EN 1217:1997

Overview

EN 1217:1997 is a European Standard developed by CEN that specifies precise test methods for determining water absorption of ceramic articles. This standard is crucial for assessing the quality and suitability of ceramic materials and articles used in contact with foodstuffs. Water absorption is a key property affecting the durability, hygiene, and safety of ceramic products used in food preparation, storage, and serving.

The standard outlines two primary test methods that measure the increase in mass of ceramic specimens after immersion in boiling water under controlled conditions:

• Test method A: Requires ceramic test specimens with no more than one glazed surface and involves a shorter immersion time.
• Test method B: Similar procedure to method A but with a longer immersion period.

These validated test approaches ensure accurate, reliable, and reproducible assessments of how much water ceramics absorb during use.

Key Topics

• Water Absorption Testing
  EN 1217:1997 focuses on quantifying water uptake in ceramic objects, a critical factor influencing the product's mechanical strength, resistance to staining, and potential for microbial contamination.

• Boiling Water Immersion
  Both test methods involve immersion of the ceramic specimens in boiling water, simulating extreme usage conditions to assess material performance.

• Glazing Limitation
  The requirement for test specimens to have at most one glazed surface ensures consistent measurement of water absorption in the ceramic body rather than the glaze layer.

• Standardized Procedure
  The document provides detailed instructions on specimen preparation, immersion timing, weighing, and calculation methods to produce comparable results across different laboratories and manufacturers.

• Material Safety
  By assessing water absorption, the standard helps indirectly evaluate the potential for chemical migration during food contact, contributing to food safety compliance.

Applications

EN 1217:1997 is widely applicable in the ceramics industry, especially where products are intended for contact with foodstuffs. Key applications include:

• Quality Control in Manufacturing
  Ceramic factories implement these test methods to ensure their products meet standards for low water absorption, indicating durability and resistance to liquid penetration.

• Product Certification and Compliance
  Regulatory bodies and certification organizations use EN 1217 to verify that ceramic tableware, cookware, and storage containers conform to European safety and hygiene requirements.

• Research and Development
  Material scientists and engineers rely on EN 1217 to evaluate new ceramic formulations and glazing techniques intended to improve water resistance and longevity.

• Import and Export Verification
  Traders and customs authorities use the standard to validate that imported ceramic food-contact items comply with European market regulations.

Related Standards

To complement EN 1217:1997, several other standards address materials in contact with foodstuffs and ceramic properties:

• EN 1388 Series – Ceramic tiles – Methods of test for water absorption, mechanical properties, and resistance to chemicals.

• EN 1183 – Ceramic articles for domestic use – Determination of resistance to thermal shock.

• EN 13697 – Chemical resistance tests for materials in contact with foodstuffs.

• ISO 10545 Series – International tests for ceramic tiles, including water absorption and mechanical strength.

Adhering to EN 1217 alongside these standards ensures comprehensive evaluation of ceramic articles to guarantee safety, durability, and performance in food-related applications.

Keywords: EN 1217, water absorption test, ceramic articles, ceramics in contact with food, boiling water immersion, ceramic quality control, food safety, ceramic standards, European Standard, CEN, glazing ceramics, test methods for ceramics.