ASTM C373 Standard Test Method for Water Absorption, Bulk Density, Apparent Porosity, and Apparent Specific Gravity of Fired Whiteware Products

    ASTM C373 Introduction

    ASTM C373 is a standard that provides consistent methods of finding water absorption, bulk density, apparent porosity, and apparent specific gravity of ceramic and whiteware finished products. These physical characteristics are important insights into the quality of materials, their longevity, and their appropriateness to the purpose. Ceramic maturity assessment using density, porosity, and specific gravity measurements helps identify structural requirements for specific applications. ASTM C373 evaluates the physical characteristics of fired whiteware, ceramic tiles, and glass tiles, ensuring quality control and performance assessment and aiding producers and customers in selecting appropriate materials for specific applications. Determination of water absorption, bulk density, apparent porosity, and apparent specific gravity of non-tile fired unglazed ceramic whiteware products, glazed or unglazed ceramic tiles, and glass tiles.

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    ASTM C373 Certified Standard Benefits

    Being certified to ASTM C373 guarantees that the labs conduct ceramic property testing utilizing globally embraced testing methods. Certification ensures a uniformity, precision, and consistency of test results and helps construct products that comply with construction and quality standards. Certified testing provides better confidence in material performance, better control of production, lower rejection rates, and high credibility on the domestic and international markets.

    ASTM C373 Scope

    • Addresses the identification of the absorption and density-related characteristics of fired ceramic products. 
    • Applicable to whiteware, ceramic tiles, porcelain, etc., the fired materials. 
    • Assesses the open porosity that affects durability and strength. 
    • Applicable in quality control, product certification, and research. Not to be applied to unfired or partially fired ceramics.

    ASTM C373 Equipment and Sample Preparation

    Specimen DetailsTest tiles such as ceramic, porcelain, or glass through the cleaning and preparation of specimens. Manage the storage and handling of specimens, which are to be taken care of and kept in a controlled environment to avoid ruining the specimen and keeping moisture content.
    Specimen DimensionsThe thickness of the tiles, which is also important in determining such properties as water absorption and density, is usually 6 mm to 12 mm with ceramic tiles, though this can differ depending on the type and use. 
    Specimen Size Specimen sizes are the physical sizes and shapes of tile specimens according to ASTM C373 standard. The most popular sizes are 10 cm x 10 cm and 15 cm x 15 cm. 

    ASTM C373 Use / Applications

    • Water absorption assessment of frost resistance. 

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    • Ceramic products classification according to the levels of porosity. 

    • Checking the manufacturing process and verifying the batches. 

    • Ceramic formulations research and development. 

    • Construction and building standards compliance testing.

    ASTM C373 Common Challenges and Troubleshooting

    Testing has a problem in ensuring that the sample preparation conditions are uniform; this challenges the test. Various time consumption in drying before saturation with less than satisfactory boiling, or small deviations in initial dry weight, can cause potential incorrect readings. Labs use calibrated equipment and ensure proper sample preparation.

    ASTM C373 Technique, Process, and Data Collection

    This is done by drying specimens to a constant mass and then controlled boiling and soaking to complete saturation. Measurements are made in the dry, saturated, and submerged weights. The data collection involves mass values needed in the estimation of absorption, density, and porosity parameters. All the measurements are systematically taken and checked against various specimens.

    ASTM C373 Testing Procedure and Requirements

    Specimen SelectionRepresentative samples of fired whiteware, ceramic tiles, or glass tiles are required for the ASTM C373 test. These samples must be clean, dry, and defect-free. The standard specifies the necessary number of specimens for accurate measurements, ensuring they are of sufficient size.
    Test Setup and ExecutionThe test specimen mass is determined by heating it at 150°C for 24 hours, cooling it, and determining the dry mass (D). They are then boiled and soaked for 24 hours, after which the suspended mass (S) is determined. The specimens are weighed and blotted with a damp leather chamois to determine the saturated mass (M).

    ASTM C373 Results and Interpretation

    Water absorption percentage is used to determine the capacity of a tile to absorb water, and bulk density is used to determine the mass of a tile divided by its volume. Apparent porosity shows the percentage of open pores or vacuities in the structure of the tile, and apparent specific gravity is the weight of a tile divided by the weight of the water. The larger values are used to show denser and stronger tiles.

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    ASTM C373 Problem & Solution

    One issue is the wrong absorption values caused by a lack of boiling or trapped air in pores. This leads to the underestimation of porosity. The answer is strict observation of boiling and soaking time, and utmost immersion of the specimen. The other problem is that surface drying is not done before weighing, and this can be addressed by standardized blotting methods before weighing.

    FAQ

    Where can I get the astm c373 tested?
    You can share your astm c373 testing requirements with MaTestLab. MaTestLab has a vast network of material testing laboratories, spread across the USA and Canada. We support your all material testing needs ranging from specific astm c373 test to various testing techniques.
    Please contact us for a detailed quote for your astm c373 testing needs. Cost incurred to carry out different astm c373 testing methodology depends on the type of raw material; number of samples, coupons, or specimens; test conditions, turn around time etc. Costs of some ASTM testing methods start from $100 and the final value depends upon the factors listed above. Please contact us for the best and latest prices.
    The required number of samples or specimens should comply with the procedure given in the astm c373 standard. However, the MaTestLab operations team can assist you for your special requirements once you share your testing details with us.
    MaTestLab has a vast testing laboratory network, hence we bring you the best testing facilities in a cost-effective way. We offer considerable discounts (15-20%) to our returning customers based on test volume and frequency.
    The turnaround time for astm c373 test methodology depends upon the test procedure mentioned in the standard test document. However, we at MaTestLab understand your research requirements and hence try to get your test completed within the least possible time.
    Divakar Shukla
    About Author
    Divakar Shukla is an Electrical and Electronics Engineer specializing in the convergence of embedded systems architecture, industrial automation, and applied artificial intelligence.
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