EN 14483-3:2004

Foreword
Introduction
1 Scope
2 Normative references
3 Principle
4 Reagents
5 Apparatus and materials
   5.1 Test apparatus
        5.1.1 General description
   5.2 Hot air oven, capable of being maintained at
        (120 +/- 5) degrees C
   5.3 Desiccator, for example with an internal
        diameter of 200 mm
   5.4 Balance, accurate to 0,2 mg
   5.5 Cotton wool
6 Test specimens
7 Procedure
8 Expression of results
9 Standard detergent solution test
   9.1 General
   9.2 Test solution
   9.3 Test temperature
   9.4 Duration of the test
   9.5 Test report
10 Other test solutions and/or conditions
   10.1 General
   10.2 Test solution
   10.3 Test temperature
   10.4 Duration of the test
   10.5 Test report

This part of EN 14483 describes a test method for the determination of the resistance of vitreous and porcelain enamelled articles to attack by alkaline liquids at temperatures between 25 °C and 95 °C. The apparatus used in this section is a hexagonal vessel in which 6 enamelled specimens are simultaneous tested.NOTE 1The resistance to any alkaline liquid can be tested. However, the test method was original made for the determination of the resistance to hot detergent solutions, within the neutral and alkaline range, used for washing textiles. NOTE 2Since detergents are continually subject to alterations in their composition, a standard test solution is specified which, in respect to its alkalinity, wetting property and complexing behaviour, can be considered as a typical composition for the detergents at present on the market. The pH value and alkalinity of the standard test solution depend on the proportions of sodium tripolyphosphate, sodium carbonate and sodium perborate present; sodium tripolyphosphate acts simultaneously as a complexing agent. The wetting property of the standard test solution is obtained by the addition of alkylsulphonate. A higher sodium perborate content is not considered necessary since the effect of oxygen on enamel is unimportant, and an increase in the perborate content does not cause any considerable alteration in the alkalinity of the standard test solution. The testing of different enamels using this standard test solution and other test solutions (including 5 % sodium pyrophosphate solution) has justified the use of this standard test solution for determining the resistance of enamels to hot detergent solutions.