Overview
EN ISO 10545-9:2013 (ISO 10545-9:2013) specifies a laboratory test method to determine the resistance to thermal shock of ceramic tiles. The standard defines a reproducible procedure that cycles whole tile specimens between low and high temperatures to simulate rapid temperature changes that tiles may experience in normal use.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope: Applies to all ceramic tiles under normal conditions of use; choice of test variant depends on tile water absorption.
- Principle: Cycle each whole tile 10 times between approximately 15 °C (low temperature) and 145 °C (high temperature) and then inspect for defects.
- Water absorption threshold: Different procedures are specified depending on water absorption determined per ISO 10545-3:
- Tiles with water absorption ≤ 10 %: test with immersion (tiles immersed vertically in cold water).
- Glazed tiles with water absorption > 10 %: test without immersion (glazed face in contact with aluminium granules over cold-water bath).
- Apparatus:
- Low-temperature water bath maintained at (15 ± 5) °C (example bath: 55 × 35 × 20 cm, flow ≈ 4 L/min).
- Oven capable of (145 ± 5) °C.
- For non-immersion tests: aluminium plate with ~5 mm layer of aluminium granules (0.3–0.6 mm diameters).
- Specimens: Random selection; a minimum of five whole tiles tested.
- Procedure details:
- Preliminary visual check under at least 300 lux from 25–30 cm.
- For each cycle: 15 minutes at low temperature, transfer to oven until uniform temperature (typically ~20 minutes), then back to low temperature. Repeat for 10 cycles.
- Final examination for visible defects; optional use of a 1 % methylene blue solution to help detect cracks or defects (apply, wait 1 minute, then wipe).
- Test report requirements: Must reference ISO 10545-9:2013 and include tile description, water absorption, test type (with/without immersion) and number of specimens showing visible defects.
Applications
- Establishes a repeatable method to evaluate tile durability against rapid temperature changes found in:
- Kitchens, fireplaces, stove surrounds and outdoor installations.
- Industrial or commercial areas exposed to hot-cleaning cycles.
- Used to support product specifications, quality control, conformity assessment and performance claims for ceramic tiles.
Who uses this standard
- Tile manufacturers and R&D labs
- Accredited testing laboratories and quality control departments
- Product certifiers, specifiers, architects and construction professionals
- Regulatory bodies and compliance officers
Related standards
- ISO 10545 series (dimensions, water absorption, mechanical and other performance tests)
- ISO 10545-3 (water absorption measurement) - normative reference
- ISO 13006 (definitions, classification and marking for ceramic tiles)
Keywords: EN ISO 10545-9:2013, ISO 10545-9:2013, ceramic tiles thermal shock, thermal cycling test, ceramic tile testing, resistance to thermal shock.
