ISO 18757:2003

Overview

ISO 18757:2003 specifies how to determine the specific surface area of fine ceramic powders (advanced/technical ceramics) by gas adsorption using the BET method (Brunauer–Emmett–Teller). The standard focuses on details specific to disperse or porous ceramics (pore diameter > 2 nm), describing sample preparation, experimental conditions, data evaluation and reporting for reliable surface area analysis. It complements the general guidance in ISO 9277 and references IUPAC and standard adsorption literature.

Key topics

• Scope & limitations: Applicable to physisorption on mesoporous/disperse ceramics. Not suitable for Type I (microporous) isotherms, chemisorption behavior, or cases where the solid absorbs the measuring gas.
• Principle: Determination of monolayer capacity from an adsorption isotherm using the BET equation to compute total accessible external + internal surface area.
• Sample preparation / outgassing:
  • Outgassing is critical to remove moisture, binders or volatile residues without altering the ceramic microstructure.
  • Typical ceramic outgassing temperatures are in the 150 °C–300 °C range; choose conditions based on thermal stability and TGA/MS where needed.
  • Use the outgassed sample mass for calculations and ensure adequate vacuum during heating (see ISO 18757 for recommended practice).
• Experimental conditions:
  • Common adsorbates: nitrogen at liquid‑nitrogen temperature (~77 K) is standard; argon and krypton are alternatives, especially for low‑surface‑area samples.
  • Purity: adsorbate ≥ 99.99%; helium for calibration/carrier gas ≥ 99.999%.
  • Instrument methods: volumetric, gravimetric or carrier‑gas techniques are permitted; choose based on sample surface area and sensitivity.
  • Sample mass should be recorded accurately (1% recommended, preferably 0.1%).
• Recommended gas ranges:
  • Nitrogen (volumetric): ~5–100 m2 total sample surface; carrier‑gas mode: ~1–100 m2.
  • Argon (volumetric): ~1–30 m2; carrier: ~0.2–5 m2.
  • Krypton (volumetric): ~0.2–5 m2; carrier: ~0.02–0.5 m2.
• Data evaluation & reporting: multi‑point and single‑point BET procedures, saturation pressure determination, temperature control, and required test report elements are covered.

Applications & users

ISO 18757:2003 is used by:

• Materials scientists and ceramic researchers for R&D and characterization.
• Quality control and production labs in advanced ceramics manufacturing.
• Instrument vendors and testing service providers performing surface area analysis. Practical applications include powder processing optimization, sintering behavior correlation, catalyst/support evaluation, and quality acceptance testing.

Related standards

• ISO 9277 (general BET method)
• IUPAC recommendations and adsorption textbooks (for isotherm classification and advanced evaluation methods)

Keywords: ISO 18757:2003, BET method, specific surface area, fine ceramics, gas adsorption, nitrogen adsorption, krypton, argon, outgassing, ceramic powders.