Tile parameters to check

1. Dimensions and surface quality

A sample of each type of tile under test shall consist of 8 whole tiles which be randomly collected
from 4 different boxes.

a) The size of ceramic or vitrified tiles should be perfectly square or rectangular. The
dimension should be as per actual size and tolerance mentioned in the ITP.
(QAQC/8.6/GL01) should not exceed the limit.
b) The thickness of ceramic or vitrified tiles should tolerance mentioned in the ITP.

(QAQC/8.6/GL01) and corner should not be bent or broken.

c) ceramic or vitrified tiles edges should be sharp and perfectly at a right angle, and no broken
in edges.
d) The diagonals of ceramic or vitrified tiles should be perfect and both should measure same

in length no offset should observe.

e) The top finishing and glazing should be uniform and good. It should not have been chipped
off.
f) The top surface of ceramic or vitrified tiles should be checked for evenness. The top surface
must be smooth and even.
g) It should be checked for curvature and warping by putting tiles on the perfectly flat surface.

2. The test to check the resistance of glazing to chemical substances that are used during cleaning in
households are
a. Stain resistance test (Annxture-2)
b. Chemical resistance test (Annexture-3)
3. It should be scratch resistant (Annexture-4)
4. It should have uniform color and texture.
5. It should be firm enough to resist breaking and cracking.
6. Water absorption of ceramic tiles should not exceed 10% of its dry weight and Water absorption
of Vetrified tiles should not exceed 1% of its dry weight (Annexure-1)
7. It should be free from cracks, depressions, holes, specks, spots and cavities.

FREQUENCY:
 8. This test has to be done as per ITP

REFERENCE IS CODES:
IS 13630 (part 2)- 2006

Annexture-1
TILING- WATER ABSORPTION

AIM: To determine dimensions and water absorption of ceramic tiles.

APPARATUS:
Drying oven
Heating apparatus
Screw gauge
Measuring tape
Weighing machine 0.1g accuracy

TABULATION:

S. no. Description Sample 1 Sample 2 Sample 3

1. mass of dry tile
2. Mass of wet tile
𝑚2−𝑚1
3. Water Absorption= 𝑚1 x100

PROCEDURE:
1. A sample of each type of tile under test shall consist of 10 whole tiles which be randomly collected
from 4 different boxes. 3 samples to be use for water absorption test
2. Dry the tiles in the oven at 110°C until constant mass is reached (24 hours).
3. After 24 hours remove the tile and cool it to room temperature.
4. Weigh each tile and record the dry mass in the above table.
5. Place the tiles vertically, with no contact between them, in water in the heating apparatus/water
bath so that there is a depth of 50 mm water above and below the tiles. Maintain the water level of
50 mm above the tiles throughout the test
6. Heat the water until boiling and continue to boil for 2 h. Then remove the source of heat and allow
the tiles to cool, still completely immersed in this water over-night.
7. Remove the tile from the water and clean it with dry cloth and immediately weigh each tile and
note down the mass.

For each tile calculate the water absorption as the percentage of dry mass using the expression
𝑚2−𝑚1
x100
𝑚1

Where, m1- mass of dry tile

m2- mass of wet tile.
RESULT:
Water absorption…………%

Note: The water absorption should not exceed: 0.1%

Max. water absorption of ceramic tiles: 0.5%

Annexture-2
Stain Resistance test
For testing the resistance to staining, Methylene blue or Potassium permanganate solutions are allowed to
drop on tile and kept it for dry and then the test surfaces are inspected for visual changes it should not
observe any stain over the tile.
Annexture-3
Chemical Resistance test
For testing the resistance of acids, Hcl (3% concentration) or citric acid (100g/litre) are allowed to drop
on tile and kept it for dry and then the test surfaces are inspected for visual changes. It should not observe
any changes due to acid.
Note: For testing the resistance to household chemicals, swimming pool salts and citric acid, part of the
glazed surface is subjected to the action of the test solution for 6 h and then inspected for visual changes.

Annexture-4
Scratch resistance
Place the tile under test on a firm support with the glazed or proper surface uppermost. Scratch the tile by
hand using sharp broken tile piece or any other hard material in uniform pressure such that at the end
Examine the tiles for scratches by naked eye, with the aid of spectacles, if usually worn.
Repeat this procedure four times there should not observe any scratches on tile