolerances▼
Related Standards and Dimensional Allowances
Detailed tolerances include:
Parameter
Allowed Variation
Sheet Width
± 3 mm average
Tile Size
± 0.15% at cutting
Thickness
± 0.15 mm average
Tile Squareness
Maximum gap 0.25 mm
Residual Indentation
≤ 10% of original thickness
Water Absorption
Varies by thickness
Conformity Criteria for Linoleum Sheets
Lot Size (Rolls)
Sample Size
Allowed Defective Rolls
Up to 50
3
0
51 to 150
5
0
151 to 300
8
0
301 to 500
13
0
501 to 1000
20
0
Over 1000
32
1
3Material Composition and Specifications▼
Paint Composition for Hessian Backing
Ingredient
Percentage (%)
Red oxide
7
Whiting
77
Linseed oil
14
White spirit
5
Dimensional Tolerances
Parameter
Allowed Variation
Sheet Width
± 3 mm
Tile Size
± 0.15% at cutting
Thickness
± 0.15 mm
Tile Squareness
Max gap 0.25 mm
Physical Properties
Property
Requirement
Residual Indentation
≤ 10% of original thickness
Flexibility
Must be free from cracks or fractures
Water Absorption
Varies with thickness (see below)
Colour Fastness
At least equal to No. 5 blue wool cloth
Water Absorption by Thickness
Thickness (mm)
Max Water Absorption (%)
4.5
5.5
3.2
6.5
2.5
9.0
2.0
10.0
Seasoning for Plain Linoleum
No observable difference in color or grain 24 hours after cutting.
4Classification and Types of Linoleum▼
Composition of Wearing Surface
Oxidised or polymerised linseed oil or other suitable drying oils
Rosin and/or resin
Cork flour and/or wood flour
Mineral fillers
Pigments for coloring
Special Varieties
Moire, Jaspe, and Marble linoleum feature multi-hued compositions extending through the thickness to the backing, producing mottled patterns.
Dimensional and Physical Specifications
Sheet width ± 3 mm
Tile size ± 0.15% at cutting
Thickness ± 0.15 mm
Squareness maximum gap 0.25 mm
No color or grain variation post 24 hours seasoning
Residual indentation ≤ 10%
Flexibility with no cracking
Water absorption limits dependent on thickness
Ageing criteria ensuring no discoloration, maintaining mechanical and aesthetic properties
Colour fastness meeting or exceeding No. 5 blue wool standard
Water Absorption Limits
Thickness (mm)
Maximum Water Absorption (%)
4.5
5.5
3.2
6.5
2.0
10.0
1.65
11.5
5Dimensional Control and Tolerances▼
Essential Dimension and Tolerance Limits
Parameter
Tolerance
Reference Clause
Sheet Width
± 3 mm (average)
5.3(i)
Tile Size
± 0.15% at cutting
5.3(ii)
Thickness
± 0.15 mm (average)
5.3(iii)
Tile Squareness
Maximum gap ≤ 0.25 mm
5.3(iv)
Seasoning
No color or grain difference after 24 hours
5.3(v)
Residual Indentation
≤ 10% of original thickness
5.3(vi)
Flexibility
No cracking or breaking
5.3(vii)
Water Absorption
Max varies with thickness
5.3(viii)
Ageing
No discoloration; meets all physical criteria
5.3(ix)
Colour Fastness
Not less than No. 5 blue wool cloth
5.3(x)
Water Absorption Based on Thickness
Thickness (mm)
Maximum Allowed Water Absorption (%)
4.5
5.5
3.2
6.5
2.0
10.0
1.65
11.5
Notes
Tolerances for tile size are measured immediately after cutting.
Squareness is assessed using a metal jig.
Residual indentation is tested by applying a specified load.
Water absorption and ageing tests confirm product longevity.
6Backing Material Specifications▼
The backing must be made of hessian fabric conforming to Type II as per IS 2818 (Part 2):1971.
The surface is to be uniformly mixed and pressed smooth, firmly bonding to the wearing surface.
Painting of the hessian backing is generally prohibited unless specifically allowed.
If painting is employed, the composition of paint shall comprise:
Component
Percentage (%)
Red oxide
7
Whiting
77
Linseed oil
14
White spirit
5
Physical attributes and dimensional tolerances of backing materials are detailed in Table 1 of the standard.
7Physical Properties and Performance Criteria▼
Property
Requirement
Test Reference
Sheet Width
Average ± 3 mm
IS 9704:1980 Clause 2
Tile Size Tolerance
± 0.15%
IS 9704:1980 Clause 2
Thickness
Average ± 0.15 mm
IS 9704:1980 Clause 2
Tile Squareness
Maximum gap ≤ 0.25 mm
IS 9704:1980 Clause 3
Seasoning (plain lino)
No color or grain variation 24 hours after cut
IS 9704:1980 Clause 4
Residual Indentation
≤ 10% of original thickness
IS 9704:1980 Clause 5
Flexibility
Free from cracks or fractures
IS 9704:1980 Clause 6
Water Absorption
Depends on thickness; refer limits below
IS 9704:1980 Clause 7
Ageing
No discoloration; maintain indentation, flexibility, color fastness, water absorption
IS 9704:1980 Clause 9
Colour Fastness to Light
Not less than No. 5 on blue wool cloth scale
IS 686:1985
Water Absorption Limits by Thickness:
Thickness (mm)
Max Water Absorption (%)
4.5
5.5
3.2
6.5
2.0
10.0
1.65
11.5
Note: Painting of hessian backing is not permitted unless explicitly specified.
8Marking and Packaging Instructions▼
Marking Requirements
Each packaging box must be clearly marked with:
Manufacturer's identification
Dimensions and thickness of the product
Batch or lot number
Linoleum sheets and tiles may also bear the official Standard Mark.
Packaging and Sampling
Dimensional tolerances and physical property requirements are to be adhered to as per the standard.
Sampling for quality control follows defined procedures (see Clause 10.1.2).
Water Absorption Limits
Thickness (mm)
Maximum Water Absorption (%)
4.5
5.5
3.2
6.5
2.0
10.0
1.65
11.5
9Sampling Procedures for Quality Testing▼
Sample Selection for Rolls
Lot Size (Number of Rolls)
Number of Rolls to Sample
Maximum Defective Rolls Allowed
Up to 50
3
0
51 to 150
5
0
151 to 300
8
0
301 to 500
13
0
501 to 1000
20
0
Above 1000
32
1
Sampling Technique
Use random number tables (IS 4905:1968) where available to select samples.
If unavailable, employ systematic sampling by calculating the sampling interval (r = \lfloor N/n \rfloor), selecting every (r^{th}) roll starting from a random point.
Tile Sampling
Sampling size depends on lot quantity as per standard guidelines.
Follow similar random or systematic approaches.
10Acceptance Criteria for Lot Conformity▼
Sampling and Acceptance Plan for Linoleum Sheets
Lot Size (Rolls)
Sample Size (Rolls)
Maximum Defective Allowed
Up to 50
3
0
51 to 150
5
0
151 to 300
8
0
301 to 500
13
0
501 to 1000
20
0
Above 1000
32
1
Lot Acceptance
All samples must meet the specified requirements.
If the number of defective rolls is within allowed limits, the lot is accepted.
Otherwise, the lot is rejected or may undergo further evaluation.
Notes
Similar criteria apply for tile lots with sample sizes and acceptance limits defined within the standard.
11Testing Methodologies and Protocols▼
Physical Characteristics and Testing Standards
Property
Requirement
Reference Clause (IS 9704:1980)
Sheet Width
± 3 mm from average
Clause 2
Tile Size Tolerance
± 0.15% at cutting
Clause 2
Thickness
± 0.15 mm from average
Clause 2
Tile Squareness
Max gap ≤ 0.25 mm between tile and jig
Clause 3
Seasoning (plain lino)
No color or grain change 24 hours after cut
Clause 4
Residual Indentation
≤ 10% of original thickness
Clause 5
Flexibility
No cracking or breaking
Clause 6
Water Absorption
Max varies by thickness (see table below)
Clause 7
Ageing
No discoloration; meets all physical criteria
Clause 9
Colour Fastness
Not less than No. 5 blue wool cloth (IS 686)
Clause 9
Water Absorption Limits
Thickness (mm)
Max Water Absorption (%)
4.5
5.5
3.2
6.5
2.0
10.0
1.65
11.5
Sampling and Acceptance
Lot Size (Rolls)
Sample Size
Acceptable Defective Rolls
Up to 50
3
0
51 to 150
5
0
151 to 300
8
0
301 to 500
13
0
501 to 1000
20
0
Over 1000
32
1
Frequently Asked
Popular Questions About IS 653
?What thicknesses and dimensional tolerances are specified for linoleum sheets and tiles?▼
The standard defines linoleum sheets and tiles thicknesses typically as 4.5 mm, 3.2 mm, 2.5 mm, and 2.0 mm, with 1.65 mm also noted for tiles. Thickness tolerances allow an average variation of ±0.15 mm. Tile size tolerance at cutting is ±0.15%, sheet width tolerance is ±3 mm, and tile squareness must not exceed a gap of 0.25 mm. Residual indentation is limited to 10% of original thickness, and flexibility tests require no cracking or breaking, ensuring dimensional accuracy and durability.
?Which materials are prescribed for the wearing surface and backing in linoleum production?▼
The wearing surface comprises oxidized or polymerized linseed oil or suitable drying oils, combined with rosin or resin, cork flour and/or wood flour, mineral fillers, and pigments. The backing material is hessian fabric that provides structural support. Plain linoleum has uniform color and composition throughout its thickness, while varieties like moire, jaspe, and marble feature multi-colored compositions extending from surface to backing, creating decorative patterns. The wearing surface must be smooth and free from defects to ensure quality.
?How is color fastness to daylight assessed according to the standard?▼
Color fastness to daylight is evaluated by ensuring that after ageing, linoleum sheets exhibit no discoloration. The color fastness rating must be at least equivalent to No. 5 on the blue wool cloth scale as per IS 686:1985. This means the product should maintain its color quality when exposed to natural light, guaranteeing long-term aesthetic performance.
?What are the water absorption limits for linoleum based on thickness?▼
Water absorption limits vary depending on the thickness of the linoleum. For 4.5 mm thickness, the maximum allowed water absorption is 5.5%; for 3.2 mm, 6.5%; for 2.0 mm, 10%; and for 1.65 mm thickness, it is 11.5%. These limits help maintain durability and resistance to moisture ingress.
?What sampling methods and acceptance criteria are used for quality control of linoleum products?▼
Sampling involves selecting a specified number of rolls or tiles from a lot based on its size, using random number tables or systematic sampling methods. For instance, lots up to 50 rolls require sampling 3 rolls with zero defects allowed, while lots exceeding 1000 rolls require sampling 32 with a maximum of one defective roll permitted. The lot is accepted if defective units do not exceed allowed limits, ensuring statistically valid quality assurance.
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