ISO 17721-2-2021 PDF

Full title and description

Quantitative determination of antibacterial activity of ceramic tile surfaces — Test methods — Part 2: Ceramic tile surfaces with incorporated photocatalytic antibacterial agents. This International Standard specifies test methods for evaluating the antibacterial activity of glazed and unglazed ceramic tile surfaces that have photocatalytic antibacterial agents incorporated into the surface layer.

Abstract

This document defines quantitative test procedures to determine antibacterial activity of ceramic tile surfaces containing photocatalytic antibacterial agents. It covers sample preparation, inoculation, controlled illumination and incubation conditions, and calculation of antibacterial effect under the specified laboratory conditions. Secondary effects (for example on chemical resistance, stain resistance or small colour differences) and other photocatalytic performances (self‑cleaning, air purification, decomposition of water contaminants, antifogging) are outside the scope. Results are valid only for the conditions specified in the method.

General information

• Status: Published.
• Publication date: 17 August 2021 (2021-08).
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• ICS / categories: 91.100.23 (ceramic tiles).
• Edition / version: Edition 1 (2021).
• Number of pages: 11 pages.

Scope

Specifies laboratory test methods to quantify antibacterial activity of glazed and unglazed ceramic tile surfaces in which photocatalytic antibacterial agents are incorporated. The standard is intended to evaluate antibacterial effectiveness under controlled test conditions and explicitly excludes assessment of secondary material changes (chemical resistance, stain resistance, colour differences) and other photocatalytic functions such as air purification or decomposition of contaminants. It is not intended for tiles treated with topical disinfectants or agents providing only short‑term residual activity.

Key topics and requirements

• Definition of test specimens and required surface types (glazed and unglazed ceramic tiles with incorporated photocatalytic agents).
• Sample preparation and inoculation procedures with specified bacterial strains and inoculum levels.
• Controlled illumination (photocatalytic activation), incubation times and environmental conditions required for the test.
• Measurement and calculation of antibacterial activity (quantitative evaluation, typically expressed as log reduction under the method conditions).
• Limitations and exclusions: not for topical disinfectants, not covering chemical/stain/colour effects or other photocatalytic performances.

Typical use and users

Used by ceramic tile manufacturers developing tiles with built‑in photocatalytic antibacterial agents, independent testing and certification laboratories, product compliance and quality managers, specification writers and researchers studying antimicrobial surfaces. The standard supports product claims verification, quality control and comparative testing under defined laboratory conditions.

Related standards

Closely related to ISO 17721‑1:2021 (Part 1 — test methods for ceramic tile surfaces with incorporated antibacterial agents). For assessment of secondary material effects referenced in the text, see the ISO 10545 series (for example ISO 10545‑13 on chemical resistance, ISO 10545‑14 on stain resistance and ISO 10545‑16 on colour differences). The document was prepared by ISO/TC 189 (ceramic tiles).

Keywords

antibacterial activity; ceramic tiles; photocatalytic agents; test method; ISO 17721; surface treatment; quantitative determination; antimicrobial tiles; ISO/TC 189.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 17721‑2:2021 is an ISO test method standard that specifies how to quantitatively determine the antibacterial activity of glazed and unglazed ceramic tiles that contain photocatalytic antibacterial agents incorporated into their surfaces.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers specimen preparation, inoculation, controlled illumination (to activate photocatalysis), incubation and the quantitative calculation of antibacterial effect under the specified laboratory conditions. It does not cover secondary material effects (chemical resistance, stain resistance, colour differences) or other photocatalytic functions like air purification.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Tile manufacturers, independent testing laboratories, certification bodies, product compliance teams, specifiers and researchers validating or comparing antibacterial properties of photocatalytic ceramic tiles.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: As of its publication it is an active International Standard published in August 2021 (Edition 1). Users should check national catalogues or ISO for any amendments or later revisions when preparing compliance or procurement documentation.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — ISO 17721 is published in parts. Part 1 (ISO 17721‑1:2021) addresses ceramic tile surfaces with incorporated antibacterial agents (non‑photocatalytic) and Part 2 addresses photocatalytic antibacterial agents. The series sits alongside other ISO tile test standards (ISO 10545 series) referenced for related material properties.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Antibacterial activity, ceramic tiles, photocatalytic antibacterial agents, quantitative test, surface treatment, ISO 17721‑2:2021.