Overview
EN ISO 10545-13:2016 (ISO 10545-13:2016) defines a standardized test method for determining the chemical resistance of ceramic tiles at room temperature. Prepared under CEN/ISO, this part of the ISO 10545 series applies to all types of ceramic tiles and sets out specimen preparation, test solutions, exposure procedures and visual evaluation criteria to assess surface attack.
Key Topics
- Scope and principle: Visual determination of chemical attack after controlled exposure to aqueous test solutions at ambient temperature.
- Test solutions: Includes household chemicals (ammonium chloride 100 g/l), swimming pool salts (sodium hypochlorite ~20 mg/l), low- and high-concentration acids and alkalis:
- Low concentrations: hydrochloric acid 3% (V/V), citric acid 100 g/l, potassium hydroxide 30 g/l.
- High concentrations: hydrochloric acid 18% (V/V), lactic acid 5% (V/V), potassium hydroxide 100 g/l.
- Apparatus and materials: Borosilicate glass vessels or cylinders, sealing material, drying oven (operable at ~110 ±5 °C), chamois, white cloth, balance and pencil for surface tests.
- Specimen requirements: Representative, undamaged tiles or cut specimens (50 mm × 50 mm for partial immersion). Minimum number of specimens depends on tile area (small tiles should provide coverage of 200 cm²; larger tiles require a minimum number as specified).
- Procedure parameters:
- Exposure heights and immersion depths: cylinder filling to (20 ±1) mm or vertical immersion to 25 mm.
- Temperatures: maintain test assembly at (20 ±5) °C.
- Exposure durations: typically 24 h for household chemicals, pool salts and citric acid; (96 ±1) h for hydrochloric, lactic acids and KOH with solution replacement after 48 h.
- Post-exposure: thorough rinsing, drying in oven and visual assessment.
- Evaluation: Visual classification of attack; a pencil test may be used to determine suitability of classification on glazed surfaces.
Applications
EN ISO 10545-13:2016 is used by:
- Ceramic tile manufacturers for product development and quality control.
- Independent testing laboratories for conformity assessment and certification.
- Specifiers, architects and facility managers to select tiles resistant to specific chemicals (kitchens, laboratories, swimming pool surrounds, industrial areas).
- Regulatory bodies and procurement for standardized performance requirements.
Practical benefits include consistent, repeatable assessment of tile durability under chemical exposure and clearer product comparisons for environments with chemical contact.
Related standards
- ISO 10545 series (other test methods for ceramic tiles).
- ISO 3585 (borosilicate glass) referenced for test vessels.
- See the full EN ISO 10545-13:2016 text for detailed tables, classification criteria and test-report requirements.