There are 2 methods to determine the water absorption of the ceramic tiles.
Water absorption test for ceramic tiles.
For each tile calculate the water absorption in percentage to the first decimal place of the dry mass using the following formula.
The boiling method is used to classify the ceramic tiles and involves drying the tiles out and then boiling them in water for 2 hours followed by cooling to room temperature over a four hour period.
Where m1 mass of the dry tile in g.
Porcelain tile porcelain tile has a water absorption rate of 0 5 percent or lower as defined by the american society for testing and materials astm section c373.
Water absorption m2 m1 m1 100.
According to china s national standards for testing tiles tiles according to the different water absorption divided into porcelain brick water absorption e 0 5 fine stoneware tile water absorption 3 e 6 stoneware brick water absorption 6 e 10 ceramic brick water absorption of 10 or more and so on.
Then it is weighed again.
This is where porcelain tile is generally categorized.
Reflecting the density of the tile body ceramic tiles are also classified by their water absorption rate apart from the resistance to wear and tear.
Lcs laboratory offers laboratory testing of water absorption bulk density apparent porosity and apparent specific gravity of ceramic and glass tiles.
If water is absorbed quite quickly the tile is considered to be normal absorbent type.
An easy way to test tiles absorption is to drop little amount of water on the tile back.
M2 mass of the wet tile in g.
Impervious extremely dense tile with water absorption of 0 5 percent or less.