There are 2 methods to determine the water absorption of the ceramic tiles:
* Boiling method; and
* Vacuum method
The boiling method is used to classify the ceramic tiles and involves drying the tiles out and then boiling them in water for 2 hours followed by cooling to room temperature over a four hour period. The mass of the tiles are weighed both before and after the water immersion to determine the percentage of water absorption.
The vacuum method evacuates the air from a chamber with the tiles inside and then immerses the tiles in water. Once again the tiles are weighed before and water immersion to determine the apparent porosity, apparent relative density and bulk density.
In general terms, if the tile has low water absorption, the durability and strength are increased. Low water absorption restricts the amount of water that may cause failure by cyclic salt attack and freeze thaw.
These low water absorption ceramic tiles are generally referred to as fully vitrified, impervious and porcelain. There terms are synonymous exhibit water absorption of less than 0.5% when tested to AS4459.3, Determination of water absorption, apparent porosity, apparent relative density and bulk density.
While generally fully vitrified, impervious and porcelain are viewed by the consumer as superior products, it does not guarantee that the material is fit for purpose. Hence the requirements for other test methods in the Australian Standards AS 4662.
Written by: Carl Strautins
Safe Environments
Carl Strautins is Property Risk Consultant with Safe Environments Pty Ltd, providing slip resistance, and tiling testing and consulting services. Carl's career started at CSIRO conducting research in the area of slip resistance. He holds a BSc (Materials Science), an MSc (OHS Management) and is a member of Australian Standards Committees BD-044 Fixing of Ceramic, Natural and Reconstituted Stone Tiles, BD-094 Slip Resistance of Flooring Surfaces. Carl is pioneering the integration of accelerated wear test methods and slip resistance quality management systems.
