ASTM C1203-04(2019)

Standard Test Method for Quantitative Determination of Alkali Resistance of a Ceramic-Glass Enamel

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 This test method is intended to be used when a quantitative measurement of the alkali durability of a ceramic-glass enamel is needed. The test is applicable to glass coated with fired enamels where exposure to strong alkalis, or alkalis at elevated temperatures might be encountered in service.  
5.2 This test method is intended to be an accelerated, destructive test. Results can be used as an indicator of the relative durability of a particular enamel.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the resistance of a fired ceramic-glass enamel to a 10 % alkali solution held near its boiling point for 2 h.  
1.2 This test method is not applicable to large tempered glass sheets or specimens larger than 9 by 9 cm.  
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this 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. For specific hazard statements, see Section 9.  
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-Jan-2019
• ICS: 25.220.50 - Enamels
• Technical Committee: C14 - Glass and Glass Products
• Drafting Committee: C14.10 - Glass Decoration

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM C1203-04(2014) - Standard Test Method for Quantitative Determination of Alkali Resistance of a Ceramic-Glass Enamel
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2019
• Refers: ASTM C162-23 - Standard Terminology of Glass and Glass Products
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2023
• Refers: ASTM C927-80(2019)e1 - Standard Test Method for Lead and Cadmium Extracted from the Lip and Rim Area of Glass Tumblers Externally Decorated with Ceramic Glass Enamels
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2019
• Refers: ASTM C162-05(2015) - Standard Terminology of<brk type="line"/> Glass and Glass Products
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2015
• Refers: ASTM C927-80(2014) - Standard Test Method for Lead and Cadmium Extracted from the Lip and Rim Area of Glass Tumblers Externally Decorated with Ceramic Glass Enamels
• Effective Date: 01-May-2014
• Refers: ASTM E691-13 - Standard Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method
• Effective Date: 01-May-2013
• Refers: ASTM E691-11 - Standard Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2011
• Refers: ASTM C927-80(2009) - Standard Test Method for Lead and Cadmium Extracted from the Lip and Rim Area of Glass Tumblers Externally Decorated with Ceramic Glass Enamels
• Effective Date: 01-May-2009
• Refers: ASTM E691-08 - Standard Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2008
• Refers: ASTM E691-05 - Standard Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2005
• Refers: ASTM C162-05 - Standard Terminology of Glass and Glass Products
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2005
• Refers: ASTM C162-05(2010) - Standard Terminology of Glass and Glass Products
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2005
• Refers: ASTM C927-80(2004) - Standard Test Method for Lead and Cadmium Extracted from the Lip and Rim Area of Glass Tumblers Externally Decorated with Ceramic Glass Enamels
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2004
• Refers: ASTM C162-04 - Standard Terminology of Glass and Glass Products
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2004
• Refers: ASTM C162-03 - Standard Terminology of Glass and Glass Products
• Effective Date: 10-Jul-2003

Overview

ASTM C1203-04(2019), "Standard Test Method for Quantitative Determination of Alkali Resistance of a Ceramic-Glass Enamel," is an internationally recognized standard developed by ASTM International. This test method provides a precise and quantitative approach to measuring the alkali durability of fired ceramic-glass enamels applied to glass substrates. It is particularly useful in situations where glassware might be exposed to strong alkalis or elevated temperatures during service, helping to evaluate and compare the long-term performance of different enamel coatings.

The standard outlines a destructive and accelerated test method, using immersion in a 10% alkali solution at near-boiling conditions. The procedure measures the weight loss of the enamel coating, giving a direct indicator of its resistance to chemical attack by alkalis.

Key Topics

• Test Scope and Applicability

  • Focuses on fired ceramic-glass enamels exposed to harsh alkali environments.
  • Not applicable to large tempered glass sheets or specimens exceeding 9 by 9 cm in size.
  • All measurements are taken in SI units.

• Test Procedure Highlights

  • Test specimens are fully immersed in a 10% sodium hydroxide solution at 95°C for 2 hours.
  • Weight loss is measured before and after alkali exposure to quantify material durability.
  • Includes control tests using non-decorated specimens for accurate comparison.

• Significance and Use

  • Determines the relative durability of ceramic-glass enamels.
  • Results can inform material selection, product development, and quality control.
  • Especially relevant where glassware is subject to cleaning cycles, industrial processing, or architectural applications.

• Safety Considerations

  • Use of caustic solutions requires appropriate personal protective equipment and safety protocols.
  • Proper ventilation, including fume hoods, is mandatory during testing.

Applications

The ASTM C1203-04(2019) standard is widely used by:

• Manufacturers of Decorative Glassware

  • Ensures that products maintain color, gloss, and surface integrity when exposed to cleaning agents or harsh chemicals.

• Architectural Glass Producers

  • Verifies the long-term durability of ceramic-glass enamels used in building facades and interior glass installations.

• Quality Control Laboratories

  • Implements standardized, repeatable tests for product certification, specification compliance, and batch release validation.

• Research and Development Teams

  • Assists in the comparative evaluation of new enamel formulations or coatings with enhanced alkali stability.

• Regulatory Compliance

  • Meets due diligence requirements for product performance and safety in global markets, following principles set by international trade agreements.

Related Standards

For comprehensive analysis and testing of glass and glass-enamel products, the following ASTM standards are frequently referenced alongside ASTM C1203-04(2019):

• ASTM C162: Terminology of Glass and Glass Products
• ASTM C927: Test Method for Lead and Cadmium Extracted from the Lip and Rim Area of Glass Tumblers Externally Decorated with Ceramic Glass Enamels
• ASTM E691: Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method

These related standards provide additional guidance on terminology, chemical safety, and testing consistency across laboratories.

---

Keywords: alkali resistance, ceramic-glass enamel, ASTM C1203, glass enamel durability, accelerated test, architectural glass, quality control, glass product standards, 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: C1203 − 04 (Reapproved 2019)
Standard Test Method for
Quantitative Determination of Alkali Resistance of a
Ceramic-Glass Enamel
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C1203; 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. Terminology
3.1 Definitions:
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the resis-
3.1.1 For additional definitions of terms refer to Terminol-
tance of a fired ceramic-glass enamel to a 10 % alkali solution
ogy C162.
held near its boiling point for 2 h.
3.1.2 ceramic glass enamels (also glass enamels or ceramic
1.2 This test method is not applicable to large tempered
enamels)—predominantly colored, silicate-glass fluxes used to
glass sheets or specimens larger than 9 by 9 cm.
decorate glassware. C927
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
3.1.3 maturity—of a fired ceramic glass enamel, a ceramic
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
glass enamel has been fired to maturity when porosity of the
standard.
ceramic glass enamel has been substantially eliminated, and
theexpectedsurfaceglossofthefiredceramicglassenamelhas
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
been achieved.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
3.1.3.1 Discussion—Refer to GTA Engineering Standards
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
Manual, Section 4, D.3.3.1 and D.3.4.1, for testing criteria for
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
maturity.
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
For specific hazard statements, see Section 9.
4. Summary of Test Method
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
4.1 This test method measures the weight loss of a glass
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
specimen decorated with a fired ceramic-glass enamel, when
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
completely immersed in a 10 % alkali solution near its boiling
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
point. A stainless steel beaker containing test samples and a
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
10 % alkali solution is heated at 95°C in a temperature
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
controlled water bath for 2 h. Chemical dissolution of the
ceramic-glass-enamel coating as well as any loss of weight due
2. Referenced Documents
to the dissolution of the substrate is measured by determining
2.1 ASTM Standards:
weight loss of the specimen after exposure to the hot alkali
C162 Terminology of Glass and Glass Products
solution. Asubstrate without ceramic-glass enamel is tested to
C927 Test Method for Lead and Cadmium Extracted from
determine the expected weight loss due to dissolution of the
the Lip and Rim Area of Glass Tumblers Externally
nondecorated side of the substrate.
Decorated with Ceramic Glass Enamels
5. Significance and Use
E691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to
Determine the Precision of a Test Method
5.1 This test method is intended to be used when a quanti-
tative measurement of the alkali durability of a ceramic-glass
enamel is needed. The test is applicable to glass coated with
fired enamels where exposure to strong alkalis, or alkalis at
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C14 on Glass
elevated temperatures might be encountered in service.
and Glass Products and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C14.10 on
Glass Decoration.
5.2 This test method is intended to be an accelerated,
Current edition approved Feb. 1, 2019. Published February 2019. Originally
destructive test. Results can be used as an indicator of the
approved in 1991. Last previous edition approved in 2014 as C1203 – 04 (2014).
DOI: 10.1520/C1203-04R19.
relative durability of a particular enamel.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on GTA Engineering Standards Manual, Glass Tempering Association, Topeka,
the ASTM website. KS, 1992.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
C1203 − 04 (2019)
6. Interferences 8. Reagents and Materials
6.1 The extent to which an enamel has been fired to 8.1 Alkali Solution—Dissolve 70 g of sodium hydroxide
maturity, as well as the residual stresses remaining after (NaOH) in 630 mL of distilled water.
annealing of test specimen, can influence results.
9. Hazards
6.2 Tests performed on tempered or heat-strengthened pro-
duction ware should be done by annealing the chosen sheet 9.1 Refer to the manufacturer’s Material Safety Data Sheets
before cutting the specimen.
for information regarding these materials.
9.2 A proper fume hood should be used when handling hot
7. Apparatus
caustic solutions. Chemically resistant gloves, eye protection,
7.1 Balance or Scale, accurate to 0.1 g, to weigh reagents.
and clothing should be worn, and tongs should be used. If
accidental contact with caustic is encountered, or if ingestion
7.2 Balance, accurate to 0.1 mg, to weigh specimens.
occurs, seek medical attention immediately.
7.3 Waterbath, temperature controlled, capable of holding
95 6 3°C.
10. Test Specimen
7.4 Glass Marking Scribe.
10.1 The specimen to be tested should be glass decorated
7.5 Beaker, stainless steel, 1200-mL, with no pouring lip, as
withceramicglassenamel,andannealedtorelievestressesthat
shown in Fig. 1.
could cause chipping or cracking during the test. Test a
7.6 Cover, stainless steel, for beaker. nondecorated specimen representative of the decorated sub-
strate along with the decorated specimens as a control.
7.7 Sample Holder, as shown in Fig. 1.
10.2 Cut a specimen with a diamond saw or glass cutter to
7.8 Tongs, heavy duty.
a s
...