June 2026: New Standards Boost Quality in Glass and Ceramics Industries

Staying ahead in the rapidly evolving glass and ceramics sector depends on adopting the most current international standards. In June 2026, two essential documents were published, impacting quality assurance, material testing, and global competitiveness for manufacturers, suppliers, and researchers in advanced ceramics. These updates provide industry professionals with validated methods for both chemical analysis and mechanical property determination, directly impacting the performance and compliance of products used in demanding applications.

Overview / Introduction

The glass and ceramics industries serve as the backbone for high-performance materials found in electronics, automotive components, medical devices, and aerospace engineering. Maintaining strict quality assurance, precise chemical composition, and reliable mechanical properties is vital for ensuring safety, durability, and customer trust.

International standards provide clear, harmonized requirements for chemical and mechanical testing, enabling companies to demonstrate compliance with global regulations and tap into new markets. The June 2026 releases bring forward:

• Trusted analytical methods for silicon nitride powders, used in advanced technical ceramics
• Updated procedures for evaluating the tensile properties of ceramic matrix composites at ambient temperature

Professionals reading this article will gain a comprehensive understanding of the new requirements, technical procedures, and how to efficiently implement these standards to enhance product quality and compliance.

Detailed Standards Coverage

prEN ISO 17947-1 - Methods for Chemical Analysis of Silicon Nitride Powders

Fine ceramics (advanced ceramics, advanced technical ceramics) - Methods for chemical analysis of silicon nitride powders - Part 1: Wet chemical methods, X-ray fluorescence (XRF) using the fused cast-bead method, carrier-gas hot extraction (CGHE) and combustion methods (ISO/DIS 17947-1:2025)

This standard, newly published by CEN in June 2026, is a comprehensive guide specifying methods for the precise chemical analysis of silicon nitride (– Si3N4) powders—a central material in advanced ceramics. It sets the benchmarks for quantitative determination of critical elements including total silicon, nitrogen, aluminium, iron, calcium, oxygen, carbon, fluorine, and chlorine.

Scope and Methodologies:

• Covers a variety of analytical techniques:
  • Wet chemical methods
  • X-ray fluorescence (XRF) with fused cast-bead
  • Carrier-gas hot extraction (CGHE)
  • Combustion methods
• Designed to handle silicon nitride powder samples used for fine and technical ceramics
• Specifies analyte ranges for each element (e.g., 30% to 70% for silicon, 0.001% to 0.6% for metals)
• Details stringent sample preparation protocols ensuring reproducibility and accuracy

Key Requirements and Procedures:

• Silicon Determination: Choice between fusion-gravimetry/ICP-OES or rapid XRF, offering both high-precision and high-throughput options
• Nitrogen Analysis: Multiple validated methods, including acid pressure decomposition and inert gas fusion, cater to different lab capabilities
• Trace Analysis: Robust pathways for quantifying minor (Al, Fe, Ca) and trace (F, Cl) elements
• Mandates rigorous blank tests and use of certified reference materials (CRMs) for calibration
• Results must be calculated and expressed according to clearly defined mathematical formulas, ensuring consistency

Target Users:

• Advanced ceramics manufacturers
• Quality and testing labs
• Raw material suppliers
• Research institutions specializing in material science

Implementation Implications:

• Adoption ensures accurate raw material characterization, crucial for downstream properties (e.g., mechanical strength, durability)
• Supports regulatory reporting and traceability in global supply chains
• Enables product differentiation and international market access

Notable Changes:

• Revises and harmonizes methodologies previously found in JIS, CEN, and ASTM standards
• Introduces improved calibration and reporting practices
• Greater clarity in sample handling and analytical protocols

Key highlights:

• Validated multi-method approach tailored for Si3N4 powders
• Ranges and procedures for nine critical elements
• Requirements for calibration with internationally recognized CRMs

Access the full standard:View prEN ISO 17947-1 on iTeh Standards

ISO 15733:2026 - Determination of Tensile Properties of Ceramic Composites

Fine ceramics (advanced ceramics, advanced technical ceramics) — Mechanical properties of ceramic composites at ambient temperature in air atmospheric pressure — Determination of tensile properties

ISO 15733:2026 delivers up-to-date procedures for assessing the tensile properties of ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) reinforced with continuous fibers. These composites are at the forefront in engineering sectors due to their ability to combine lightweight performance with exceptional strength and heat resistance.

Scope and Significance:

• Defines test methods for tensile strength, modulus, strain at fracture, and Poisson’s ratio under ambient conditions
• Applicable across all reinforcement architectures: unidirectional (1D), bidirectional (2D), and multidirectional (xD)
• Critical for manufacturers, R&D labs, and certification bodies evaluating quality and reliability of advanced ceramics

Key Requirements and Specifications:

• Specimen Design and Preparation: Specifies geometry, gauge length, and surface quality for test reliability
• Testing Setup: Stipulates calibrated testing machines (ISO 7500-1), extensometer placement, and strain measurement systems
• Test Procedure: Covers mounting, displacement rates, load application, and data capture
• Data Analysis: Provides calculation methodology for tensile stress, strain, modulus, and Poisson’s ratio
• Reporting: Requires detailed results with traceability to specimen origin, testing conditions, and validity checks

Who Needs to Comply:

• Ceramic composite and advanced material producers
• Quality managers and materials engineers
• Third-party testing laboratories

Practical Implications:

• Ensures comparability of mechanical property data across labs and production batches
• Facilitates compliance with end-user specifications in high-value markets (aerospace, energy, transportation)
• Drives process improvement and product innovation by giving clear feedback on material performance

Notable Updates from Previous Edition:

• Expanded range of evaluated properties (strength, modulus, strain, Poisson’s ratio)
• Greater focus on test validity and force-deformation curve interpretation
• Editorial improvements for usability and clarity

Key highlights:

• Standardizes tensile tests for all CMC reinforcement types
• Ensures reliable measurement of mechanical properties essential for high-performance applications
• Aligns with the latest requirements for dimensional measurement and test machine calibration

Access the full standard:View ISO 15733:2026 on iTeh Standards

Industry Impact & Compliance

The adoption of these two standards is likely to have a significant positive effect on the glass and ceramics industries by strengthening quality controls and paving the way for more reliable and globally competitive products.

Impacts for Businesses:

• Reduces scrap and product failures through standardized testing and reliable analysis
• Facilitates third-party certification and customer audits
• Provides a documented basis for meeting regulatory and customer requirements worldwide

Compliance Considerations:

• Firms should update internal QC protocols and laboratory procedures to align with both standards
• Early adoption is advised as global supply chains increasingly demand traceable testing methodologies
• Staff training and equipment calibration are essential for seamless transition and compliance
• Anticipate customer and regulatory audits referencing these updated requirements

Benefits of Adoption:

• Improved product consistency and performance
• Reduced risk in high-reliability applications (medical, automotive, electronics)
• Enhanced brand reputation and market access

Risks of Non-Compliance:

• Higher likelihood of product rejections or recalls
• Loss of competitive standing
• Potential for barriers in regulated or high-value export markets

Technical Insights

Both new standards emphasize robust, repeatable, and auditable techniques crucial for maintaining high quality and safety.

Common Technical Themes:

• Sample Preparation: Rigorous attention to handling, calibration, and equipment to minimize contamination or error
• Measurement Accuracy: Requirements for periodic calibration of test machines and analytical instruments
• Reporting and Traceability: Mandates for thoroughly documented test procedures and results
• Reference Materials: Use of CRMs and well-established calibration practices

Implementation Best Practices:

1. Conduct a Gap Analysis: Compare current methods with new requirements and update protocols
2. Staff Training: Ensure lab personnel understand new procedures, equipment settings, and documentation requirements
3. Invest in Equipment: Upgrade to instruments capable of meeting precision and calibration demands (e.g., ICP-OES, modern extensometers)
4. Quality Audits: Monitor implementation through internal and (where appropriate) third-party audits

Testing and Certification:

• Laboratories may seek accreditation against ISO/IEC 17025 with demonstrated implementation of the referenced methods
• Manufacturers may provide external clients with certificates of compliance referencing these standards

Conclusion / Next Steps

The June 2026 release of prEN ISO 17947-1 and ISO 15733:2026 signals a major step forward for material reliability in the glass and ceramics sector. By embedding globally accepted methods for both chemical analysis and tensile property determination, organizations can deliver higher-quality, safer, and more competitive ceramic materials.

Key Takeaways:

• Adopt new standards promptly to remain compliant and competitive
• Invest in training and laboratory infrastructure to meet updated requirements
• Audit and document all processes to ensure traceability and regulatory alignment

Recommendations for Organizations:

• Review the full texts on iTeh Standards and update internal documentation
• Engage in staff training and quality assurance projects
• Stay subscribed to iTeh Standards updates to monitor future revisions and best practices

Explore the latest standards and resources for the glass and ceramics sector at iTeh Standards. Remain proactive and compliant in a dynamic global industry.