Overview
ISO 13007-2:2013 defines standardized test methods for adhesives used in the installation of ceramic tiles. It is Part 2 of the ISO 13007 series and specifies laboratory procedures to determine key performance characteristics of tile adhesives: open time, slip, shear adhesion strength, tensile adhesion strength, and transverse deformation. The document also sets general test conditions (sampling, conditioning, substrates, mixing) and reporting requirements to ensure repeatable, comparable results.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope of tests: Methods described cover determination of open time, slip, shear and tensile adhesion strength, and transverse deformation for cementitious (C), dispersion (D) and reaction resin (R) adhesives.
- General test conditions: Standard conditioning at 23 ± 2 °C and 50 ± 5 % RH; representative sample size (≥ 2 kg); specified tolerances for specimen conditioning times.
- Mixing procedures: Detailed mixing for cementitious adhesives (manufacturer’s water ratio; planetary mixer speeds and mixing steps). Ready-to-use dispersions and resins are used per manufacturer instructions.
- Test substrates: Mandatory concrete test slab (specified thickness, moisture and absorption ranges) with an informative Annex A describing slab manufacture; other substrates permitted by agreement when compatibility is demonstrated.
- Test fixtures and sample types: Example tile types and sizes are specified for particular tests (e.g., Group BIII porous tiles 50×50 mm for open time; Group BI fully vitrified 100×100 mm tiles for slip). Apparatus and loading rates for tensile and shear tests are defined.
- Failure patterns and interpretation: Clear classification of failure modes - adhesion failure at substrate or tile interfaces (AF‑S, AF‑T), cohesive failure within adhesive (CF‑A), or substrate/tile cohesive failure (CF‑S, CF‑T) - and procedures for reporting percentages of each.
- Test reporting: Mandatory report items include reference to ISO 13007-2, test date, adhesive identification, preparation details (amount of water/liquid), test conditions and individual/mean results.
Applications and who uses this standard
- Adhesive manufacturers: product development, performance verification, and quality control.
- Independent test laboratories: standardized methods for third‑party testing and comparison.
- Specifiers, architects and contractors: selecting adhesives that meet performance claims (open time, slip resistance, adhesion).
- Regulatory bodies and certification schemes: assessing conformity with ISO 13007 series requirements.
Practical uses include product comparison, troubleshooting installation failures, validating compatibility with substrates, and supporting marketing/performance claims.
Related standards
- ISO 13007-1 - Terms, definitions and specifications for adhesives (complements Part 2).
- ISO 13006 - Ceramic tiles: definitions, classification and marking (tile groups referenced in tests).
- Other parts of ISO 13007: Part 3 (grout terms/specs) and Part 4 (grout test methods).
Keywords: ISO 13007-2:2013, tile adhesive test methods, open time test, slip test, shear adhesion strength, tensile adhesion strength, transverse deformation, ceramic tile adhesives, adhesive testing, ISO 13007.
