CHEMICAL RESISTANCE

All ceramic tiles are subject to chemical aggression as a result of cleaning

operations, environmental pollution outdoors, and product spills on flooring.

Chemical aggression leads to loss of gloss, changes in shade, or impaired stain

resistance. Surface corrosion occurs in every case, caused by chemical reaction between
the chemical product and the tile surface, whether the tile is glazed or not.

The nature and degree of vitrification of the ceramic body are critical if aggression
is to appear in unglazed tiles, UGL. The composition of the glazes and decorations are
key factors in glazed tiles, GL.

At the present time, a representative test method is available of the potential

chemical aggression that ceramic tiles may undergo:

By household chemicals
By swimming pool salts
By acids and alkalis at low concentrations (L)
By acids and alkalis at high concentrations (H)

Broadly speaking, three chemical resistance categories are established for the
result of the test:

Class A, when the tile has undergone no apparent surface changes

Class B, when the effects of the aggression are not very noticeable
Class C, when there are evident effects of the attack, with total or partial loss of
the original surface

Chemical resistance according to ISO 10545-13

Standard ISO 10545-13 establishes a method of determining the chemical

resistance of any type of ceramic tile (glazed, GL, or unglazed, UGL) at ambient
temperature, by subjecting the test pieces to the action of test solutions and visually
evaluating the attack after a set period of time.

The test solutions are classified in three large groups, as shown in Chart 1. The
first two groups (4.1 and 4.2, household chemicals and swimming pool salts) represent
the minimum attack that a ceramic tile needs to withstand under normal conditions of
use. The third group (4.3, acids and alkalis) is broken down into two subgroups, which
represent the chemical attack of acids and alkalis at low concentrations (L), and at high
concentrations (H), changing one of their constituents (citric acid in one case and lactic
acid in another). These aqueous test solutions are applied by different methods,
depending on whether the tiles are glazed or unglazed.

Physico-chemical characteristics 1
Chemical resistance
 AQUEOUS TEST SOLUTIONS
4.1 - Household chemicals
Ammonium chloride solution, 100 g/l.

4.2 - Swimming pool salts

Sodium hypochlorite solution of 20 mg/l, prepared from technical grade
sodium hypochlorite with about 13% (m/m) of active chlorine.

4.3 - Acids and alkalis

4.3.1 - Low concentrations (L)

a - Hydrochloric acid solution at 3% (v/v), prepared from
concentrated hydrochloric acid ( = 1.19 g/ml).
b - Citric acid solution of 100 g/l.
c - Potassium hydroxide solution of 30 g/l.

4.3.2 - High concentrations (H)

a - Hydrochloric acid solution at 18% (v/v).
b - Lactic acid solution at 5% (v/v).
c - Potassium hydroxide solution of 100 g/l.

Chart 1

Chemical resistance of unglazed tiles (UGL)

In the case of unglazed tiles (UGL), visual inspection after chemical attack leads
to a classification in three categories, as shown in Chart 2. The first category, or class
A, means that the tile has suffered no damage by the attack, though the standard lays
down that a slight change of hue or loss of gloss is not considered a chemical attack.
Classes B and C are reserved for tiles that have suffered damage on their cut
sides in the former case, and on their cut sides, non-cut sides, and fair face in the latter
case.

The code displayed in trade catalogues and technical information, to indicate the
chemical resistance class of an unglazed ceramic tile, is shown at the bottom of Chart 2
for the three classification groups. The breakdown is as follows:

4.1 and 4.2 (household chemicals and swimming pool salts), codes UA, UB,
and UC, according to the test results.
4.3.1 (acids and alkalis at low concentrations), codes ULA, ULB, and ULC,
according to the test results.
4.3.2 (acids and alkalis at high concentrations), codes UHA, UHB, and UHC,
according to the test results.

Physico-chemical characteristics 2
Chemical resistance
 Chart 2

Chemical resistance of glazed tiles (GL)

In this case, visual inspection before and after the test is complemented with a
physical test of lines drawn with a graphite pencil and the subsequent attempted
removal of these pencil lines with a soft wet cloth. Lines are drawn with a HB pencil on
the tiles to be subjected to the chemical resistance test; the following two possibilities
may occur:

The pencil lines are removed with a soft wet cloth, which will allow the
chemical resistance test to be carried out under normal conditions.
The pencil lines are not removed with a soft wet cloth, owing to the surface
microroughness of the glaze (matt and satin glazes). In this case, the normal
test is not possible and an alternative method is furnished, based exclusively
on visual examination.

Chart 3 illustrates both possibilities, a classification of the test result being

given at the bottom of the chart, with a code that includes the letter G when glazed tiles
are involved.

When the normal classification is not possible, a letter V is also included at the
end of the code to indicate that the examination of the test result has been exclusively
visual. The V may be upper or lower case and it is placed in brackets at the end of the
code.

Physico-chemical characteristics 3
Chemical resistance
 Chart 3
Therefore, the results of the tests conducted on those tiles that can follow the
normal procedure (i.e. tiles on which it was possible to remove all pencil lines before
the test) will be assigned the following codes:

4.1 and 4.2 (household chemicals and swimming pool salts), codes GA, GB,
and GC, according to the test results.
4.3.1 (acid and alkalis at low concentrations), codes GLA, GLB, and GLC,
according to the test results.
4.3.2 (acids and alkalis at high concentrations), codes GHA, GHB, and
GHC, according to the test results.

For glazed tiles on which it is not possible to conduct the normal procedure,
because pencil lines are not removable before the test, the following codes will be used
in the trade catalogues and technical information:

4.1 and 4.2 (household chemicals and swimming pool salts), codes GA(V),
GB(V), and GC(V), according to the test results.
4.3.1 (acids and alkalis at low concentrations), codes GLA(V), GLB(V), and
GLC(V), according to the test results.
4.3.2 (acids and alkalis at high concentrations), codes GHA(V), GHB(V),
and GHC(V), according to the test results.

This new test method of chemical resistance involves a qualitative advance in

regard to the previous situation, since it has introduced chemical attack with high
concentrations of acids and alkalis, and it allows tile performance in real situations to be
foreseen.

In unglazed tiles (UGL) it is necessary to consider with some reservations the

classification of the results in the two aspects already noted: slight loss of gloss and
Physico-chemical characteristics 4
Chemical resistance
slight change of hue. The test method does not consider such deterioration to be an
attack; however, in our view, both can entail an impaired appearance on a given tile
surface. This is the case of polished porcelain tile or natural stoneware tile with a dark
colour, on which a change in gloss or hue, albeit discreet, can generate an irreversible
visual defect.

The chemical resistance requirements in EN 14411

It would be ideal if all glazed (GL) and unglazed (UGL) ceramic tiles had top
class A resistance to all chemical products; that is, that we customarily encountered the
following codes:

UA, ULA, UHA for unglazed tiles (UGL).

GA, GLA, GHA for glazed tiles (GL) that can be subjected to a HB pencil test
with subsequent pencil line removal by a soft wet cloth before the test.
GA(V), GLA(V), GHA(V) for glazed tiles (GL) that cannot be subjected to the
pencil test and can only be evaluated by visual examination (V).

However, both the nature (composition and degree of sintering) of the ceramic
body and the characteristics of the glazes and decorations often prevent attainment of
that aim. Although it is sought to achieve this based on research and manufacturing,
ceramic tiles with widely varying chemical resistance are being marketed at present,
which is why it is VERY IMPORTANT that this characteristic should be provided in
the technical information furnished by the manufacturer or supplier. In addition,
standard EN 14411 is very permissive in regard to the chemical resistance requirement.

As a result, a better classification of ceramic tile with respect to this characteristic

is highly recommended.

MINIMUM LEVELS OF CHEMICAL RESISTANCE REQUIRED BY EN 14411

TEST SOLUTIONS
HOUSEHOLD HIGH
PRODUCT GROUP CHEMICALS AND LOW CONCENTRATIONS OF CONCENTRATIONS OF
SWIMMING POOL ACIDS AND ALKALIS (L) ACIDS AND ALKALIS
SALTS 4.3.1 (H)
4.1 AND 4.2 4.3.2
All groups except
BIII
Tiles GL GB Declaration of class (1) Method available (2)

Tiles UGL UB Declaration of class (1) Method available (2)

BIII Tiles GL GB Method available (2) Method available (2)

(1)
The manufacturer is obliged to declare in trade documents (catalogues, technical dossiers, reports, etc.) the classification
resulting from the test (for example: ULB, GLA(V), ...).
(2)
A test method is available, which is voluntary for the manufacturer. Only if the test values are declared does the manufacturer
engage to fulfil them.
Chart 4

Physico-chemical characteristics 5
Chemical resistance
 For all product groups, except BIII, it specifies class B (slight aggression)
for household chemicals and swimming pool salts, the declaration of class of
chemical resistance being compulsory for acids and alkalis with low
concentrations. That is, the following are first quality commercial products
according to the standard:
Unglazed tiles of class UB, ULB or UB, ULC
Glazed tiles of class GB, GLB or GB, GLC
For group BIII GL (since the standard does not include unglazed tiles) it
only specifies class GB in relation to household chemicals and swimming
pool salts.
The standard allows the manufacturer the freedom to declare the chemical
resistance class in relation to high concentrations of acids and alkalis.

From Chart 4 it may be inferred that chemical attack is permitted on all types of
tiles, minimum tile deterioration being set at level B; i.e. pencil line not removed after
the test or slight change in appearance of glazed tiles, as well as change in appearance
of the cut sides of unglazed tiles. The standard also requires declaration of the result of
chemical attack with low acid and alkali concentrations (of course, this chemical attack
can result in the classification A, B, or C). However, for glazed tiles of group BIII the
class resulting from chemical attack at low concentrations need not be declared.

Standard EN 14411 establishes a minimum level of Class B chemical

resistance for any type of tile, it being required that the codes GB or UB should
appear in trade catalogues and technical information documents.

The manufacturer shall also declare the resistance class for low concentrations
of acids and alkalis, and any class may appear (e.g. ULB, ULC or GLB, GLC). For
tiles of group BIII, the manufacturer will need to be asked to supply the resistance
class, because the standard does not require this.

Appropriate chemical resistance for intended tile use

Under quality and durability criteria it is reasonable to select ceramic tiles that
will not display any impairment of appearance or visible deterioration on exposure to
attack, not only of usual household chemicals or swimming pool salts, but also of low-
concentration chemicals such as many commercial disincrustants or disinfectants, as
well as of commercial hydrochloric acid.

As a result, it is recommended to select ceramic tiles as follows:

Always class A tiles for household chemicals and swimming pool salts, and
at least class B for low-concentration acids and alkalis, if the intended use is
a low-risk internal covering.
Class A tiles for the first group of products and also for low-concentration
acids and alkalis in exterior coverings (wall tilings and floorings), inner
wall tilings with risk and frequently wet floorings or with high or
intermediate levels of traffic (frequent cleaning), class B being for high-
concentration acids and alkalis.
Physico-chemical characteristics 6
Chemical resistance
 Class A tiles for all test products if the ceramic tiles are intended for wall
tilings and, particularly, for floorings with high risk: industrial kitchens,
hospitals, collective dining rooms, hypermarkets or large commercial
surfaces (food, household goods,...).

This selection assures better durability of the cladding, when drastic cleaning
and disincrusting operations after a careless tile installation are also taken into account.

The Tile Installation Project (Instituto de Promocin Cermica, 1997)

recommended chemical resistance H, according to the codes set out in Chart 5, with the
following result of the test according to ISO 10545-13:

Class A for household chemicals and swimming pool salts (4.1 and 4.2)
Class A for low-concentration acids and alkalis (4.3.1)
Class B for high-concentration acids and alkalis (4.3.2)

However, in addition, it established a special chemical level, HE, for which

Class A was also required after attack with high-concentration acids and alkalis (4.3.2),
even envisaging a special chemical resistance requirement against specific chemical
products, with given concentrations and exposure times.

This is all reflected in Chart 5.

MINIMUM LEVELS OF CHEMICAL RESISTANCE PROPOSED IN THE TILE INSTALLATION PROJECT

AS A FUNCTION OF THE REQUIREMENT OF THIS PARAMETER IN CERAMIC COVERINGS

UGL UA ULB
NO REQUIREMENT
GL GA GLB GA(V) GLB(V)
REQUIREMENT UGL UA ULA UHB
H GL GA GLA GHB GA(V) GLA(V) GHB(V)
SPECIAL UGL UA ULA UHA
REQUIREMENT
HE GL GA GLA GHA GA(V) GLA(V) GHA(V)

SPECIAL UGL UA ULA UHA(2)

REQUIREMENT
HE
FOR SPECIFIC GL GA GLA GHA(2) GA(V) GLA(V) GHA(V)
PRODUCTS(1)
(1)
For applications where chemical resistance to particular products is required, knowing their composition, maximum
concentration present and attack time (defined by the time elapsing between two consecutive cleaning operations)
(2)
The test method envisaged in standard ISO 10545-13:1998 shall be applied, the test solutions being replaced with chemical
products to which the tile will be subjected, in their foreseen maximum concentrations and maximum attack time.

Chart 5

Physico-chemical characteristics 7
Chemical resistance
 In foresight of the normal performance of a ceramic tile against different
external actions of a chemical nature, the Tile Installation Project established the need to
envisage this parameter:

Always in glazed or unglazed tiles intended for exteriors, whether for

floorings or wall tilings;
To consider chemical resistance as optional in interiors, in any type of
ceramic tile intended for wall tiling;
To consider as compulsory the need for chemical resistance in any type of
tile in interior floorings directly communicated with the exterior, customarily
wet floorings, and dry floorings with levels of traffic 4, 5, 6, and 7;
To consider chemical resistance as optional in tiles of any type intended for
dry interior floorings of levels 2 and 3.

This is all reflected in Chart 6, in which chemical resistance is represented by H.(1)

(1)
In building areas where aggressive chemical splashing can take place, such as ceramic wall tilings in
kitchens, galleries with a washing machine, stores of household chemicals, etc.
(2)
Ceramic floorings with water intakes or which are permanently wet for any reason (public changing
rooms next to showers, swimming pool surrounds, industrial or collective, kitchens, etc.)
(3)
As a result of being subjected to more or less frequent and aggressive cleaning processes
(4)
For the same reason as in (1), aggravated by the fact of being horizontal surfaces and, as a result, of
acting as receptacles of chemical products

Chart 6

Physico-chemical characteristics 8
Chemical resistance