ISO 14704:2008

INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 14704
Second edition
2008-02-01

Fine ceramics (advanced ceramics,
advanced technical ceramics) — Test
method for flexural strength of monolithic
ceramics at room temperature
Céramiques techniques — Méthode d'essai de résistance en flexion
des céramiques monolithiques à température ambiante




Reference number
ISO 14704:2008(E)
©
ISO 2008

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ISO 14704:2008(E)
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ISO 14704:2008(E)
Contents Page
Foreword. iv
1 Scope .1
2 Normative references .1
3 Terms and definitions .1
4 Principle.3
5 Apparatus .3
6 Test specimens.6
7 Procedure .9
8 Calculation.11
9 Test report .12
10 Strength scaling factors.13
Annex A (informative) General information.14
Annex B (normative) Test fixtures.15
Annex C (informative) Typical fracture patterns in ceramic test specimens.21
Annex D (informative) Chamfer correction factors.23
Annex E (informative) Weibull scaling factors .26
Bibliography .28

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ISO 14704:2008(E)
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards bodies
(ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out through ISO
technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical committee has been
established has the right to be represented on that committee. International organizations, governmental and
non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work. ISO collaborates closely with the
International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of electrotechnical standardization.
International Standards are drafted in accordance with the rules given in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
The main task of technical committees is to prepare International Standards. Draft International Standards
adopted by the technical committees are circulated to the member bodies for voting. Publication as an
International Standard requires approval by at least 75 % of the member bodies casting a vote.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of patent
rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
ISO 14704 was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 206, Fine ceramics.
This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition (ISO 14704:2000) and the technical corrigendum
(ISO 14704:2000/Cor. 1:2004), which have been technically revised.

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INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO 14704:2008(E)

Fine ceramics (advanced ceramics, advanced technical
ceramics) — Test method for flexural strength of monolithic
ceramics at room temperature
1 Scope
This International Standard specifies a test method for determining the flexural strength of monolithic fine
ceramics, and whisker- or particulate-reinforced ceramic composites, at room temperature. Flexural strength
is one measure of the uniaxial strength of a fine ceramics. This test method may be used for materials
development, quality control, characterization and design data-generation purposes.
2 Normative references
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document. For dated
references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced
document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 3611:1978, Micrometer callipers for external measurement
ISO 7500-1:2004, Metallic materials — Verification of static uniaxial testing machines — Part 1:
Tension/compression testing machines — Verification and calibration of the force-measuring system
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
3.1
flexural strength
maximum nominal stress at fracture of a specified elastic beam loaded in bending
3.2
four-point flexure
configuration of flexural strength testing where a specimen is loaded equally by two bearings symmetrically
located between two support bearings
See Figure 1 a) and b).
NOTE The bearings may be cylindrical rollers or cylindrical bearings.
3.3
four-point-1/4 point flexure
specific configuration of four-point flexural strength testing where the inner bearings are situated one-quarter
of the support span away from the two outer bearings
See Figure 1 a).
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ISO 14704:2008(E)
3.4
four-point-1/3 point flexure
specific configuration of four-point flexural strength testing where the inner bearings are situated one-third of
the support span away from the two outer bearings
See Figure 1 b).

L = 40 mm ± 0,1 mm
a) Four-point-1/4 point flexure


L = 30 mm ± 0,1 mm
b) Four-point-1/3 point flexure


L = 30 mm ± 0,1 mm or L = 40 mm ± 0,1 mm
c) Three-point flexure
Key
1 loading bearings
2 support bearing
Figure 1 — Flexural test configurations
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ISO 14704:2008(E)
3.5
semi-articulating fixture
test fixture designed to apply uniform and even loading to test specimens that have flat and parallel surfaces
3.6
fully articulating fixture
test fixture designed to apply uniform and even loading to specimens that may have uneven, non-parallel or
twisted surfaces
3.7
three-point flexure
configuration of flexural strength testing where a specimen is loaded at a location midway between two
support bearings
See Figure 1.
NOTE Four-point flexure is usually preferred, since a large amount of material is exposed to the maximum stress
(see Annex A for more information).
4 Principle
A beam specimen with a rectangular cross-section is loaded in flexure until fracture. The load at fracture, the
test fixture and specimen dimensions are used to compute the flexural strength which is a measure of the
uniaxial tensile strength of a ceramic. The material is assumed to be isotropic and linearly elastic.
5 Apparatus
5.1 Testing machine
A suitable testing machine capable of applying a uniform cross-head speed shall be used. The testing
machine shall be equipped for recording the peak load applied to the test piece. The testing machine shall be
in accordance with ISO 7500-1:2004, Class 1, with an accuracy of 1 % of indicated load at fracture.
5.2 Test fixture
5.2.1 General
Three- or four-point flexure configurations shall be used, as illustrated in Figure 1. The four-point-1/4 point
configuration is recommended. The fixture shall have bearings that are free to roll, as described in 5.2.2, in
order to eliminate frictional constraints when the specimen surfaces expand or contract during loading. In
addition, the fixture shall be designed so that parts “articulate” or tilt to ensure uniform loading to the
specimen. The articulation is designed so that parts of the fixture can rotate, as shown in Figure B.1, to ensure
even loading on the left and right bearings. An articulation is also needed to ensure that all the bearings
evenly contact the specimen surfaces and apply uniform load. Semi-articulated fixtures have some articulating
or tilting capabilities and may be used with specimens that have flat and parallel surfaces, such as on as-
machined specimens. A semi-articulating fixture has pairs of upper and lower bearings that articulate to match
the specimen surfaces, as shown in Figures B.2 and B.3. Fully articulated fixtures have more moving parts
and are necessary for specimens that do not have flat and parallel surfaces. They allow independent
articulation of the bearings. Fully articulated fixtures often are necessary for as-fired, heat-treated or oxidized
specimens, since uneven loading can cause twisting and severe errors. A fully articulating fixture may also be
used with machined specimens.
5.2.2 Bearings
Specimens shall be loaded and supported by bearings. The bearings may be cylindrical rollers or cylindrical
bearings. The bearings shall be made of a steel which has a hardness of no less than HRC 40 for specimen
strengths up to 1 400 MPa, or no less than HRC 46 for specimen strengths up to 2 000 MPa. Alternatively, the
bearing may be made of a ceramic or hardmetal with an elastic modulus between 200 GPa and 500 GPa and
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ISO 14704:2008(E)
a flexural strength greater than 275 MPa. The bearing length shall be greater than or equal to 12 mm. The
bearing diameter shall be approximately 1,5 times the specimen thickness (d). Diameters between 4,5 mm
and 5 mm are recommended. The bearings shall have a smooth surface and shall have a diameter that is
uniform to ± 0,015 mm. The bearings shall be free to roll in order to eliminate friction. In four-point flexure, the
two inner bearings shall be free to roll inwards, and the two outer bearings shall be free to roll outwards. In
three-point flexure, the two outer bearings shall be free to roll outwards, and the inner (middle) bearing shall
not roll.
NOTE 1 Friction can cause errors in the stress calculations. The rolling can be accomplished by several designs. The
bearing can be mounted in roller bearing or cylindrical bearing assemblies. It is also acceptable, and simpler, for the
bearings to be free to roll on the fixture surface, as shown in Figure 2.
The bearing diameter is specified on the basis of competing requirements. The bearings should not be so
large as to cause excessive change in the moment arm as a specimen deflects, as this can create errors from
contact-point tangency shift. On the other hand, the bearings should not be so small as to create excessive
wedging stresses in the specimen or create contact stresses that damage the fixture.
NOTE 2 The bearing hardness and stiffness requirements and guidelines are intended to ensure that specimens with
strengths up to 1 400 MPa (or 2 000 MPa), and elastic moduli as high as 500 GPa, can be tested without damaging the
fixture. Higher-strength or stiffer ceramic specimens can require harder bearings. For example, if the bearing elastic
modulus is greater than 500 GPa, then it is advisable to lengthen the bearings and the fixture support width to more than
12 mm to distribute the forces over a longer bearing length.
5.2.3 Four-point fixture: semi-articulating
Figure B.2 a) shows the actions of the bearings in this fixture. The two inner bearings shall be parallel to each
other to within 0,015 mm over their length (W 12 mm in accordance with 5.2.2). The two outer bearings shall
be parallel to each other to within 0,015 mm over their length. Either the two inner or the two outer bearings
shall be capable of articulating (tilting) together as a pair to match the specimen surface. All four bearings
shall rest uniformly and evenly across the specimen surface. The fixture shall apply equal load to all four
bearings. All four bearings shall be free to roll.
5.2.4 Four-point fixture: fully articulating
Figure B.2 b) shows the actions of the bearings in this fixture. One bearing need not articulate (tilt). The other
three bearings shall articulate (tilt) independently to follow the specimen surface. All four bearings shall rest
uniformly and evenly across the specimen surface. The fixture shall apply equal load to all four bearings. All
four bearings shall be free to roll.
5.2.5 Three-point fixture: semi-articulating
Figure B.3 a) shows the actions of the bearings in this fixture. The two outer bearings shall be parallel to each
other to within 0,015 mm over their length (W 12 mm in accordance with 5.2.2). The two outer bearings shall
articulate together to follow the specimen surface, or the middle bearing shall articulate to follow the specimen
surface. All three bearings shall rest uniformly and evenly across the specimen surface. The fixture shall be
designed to apply equal load to the two outer bearings. The two support (outer) bearings shall be free to roll
outwards. The middle bearing shall be fixed and not free to roll.
5.2.6 Three-point fixture: fully articulating
Figure B.3 b) and c) show the actions of the bearings in this fixture. Any two of the bearings shall be capable
of articulating (tilting) independently to rest uniformly and evenly across the specimen surface. The fixture
shall be designed to apply equal load to the two outer bearings. The two support (outer) bearings shall be free
to roll outwards. The middle bearing shall not roll.
5.2.7 Positioning of bearings
The bearings shall be positioned so that the spans are accurate to within ± 0,1 mm. The middle bearing for the
three-point fixture shall be positioned midway between the outer bearings to within ± 0,1 mm. The inner
bearings for the four-point fixture shall be centred over the outer bearings to within ± 0,1 mm.
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ISO 14704:2008(E)
NOTE The positions of the bearings can be defined either by the use of captive bearings, or by appropriate stops
against which the bearings are held at the commencement of a test. The spans can be measured to the nearest 0,1 mm
using a traveling microscope or other suitable device. The spans can also be verified by measurement of the distances
between bearing stops and adding (outer span) or subtracting (inner span) the radii of the bearing cylinders.

The four bearings shall be free to roll.
a) Four-point flexure


The two outer bearings are free to roll outwards, but the middle bearing shall be non-rolling.
b) Three-point flexure
Key
1 specimen
2 alternative rolling bearings
3 alternative loading bearing arrangements
Figure 2 — Schematic representation of fixtures showing the rolling action of the bearing
5.2.8 Fixture material
The fixture which supports and aligns the bearings shall be sufficiently hard, so that the bearings do not
permanently deform the fixture.
NOTE Line-contact loadings can deform the fixture. The hardness of the fixture will depend upon the design of the
fixture. If the bearings are at least 12 mm wide and the fixture is 12 mm wide or more, then a fixture made of steel with an
HRC of 25 or greater will be adequate.
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ISO 14704:2008(E)
5.3 Micrometer
A micrometer, such as that described in ISO 3611 but with a resolution of 0,002 mm, shall be used to
measure the specimen dimensions. The micrometer shall have flat anvil faces such as those shown in
ISO 3611. The micrometer shall not have a ball tip or sharp tip since these might damage the specimen.
Alternative dimension-measuring instruments may be used, provided that they have a resolution of 0,002 mm
or finer.
6 Test specimens
6.1 Specimen size
6.1.1 Machined specimens
Specimen dimensions are shown in Figure 3. Cross-sectional tolerances shall be ± 0,2 mm. The parallelism
tolerance on opposite longitudinal faces is 0,015 mm.
NOTE The terms “specimen” and “test piece” are used interchangeably in this International Standard.
6.1.2 As-fired or heat-treated specimens
Specimen dimensions may be altered, as required, but deviations from the specifications in 6.1.1 and Figure 3
shall be stated in the test report.
Dimensions in millimetres
     or

a
L W 35 mm for 30 mm test fixtures.
T
L W 45 mm for 40 mm test fixtures.
T
Figure 3 — Standard test specimen
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ISO 14704:2008(E)
6.2 Specimen preparation
6.2.1 General
This International Standard allows several options for specimen preparation. In all cases, the end faces of the
specimen do not need special preparation or finishing. A minimum of two long edges on one 4 mm wide face
shall be chamfered or rounded, as shown in Figure 3. It is highly recommended that all four long edges be
chamfered or rounded. Although a surface finish specification is not part of this International Standard, it is
highly recommended that the surface roughness be measured and reported.
NOTE Surface preparation of test specimens can introduce machining flaws (especially microcracks beneath the
specimen surface) which can have a pronounced effect on flexural strength. Machining damage can either be a random
interfering factor, or an inherent part of the strength characteristics to be measured. Surface preparation can also create
residual stresses. Final machining steps (including polishing) can or cannot negate machining damage introduced from
prior, coarser machining steps.
6.2.2 As-fired
The flexure specimen is fabricated by sintering or some other process, such that no machining is required. In
this case, the purpose is to measure the strength of the specimen with an as-fired surface. An edge chamfer
or rounding is recommended and can be made before sintering.
As-fired specimens are especially prone to twist or warpage. They may not meet the parallelism requirements
given in 6.1.1, in which case a fully articulating fixture should be used in testing.
One surface of an as-fired part may be machined to help minimize twisting or warpage effects. The machined
surface should be placed in contact with the inner bearings (specimen compression side) during testing.
6.2.3 Customary machining procedure
In instances where a customary machining procedure has been developed that is completely satisfactory for a
class of materials (i.e. it introduces minimal or no unwanted surface damage or residual stress), then this
customary procedure is permitted. The test report shall include details of the procedure, especially the wheel
grits, wheel bonding (resin, metal, vitreous glass, other) and the material removed per pass. The long edges
of the specimen shall be rounded or chamfered, as shown in Figure 3.
6.2.4 Component-matched procedure
The specimen shall have the same surface preparation as that given to a component. The test report shall
include details of the procedure, especially the wheel bonding (resin, metal, vitreous, other) and the material
removed per pass. The long edges of the specimen shall be rounded or chamfered, as shown in Figure 3.
6.2.5 Basic machining procedure
If the procedures in 6.2.2 to 6.2.4 are not applicable, then the following procedure may be used.
NOTE The procedure specified below is a general-duty, conservative practice. It is intended to minimize machining
damage or residual stresses in a broad range of ceramics. Faster or more aggressive removal rates can be suitable for
some materials. Alternatively, some very brittle ceramics can require a more conservative preparation.
6.2.5.1 Specimens shall be ground in the longitudinal direction, as shown in Figure 4.
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ISO 14704:2008(E)

Figure 4 — Surface grinding parallel to the specimen longitudinal axis
6.2.5.2 All grinding shall be done with an ample supply of filtered coolant, in order to keep the work piece
and wheel flooded and particles flushed. Grinding shall be in at least two stages, ranging from coarse to fine
rates of material removal.
6.2.5.3 Coarse grinding shall be carried out using a diamond wheel rounded to within 0,03 mm and of grit
size not exceeding 120 mesh (D 126), using a depth of cut not exceeding 0,03 mm per pass. Alternatively, a
creep-feed grinding process may be used for the coarse grinding step.
6.2.5.4 Finishing machining shall be carried out using a diamond wheel of grit size between 320 mesh
and 800 mesh (e.g. D 46 or finer), using a depth of cut not exceeding 0,002 mm per pass. Final finishing shall
remove no less than 0,06 mm of material per face. Approximately equal stock shall be removed from opposite
faces.
6.2.5.5 The long edges shall be uniformly chamfered at 45° to a size of 0,12 mm ± 0,03 mm, as shown in
Figure 3. Alternatively, they can be rounded to a radius of 0,15 mm ± 0,05 mm. Edge chamfering or rounding
shall be comparable to that applied to the specimen surfaces in the fine-finishing step. The direction of
machining shall be parallel to the specimen's long axis.
If, for some reason, the chamfers are larger than the specified size range (e.g. for the removal of very large
chips), then the stresses should be corrected for the reduced second moment of inertia of the specimen cross-
section. Annex D may be consulted for this correction.
6.2.5.6 The final dimensions of the specimen shall be in accordance with 6.1.1 and Figure 3.
6.2.6 Parallelism, orthogonality and chamfer sizes
Ensure that the parallelism, orthogonality and chamfer sizes of the test-pieces are checked. If the test pieces
have been prepared by an established procedure with a demonstrated reliability, then inspect only a few
(3 to 5 per batch) test pieces to verify conformance. The basis for acceptance/rejection of parallelism shall be
by measurements made across the thickness and across the width at each end of the intended support span
and in the centre. A flat-faced hand micrometer, dial indicator/comparator stand or digital indicator stand may
be used. The acceptability for orthogonality shall be based on the use of an engineering shadowgraph, optical
comparator or optical microscope. The basis for chamfers shall be based on microscope examination and
measurement.
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ISO 14704:2008(E)
6.2.7 Handling of specimens
The specimens shall be handled with care, in order to avoid the introduction of damage after specimen
preparation. Specimens shall be stored separately and not allowed to impact or scratch each other.
6.2.8 Number of specimens
A minimum of 10 specimens shall be required for the purpose of estimating the mean flexural strength. A
minimum of 30 specimens shall be used if a statistical strength analysis (for example, a Weibull analysis) is to
be made.
NOTE The use of 30 specimens will help obtain good confidence limits for the strength distribution parameters such
as a Weibull modulus. Thirty specimens will also help detect multiple flaw populations if they exist.
7 Procedure
7.1 Measure the specimen width, b, and thickness, d, with a resolution of 0,002 mm. The specimen size
may be measured either before or after the test. If the specimen is measured before the test or if there is
excessive fragmentation, measure the specimen dimensions as close to the midpoint (along the specimen
length) as possible; otherwise, measure the specimen dimensions at or near the fracture location after the
test. Care shall be taken to not introduce surface damage when using the micrometer.
7.2 Test the specimens on the appropriate fixture in either the three- or four-point configuration. The four-
point configuration is preferred. A fully articulating fixture shall be used if the specimen parallelism
requirements cannot be met.
7.3 Ensure that the test fixtures are clean and free of any fracture debris from previous tests, that the
bearings are free of burrs or deep scratches and that the bearings are free to roll and articulate.
7.4 Place each specimen in the test fixture with a 4 mm wide face resting on the bearings. If the specimen
has only two edges chamfered or rounded, place the specimen so that these chamfers are on the tension
side. Avoid damaging the specimen. Align the specimen carefully. The specimen should have an
approximately equal amount of overhang beyond the two outer bearings. Centre the specimen carefully within
0,1 mm of the axis of load application (front to back), as illustrated in Figure 5. Positioning stops for the
specimen are strongly recommended.
This is especially important with fully articulating fixtures which may cause the specimen to shift during
articulation. The fixture design should not allow excessive shifts.
7.5 Apply to the specimen a slight preload of no more than 10 % of the mean strength. If possible, inspect
the lines of contact of all the bearings and the specimen, to ensure that there is an even line loading. If the
loading is not even, then unload the specimen and adjust the fixtures as required to obtain even loading.
Inspect the bearings to ensure that they are in their correct starting positions.
7.6 Gently mark the specimen to identify the approximate locations of the two inner loading bearings (four
point) or the middle bearing (three point). Also mark the specimen so that the compression surface can be
distinguished from the tensile surface. Carefully drawn pencil or felt-tip pen marks are suitable.
7.7 Place cotton, tissue, foam or another material around or near the specimen, to prevent the specimen
fragments from flying around the fixture after fracture. These materials shall not interfere with the load
application or inhibit fixture articulation or bearing rolling motions.
NOTE This will prevent unnecessary secondary fractures, and will help preserve the primary fracture pieces for
subsequent fractographic analysis.
7.8 For safety reasons, place a protective screen around the test fixture to trap the fracture fragments.
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ISO 14704:2008(E)

a
e < 0,1 mm
Figure 5 — Alignment of the specimen under the axis of load application
7.9 The testing machine cross-head rate shall be 0,5 mm/min, provided that the time to fracture is within 3 s
to 30 s.
−4 −1
NOTE This crosshead rate will strain the specimen at a rate of approximately 1 × 10 s .
7.10 The crosshead rate specified in 7.9 should result in a time to failure from 3 s to 30 s. This assumes that
the test fixtures are rigid and most of the machine crosshead travel is applied to the specimen. If the time to
failure of a specimen is outside this range, then faster or slower crosshead rates should be used, so that the
time to failure is within 3 s to 30 s.
7.11 The effects of time-dependent phenomena, such as
...