ASTM C556-16(2020)

Standard Test Method for Resistance of Overglaze Decorations to Attack by Detergents

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
2.1 This test method provides an indication of service life under detergent exposure.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method2 covers the determination and evaluation of the resistance of overglaze decorations on ceramic whitewares to attack by normal household soaps and liquid detergents under normal household conditions.  
1.2 This test method applies primarily to overglaze decorations applied to dinnerware for domestic use wherein household soaps and detergents are used for cleaning the soiled ware by either hand or machine operations.  
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses after SI units are provided for information only and are not considered standard.  
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Oct-2020
• ICS: 97.040.60 - Cookware, cutlery and flatware
• Technical Committee: C21 - Ceramic Whitewares and Related Products
• Drafting Committee: C21.03 - Methods for Whitewares and Environmental Concerns

Overview

ASTM C556-16(2020): Standard Test Method for Resistance of Overglaze Decorations to Attack by Detergents is a recognized international standard published by ASTM International. This method provides a reliable means to analyze the durability and service life of overglaze decorations applied to ceramic whitewares, particularly those used as domestic dinnerware, under typical cleaning scenarios involving household soaps and liquid detergents. This is vital for manufacturers, suppliers, and quality assurance labs to ensure decorative ceramics maintain quality appearance and safety throughout their lifecycle.

Key Topics

• Purpose and Scope:

  • Provides a systematic approach for determining the resistance of decorative glazes to common detergents.
  • Applies mainly to overglaze decorations found on ceramic dishes, bowls, plates, and related household dinnerware.
  • Focuses on typical household cleaning conditions, including both manual and machine dishwashing.

• Methodology:

  • Utilizes representative test specimens with overglaze decorations.
  • Involves exposure to a standard sodium carbonate solution, simulating detergent attack at elevated temperatures.
  • Assessment includes visual examination and a standardized rating system to classify the degree of decoration erosion, ranging from no attack to complete removal.

• Rating and Evaluation:

  • Results are recorded based on a numerical scale that identifies visual changes, such as fading, dulling, or loss of decoration.
  • Multiple exposure periods (2, 4, and 6 hours) provide insights into progressive resistance.
  • Ensures repeatability and reliability when conducted by trained personnel.

Applications

• Product Development and Quality Assurance:

  • Ceramic manufacturers can use this standard to assess the durability of overglaze decorations during product development and prior to market release.
  • Quality control teams can validate decorative longevity claims and maintain compliance with industry requirements.

• Consumer Safety and Satisfaction:

  • By adhering to ASTM C556, producers help ensure that decorative ceramics remain aesthetically pleasing and safe for repeated use and cleaning, supporting consumer trust in product durability.

• Regulatory and Compliance Testing:

  • Meets internationally recognized principles for standardization, making it suitable for conformity assessment in international trade.
  • Facilitates comparison of products globally, helping manufacturers meet diverse regulatory requirements.

• Research and Development:

  • Academic and industrial research organizations employ this standardized method to evaluate new glazing techniques and detergent-resistant compositions.

Related Standards

Manufacturers and laboratories engaging with ASTM C556-16(2020) may also reference the following related standards:

• ASTM C738 - Test Method for Lead and Cadmium Extracted from Glazed Ceramic Surfaces.
• ASTM C927 - Standard Specification for Decorated Porcelain Armware.
• ASTM C242 - Standard Terminology of Ceramic Whitewares and Related Products.

These standards complement ASTM C556 by addressing additional aspects of safety, quality, and terminology relevant to ceramics and decorative finishes.

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Adopting ASTM C556-16(2020) in testing routines safeguards the longevity and visual appeal of overglaze decorations on domestic ceramics. By using this standard, manufacturers can align their products with international expectations for detergent resistance, leading to improved customer confidence and broader market access.

Keywords: ASTM C556, ceramic dinnerware, overglaze decorations, detergent resistance, ceramic standards, household detergents, decorative ceramics, quality assurance, international standard.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: C556 − 16 (Reapproved 2020)
Standard Test Method for
Resistance of Overglaze Decorations to Attack by
Detergents
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C556; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 3.3 Steam Bath, or other heating device capable of main-
2 taining bath temperature at 95 6 1.1 °C (203 6 2 °F).
1.1 This test method covers the determination and evalua-
tion of the resistance of overglaze decorations on ceramic
4. Reagents and Materials
whitewares to attack by normal household soaps and liquid
detergents under normal household conditions. 4.1 Sodium Carbonate Solution, made by dissolving anhy-
drous sodium carbonate in distilled water in the ratio of5gof
1.2 This test method applies primarily to overglaze decora-
sodium carbonate per litre (1.14 qt) of water.
tions applied to dinnerware for domestic use wherein house-
hold soaps and detergents are used for cleaning the soiled ware 4.2 Clean Muslin Cloth.
by either hand or machine operations.
5. Sampling
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
standard. The values given in parentheses after SI units are 5.1 Whole pieces or segments of ware are selected so as to
provided for information only and are not considered standard. be representative of the decoration to be tested.
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
6. Test Specimens
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
6.1 The size of the specimens shall be such that the ratio of
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
the total surface area of three specimens to volume of test
2 2
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
solution shall be not greater than 100 cm (15.5 in. ) of surface
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
to 3 L (3.2 qt) solution. Four identical specimens (identical as
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
to decoration, not necessarily as to size or shape) are required
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
for each test.
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
7. Procedure
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
7.1 Place the stainless steel specimen support in the bottom
of the 4 L (4.2-qt) stainless steel beaker, and pour 3 L (3.2 qt)
2. Significance and Use
of sodium carbonate standard test solution into the beaker.
2.1 This test method provides an indication of service life
Cover the beaker and let it remain covered throughout the test
under detergent exposure.
except for brief intervals when temperature measurements are
made or when specimens are inserted or withdrawn. Place the
3. Apparatus
beaker on the steam bath or other heat source, and heat the test
3.1 Stainless Steel Beaker, 4 L(4.2 qt) capacity, fitted with a
solution to 95 6 1.1 °C (203 6 2 °F) throughout the test.
stainless steel lid.
NOTE 1—The mean temperature at which this test must be conducted is
3.2 Stainless Steel Supports, to hold specimens off the
just below (approximately 1 °C (or 2 °F)) the boiling point of water. If the
test is conducted at altitudes above sea level, appropriate adjustment
bottom of the beaker.
should be made where steam baths are not used.
7.2 Degrease the specimens just prior to testing by washing
This test method is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee C21 on Ceramic
in warm distilled water, rinsing with acetone until the surface
Whitewares and Related Products and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
films uniformly with distilled water, rinsing finally with fresh
C21.03 on Methods for Whitewares and Environmental Concerns.
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