ASTM C373-18(2023)

Standard Test Methods for Determination of Water Absorption and Associated Properties by Vacuum Method for Pressed Ceramic Tiles and Glass Tiles and Boil Method for Extruded Ceramic Tiles and Non-tile Fired Ceramic Whiteware Products

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
3.1 Measurement of density, porosity, and specific gravity is a tool for determining the degree of maturation of a ceramic body, or for determining structural properties that may be required for a given application.
SCOPE
1.1 These test methods covers procedures for determining water absorption, bulk density, apparent porosity, and apparent specific gravity of non-tile fired unglazed ceramic whiteware2 products, glazed or unglazed ceramic tiles, and glass tiles.  
1.2 The values stated in metric units are normative. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to inch-pound units that are provided for information only and are not normative.  
1.3 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.  
1.4 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: 28-Feb-2023
• ICS: 81.060.20 - Ceramic products
• 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

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: C373 − 18 (Reapproved 2023)
Standard Test Methods for
Determination of Water Absorption and Associated
Properties by Vacuum Method for Pressed Ceramic Tiles
and Glass Tiles and Boil Method for Extruded Ceramic Tiles
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and Non-tile Fired Ceramic Whiteware Products
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C373; 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 4. Apparatus and Materials
1.1 These test methods covers procedures for determining
4.1 Balance or scale, of adequate capacity, suitable to weigh
water absorption, bulk density, apparent porosity, and apparent
accurately to 0.01 g (0.00002 lb).
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specific gravity of non-tile fired unglazed ceramic whiteware
4.2 Oven, capable of maintaining a temperature of 150 °C 6
products, glazed or unglazed ceramic tiles, and glass tiles.
5 °C (302 °F 6 9 °F).
1.2 The values stated in metric units are normative. The
4.3 Wire Loop, Halter, or Basket, capable of supporting
values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to
specimens under water for making suspended mass measure-
inch-pound units that are provided for information only and are
ments.
not normative.
4.4 Suspended Mass Container (if Determination of Sus-
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
pended Mass is Desired)—A glass beaker or similar container
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
of such size and shape that the sample, when suspended from
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
the balance by the wire loop, specified in 4.3, is completely
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
immersed in water with the sample and the wire loop com-
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
pletely free of contact with any part of the container.
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
4.5 Stainless Steel Boiling Container, suitable for boiling
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
water and with sufficient capacity to hold the test specimens
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
and quantity of water specified in 6.2. The container shall be
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
equipped with a loose removable cover which does not allow
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
pressure to build.
2. Referenced Documents
4.6 Deionized (DI) or Distilled Water.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
4.7 Microfiber Cloth.
E691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to
4.8 Heat Source, such as a hot plate, burner, or equivalent to
Determine the Precision of a Test Method
heat the water to boiling.
3. Significance and Use
4.9 Desiccator—a sealed chamber containing desiccants
3.1 Measurement of density, porosity, and specific gravity is
which is of sufficient size and capacity to allow specimens to
a tool for determining the degree of maturation of a ceramic
cool while preventing the specimens from absorbing moisture
body, or for determining structural properties that may be
from ambient air.
required for a given application.
4.10 Pressure Vessel, capable of holding a vacuum of
91 kPa 6 5 kPa (26.9 inHg 6 1.5 inHg) below standard
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These test methods is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C21 on atmospheric pressure. The vessel shall be large enough to hold
Ceramic Whitewares and Related Products and is the direct responsibility of
the required number of tile samples and the necessary volume
Subcommittee C21.03 on Methods for Whitewares and Environmental Concerns.
of water to cover the tiles during testing. A modified 41.5 quart
Current edition approved March 1, 2023. Published March 2023. Originally
pressure cooker has been found to meet these requirements.
approved in 1955. Last previous edition approved in 2018 as C373 – 18. DOI:
10.1520/C0373-18R23.
2
4.11 Vacuum Pump, capable of achieving and holding the
Non-tile ceramic whitewares are ceramic whitewares as defined in ASTM
Terminology Standard C242, excluding ceramic tiles. required vacuum.
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C373 − 18 (2023)
4.12 Gauge, capable of measuring the required vacuum.
Gauge shall be installed on a manifold connected directly to the
pressure vessel. Readings from any gauges pre
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