Overview
ISO 2066:2004 specifies a standardized laboratory method for determining the moisture content of agglomerated composition cork used in resilient floor coverings. The method is based on controlled drying and precision weighing to quantify the loss of mass and express moisture as a percentage. The procedure supports consistent quality control, material compliance and reproducible test reporting.
Key Topics
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Scope & definitions: Applies to agglomerated composition cork (cork granules bonded with a binder) and defines moisture content as the loss in mass after drying under specified conditions.
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Principle: Weigh a specimen, dry it in a controlled oven, cool in a desiccator, then re-weigh. The mass loss gives the moisture content.
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Required apparatus:
- Balance, readability 0.05 g
- Ventilated oven controlled at (103 ± 5) °C
- Desiccator with an efficient desiccant (e.g. silica gel)
- Open, dry containers for specimens
- Cutting system to obtain test specimens
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Sampling & test pieces:
- From a representative sample take three square specimens approx. 100 mm × 100 mm, full material thickness.
- Cut specimens at least 100 mm from sample edges.
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Procedure (summary):
- Weigh each dry container (m0).
- Place a specimen in the container and weigh the set before drying (m1). All weighings to the nearest 0.5 g.
- Dry in the oven for at least 3 hours at (103 ± 5) °C.
- Cool in the desiccator for about 30 minutes and re-weigh (m2).
- Repeat drying and weighing until constant mass is reached (two consecutive weighings differ by no more than 0.5 g).
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Calculation: For each specimen calculate moisture content H (%) using:
H = ((m1 − m2) / (m1 − m0)) × 100
where m0 = mass of container, m1 = mass before drying, m2 = mass after drying. The test result is the mean of three specimens, rounded to the nearest integer.
- Test report: Include reference to EN 12105:1998/ISO 2066:2004, product identification (type, source, manufacturer ref.), sample history, test result in percent, and any deviations from the standard.
Applications
- Routine quality control of agglomerated cork floor coverings
- Incoming inspection for manufacturers and suppliers
- Material compliance checks and acceptance testing
- Laboratory verification for research and product development
This method provides a reproducible, traceable moisture measure essential for performance, installation and durability assessments of resilient cork flooring products.
Related Standards
- EN 12105:1998 - European standard on the same method (adopted for ISO 2066:2004)
- EN 12466 - referenced definition for agglomerated composition cork
- ISO/TC 87 - technical committee responsible for cork standards and adoption
Keywords: ISO 2066:2004, moisture content, agglomerated composition cork, resilient floor coverings, drying method, weighing, quality control.