Custom Floor Tiles Durability

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Custom-tile’s Floor Tiles (ceramic and porcelain) were rigorously tested by an independent, accredited testing facility using a variety of standard industry tests.

Results demonstrate that custom-tile’s Floor Tiles meet or exceed industry standards, including recommendations of OSHA and UL. These tiles have superior chemical, wear, and slip resistance compared with standard flooring materials, and are well-suited for both commercial and residential indoor environments.

ASTM D3363 – Test Method for Hardness

Pencil hardness measurements have been used by the coatings industry for many years to determine the hardness of clear and pigmented organic coating films.

Methodology: The process is started with the hardest pencil and continued down the scale of hardness until reaching the pencil that will not cut into or gouge the film.

Results:

ASTM D3359-95a – Adhesion by Tape Test
This test determines the strength of the bond between the coating and the substrate. If a coating is to fulfill its function of protecting or decorating a substrate, it must adhere to the substrate for the expected service life.

Methodology: Adhesion of a coating is assessed by cutting a lattice pattern (cross-hatch) with eleven (11) cuts in each direction to the substrate. Pressure-sensitive tape is applied over the lattice pattern and then removed.

ASTM D3359-95a Adhesion Test Results

~ ASTM D2197  Scratch Resistance – Hoffman Scratch Tester
This test determines the resistance of surfaces to scratching, similar to ASTM D2197, but is generally regarded as a more precise apparatus.

Methodology: After curing, the surface is scraped or scratched with a Hoffman Scratch Tester with increasing weight amounts until the coating is scratched. Scratch resistance is then calculated as the amount of weight (in grams) causing a scratch (tear, rupture, or break).

Results: custom-tile‘s Ceramic and Porcelain Floor Tiles ranked very high on this test. A scratch-resistance weight of 500 gms is considered very good. Floor Tiles will sustain a weight of at least 700 gms.

Scratch Resistance Test Results

ASTM C1027. D4060 – Abrasion Resistance by the Taber Abraser

Abrasion resistance is a function of flexibility and ability to absorb the energy caused by particles which rub against the surface.

Methodology: The abrasion resistance is determined by rotation of an abrasive load on the surface. Abrasion resistance is calculated as loss in weight at a specified number of abrasion cycles: 500 gm weight at 1,000 cycles.

Apparatus: Taber Abrader 5150 with Vacuum Pickup, CS-17 Abrasive Wheels, S-11 Resurfacing Wheel, 500 Gram Weight.

Results: custom-tile‘s Ceramic and Porcelain Floor Tiles surpassed all other specimens, demonstrating their superior strength and impact resistance over standard industry flooring materials.

Abrasion Resistance Test Results

ASTM C1028-07 – Static Coefficient of Friction by the Horizontal Dynamometer Pull-Meter Method (Slip-Resistance)

Coefficient of Friction (COF) is an important safety factor and many states require that flooring in schools, hospitals, and other public-use institutions meet OSHA requirements.

Methodology: This test covers the measurement of static coefficient of friction of surfaces under both wet and dry conditions, using Neolite heel assemblies.

Apparatus: Thwing-Albert Friction Peel Tester Model 225-1 V2.1, Speed = 6 inches/minutes; 15.2cm/min; Neolite Assemblies; Sled = 200 gm; Silicon Carbide Paper, 400 grit; Total seconds = 20.

Results: custom-tile‘s Ceramic and Porcelain Floor Tiles averaged .53-.54, which meets or
exceeds levels recommended by OSHA and UL, which recommend a minimum SCOF of 0.5.

ASTM C1028-07 Coefficient of Friction

ASTM C650 D1308 & D3023 – Effect of Household Chemicals (Chemical Resistance)

This set of tests evaluates the effect of various household chemicals and substances, specifically alterations such as discoloration, change in gloss, blistering, softening, swelling, and/or loss of adhesion.

ASTM C650 – Test method is intended for food counters, lavatories, and similar residential, medical, and commercial installations, where they may come in contact with food, chemical, and waste substances and for tile in areas where they may be exposed to contact with strong cleaning agents.
ASTM D1308 – This test method covers determination of the effect of household chemicals on clear and pigmented organic finishes, resulting in any objectionable alteration in the surface.

ASTM D3023 – This test provides a comprehensive evaluation of resistance to stains caused by chemical reagents and household chemicals.

Methodology: Each reagent was placed onto each specimen and allowed to set for 24 hours at 74°F.
The test specimens were then examined for alterations to the surface.

Results: custom-tile‘s Ceramic and Porcelain Floor Tiles outperformed all other specimens and
exceeded commercial durability requirements for resistance to chemicals.

Chemical Resistance Tests Results – See Summary

*Staining could be cleaned with brand-name cleaner, such as Oxy-Clean.