ISO 10545-23:2025

ISO 10545-23:2025 - Overview

ISO 10545-23:2025 specifies a standardized laboratory method to determine the elastic modulus of glazed and unglazed ceramic tiles - including the substrate and the glaze layer - at ambient temperature using three-point bending tests. The document covers specimen preparation, test modes, loading rates, data acquisition, measurement accuracy and reporting requirements. It is intended for plate-shaped tiles and excludes profiled tiles that cannot be machined into test specimens. Annex A and B provide additional guidance on applications and specimen preparation.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Test principle: Elastic modulus calculated from the linear portion of the load–deflection curve obtained in a three-point bending configuration. Measurement of both glazed and unglazed specimens enables calculation of the glaze-layer modulus.
• Specimen geometry: Typical specimen size is 300 mm long × 30 mm wide; thickness normally 10 mm (or equal to tile thickness ≤ 10 mm). Smaller specimens (220 mm × 20 mm) recommended when thickness < 5 mm. Glaze/substrate thickness ratios and uniformity requirements are specified.
• Machine and loading: Use a calibrated testing machine compliant with ISO 7500-1. Recommended crosshead speed: 0.5 mm/min. Span: 280 mm for thickness ≥ 5 mm, 200 mm for thickness < 5 mm.
• Measurement accuracy: Force and recording error ≤ 1 %. Deflection measured to at least 0.001 mm precision. Data collection frequency minimum 15 Hz (50 Hz recommended).
• Specimen preparation: Two approaches - grind glaze off glazed specimens or use matched unglazed tiles with identical substrate composition/sintering. Minimum of six specimens; five used for modulus tests after one for estimating fracture load. Test load for modulus ≤ 60 % of fracture load.
• Reporting and uncertainty: Procedures for calculating specimen and glaze-layer modulus, mean values, standard deviation and uncertainty analysis are provided.

Applications and who uses it

• Material research and R&D for ceramic tile producers and coating developers
• Quality control and production verification in tile manufacturing
• Product characterization for architects, structural engineers and façade designers needing mechanical properties for design and simulation
• Test laboratories and certification bodies performing standardized mechanical property assessments

Related standards

• ISO 7500-1 - Calibration and verification of testing machines (force-measuring system)
• ISO 3611 - Dimensional measuring equipment (Vernier calipers)

Keywords: ISO 10545-23:2025, ceramic tiles, elastic modulus, three-point bending, glazed tile testing, glaze layer modulus, material characterization, quality control.