List of Services                                                                                                                             VFIK | Raw Materials Database

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1.10

Drying, Milling, Homogenizing, Separation following DIN 51062

1.20

Test Piece Selection
semi finished or finished products

1.30

Sampling / Sample preparation
- ceramic suspensions
- granular materials
- powdered materials

1.40

Preparation
- to a casting slip
- to a plastic mass
- to a pressable mass in an ‘Eirich-blunger’

1.50

Sample Preparation
- de-airing extrusion method of moulding
- shaping into plaster moulds
- casting
- dry pressing

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2.10

Moisture following DIN 51078

2.20

Plus mesh following DIN 66165, part 1 and 2
- wet
- dry

2.30

Test Sieving following DIN 66165-1 and -2
- wet
- dry

2.40

Particle Size Distribution following testing station instructions 15
- Cilas laser granulometer
- 0,04 µm - 400 µm
- in water or in alcohol

2.50

Particle Size Distribution following DIN EN 725, part 5
- Sedigraph
- determining true density
- determining plus mesh
- particle size distribution including decomposition by ultrasonic or shaking 0,1- 200 µm

2.60

Bulk Density following DIN EN 1097, part 3

2.70

True Density
- following DIN EN 993, part 2
- pycnometer
- following testing station instructions 86
- helium pycnometer (Accupyc)

2.80

Linear Drying Shrinkage following operating instructions 8965

2.90

Modulus of Rupture following operating instructions 95

2.100

Apparent Specific Gravity following operating instructions 88
unfired sampled or pieces

2.110

Firing and Total Shrinkage following operating instructions 8965
in relation to firing temperature

2.120

Loss of Ignition (LOI) following DIN 51081

2.130

Degree of deformation following operating instructions 18889
result of firing process

2.140

Verbal Assessment of fired samples e.g.
- fired colour
- smelt outs
- property of surface

2.150

Bending Strength after Firing following DIN EN 993, part 6

2.160

Impact Bend Breaking Work following operating instructions 20 471

2.170

Compression strength following DIN EN 993, part 5
- test piece preparation by sawing and core boring
- test pieces: 0,52 x 0,32 x 0,32 m³ max.

2.180

Water Absorption following DIN EN 993, part 1 or DIN EN ISO 10545, part 3, respectively
- boiling method
- vacuum method
- impregnation method

2.190

Apparent Bulk Density of fired samples following DIN EN 993, part 1

2.200

Open porosity following DIN EN 993, part 1 completion to 2.180 and 2.190

2.210

Specific Surface of Solids
- following DIN 66132
- BET-method according to Haul and Dümbgen following DIN EN 725, part 6, AREA meter II (Ströhlein Instruments)
- measurable specific surfaces: 0,1 - 100 m²/g

2.220

Pore Size Volume / Pore Size Distribution following testing station instructions 76
- mercury porosimeter (CARLO ERBA STRUMENTAZIONE)
- micropores:  < 7µm - approx. 4 µm
- macropores: 20 µm - approx. 2 µm
- calculating the specific surface following pore model guideline
- sample preparation
- complete measurement

2.230

Review of Wetting Ability of low viscose media on solid surfaces by determination of the contact angle at room temperature; Stereo microscope Stemi 2000 (Carl Zeiss)

2.240

Measurement of Geometrical Properties of for instance roofing bricks and tiles following DIN EN 1024 and DIN EN ISO 10545-2 respectively
(for example overall dimensions,rectangularity,mid point-and edge camber)

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3.10

qualitative phase analysis (XRD), overview diffractogram following DIN EN 13925

3.20

phase analysis (XRD), quantitative, Clay following DIN EN 13925
- qualitative analysis - overview diffractogram
- determination of Feldspars, Quartz; identification of the different three-sheet-
  clay minerals (for instance Illite, Smectite, Mica,Montmorillonite)
- determination of Kaolinite, Chlorite, Hematite, Calcite, Dolomite, Anatase,
  Goethite and further

3.30

phase analysis (XRD), quantitative, Refractories following DIN EN 13925
- qualitative analysis - general diffractogram
- determination of Quartz, Mullite, Cristobalite, Corundum, Cordierite/Indialite,
  Si₃N₄-Phases and Silicum

3.40

phase analysis (XRD), quantitative, Porcelain following DIN EN 13925
- qualitative analysis - general diffractogram
- determination of Quartz, Mullite and Cristobalite

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We recommend: - X-ray fluorescence analysis (XRF) to analyse solids / powders  following 4.10 - 4.50 - wet-chemical analysis to analyse aqueous mediums following 4.60 -  4.150 following working station instructions 50 to 52

4.10

Silicate Analysis (XRF), quantitative, following DIN 51001
SiO₂, Al₂O₃, Fe₂O₃, TiO₂, CaO, K₂O, MgO, Na₂O, LOI

4.20

XRF-screening
possible from Fluorine to Uranium

4.30

Determination of Pollutants (XRF) of industrial sludge’s

4.40

Significant Components for Emission (XRF)
- determination of Fluorine, Sulphur (sum or as S⁶⁺ and SO₄^2-) and Chlorine
- in bodies and raw materials

4.50

V, Mn, Co, Sr, Zr, Ba, Cr, Ni, Zn, Mo, Cu in silicate materials (XRF)
- range of concentration:  0,01 %
- ignited or dried sample
- completion of silicate analysis (4.10) or separate test

4.60

Water-Soluble-Salts
- percolation following DIN 51100
- elution following DIN 38414, part 4
- determination of Ca⁺⁺; Mg⁺⁺u. Na⁺; K⁺ following ISO 11885
- determination of Cl^- u. SO₄^-- following DIN 38405

4.70

pH-Value following operating instructions 37 159
-ceramic suspensions, glazes, solutions and other substances

4.80

Electric Conductivity following DIN EN 27888

4.90

Carbonate Content according to Geisler

4.100

Cl^--Content following DIN 38405-1

4.110

SO₄^---Content following DIN 38405-5

4.120

Methylene Blue Value
soils, clays, kaolin’s

4.130

Acid Resistance / Pollutant Emission following DIN EN 1388-1
- lead and cadmium determination
- cold acidification, per article
- hot extraction, per article
The test of pollutant emission following different foreign standards is possible by  arrangement.

4.140

Ag, Al, As, B, Ba, Be, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Li, Mg, Na, Ni, P, Pb, S, Si, Sn, Sr, Ti, V, Zn, Zr following ISO 11885 atomic emission spectrometry with inductively coupled plasma (ICP-OES)

4.150

Element screening
- all elements mentioned in 4.140
- semi-quantitative evaluation (percolation, eluation)

4.160

Total Organic Carbon (TOC) and Total Inorganic Carbon (TIC) solids or
liquids following ISO 10694

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5.10

simultaneous Thermal Gravimetric Analyses (TG) / Differential Thermal Analyses (DTA)
- up to 1500 °C
- nitrogen atmosphere is possible
- heating specified by client

5.20

Test Piece Preparation for Dilatometry
- casting or plastic moulding of test bar
- sawing out and grinding from unfired pieces
- sawing out and grinding from fired pieces

5.30

Dilatometric Measurements / Thermal Expansions Coefficient following
DIN 51045, part 1-5
-  up to 1500 °C

5.40

Expansion - Shrinkage - Curve following DIN 51045, part 1 – 5

5.50

Low Temperature Dilatometric Measurements following DIN 51045, part 1 -5
- temperature range: -170 °C – 495 °C

5.60

Heating Microscopic Analyses following testing station instructions 21
- up to 1500 °C
- videoprint shots inclusive
- any temperature-time programme for heating process

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6.10

Water Absorption (Swelling) Capacity according to Enslin following operating instructions 18 884

6.20

Mixing Water Requirement according to PFEFFERKORN following operating instructions 18 887
- determining the deformation ratio for the evaluation of the processing moisture

6.30

Filtration Capability following testing station instructions 135
- suspensions
- with the ‘baroid’

6.40

Casting Slip Characterisation / Optimal Liquefaction raw materials and bodies density (Litre weight)
- Viscosity Measurements according to Lehmann or Keyl following
  DIN EN ISO 2431, determining the flow time with beaker, Thixothropie coefficient
  determination included
- Viscosity measures according to Gallenkamp, Thixothropie coefficient  determination included
- Body Formation, time to truncate and criticise the body following operating
  inst. 18 879
- Optimal Liquefaction, plastic / workable raw materials and bodies, with two
  deflocculants, complete characterisation of the casting slip at the optimum  included
- Viscosity Measurements, rotating-cylinder viscosimeter (Rheolab MC 1)
  shear gradient or shear stress specified by client

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7.10

Gloss Measurements following testing station instructions 103
- on flat surfaces
- remission measurement with 3 angles

7.20

Colour Measurements following DIN 5033
- spectrometer (Minolta)
- determining L* a* b* values or other colour-system values
- determining degree of whiteness

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8.10

Polished Surface Preparation

8.20

Stereomicroscopic Analyses

8.30

Microscopic Colour Photographs

8.40

Electron Microprobe Analyses

8.50

Scanning Electron Microscopic Analyses

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9.10

Drying by given Temperature-Humidity-Profile
- drying chamber: 0,9 m³
- effective filler dimensions: 0,70 x 1,00 x 1,25 m³ (W x L x H)
- temperature range: 140 °C max.
- registration of the ‘bigot curve’ and loss of water

9.20

Drying in a Climate Test Chamber (WK1 - 180/40)
- drying chamber: 0,125 m³;
- effective filler dimensions: 0,55 x 0,45 x 0,50 m³ (W x L x H)
- temperature working range: -40 °C – 180 °C
- climate working range: 10 °C – 95 °C; 10 – 98 % rel. humidity
- dew point temperature range: 4 – 94 °C

9.30

Drying in a Spray Dryer
- water evaporation capacity: 60 l
- pressure of pump: 20 bar max.
- deposit: 120 l slip min.
- unary bushing system
- different spray heads and twist bodies to realise a corresponding grading
  fraction (100 µm – 300 µm)

9.40

Drying in a Laboratory Dryer with Circulation Air
- Drying chamber: 0,75 m³;
- temperature range: 20 °C – 250 °C

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10.10

Chamber Kiln for rapid Firing
- gas-fired
- net capacity: 0,25 m³
- net dimensions: 0,90 x 0,50 x 0,55 m³ (W x L x H)
- firing temperature: 1440 °C max.
- cycle time: up to 1100 °C within 90 min; up to 1.400 °C within 120 min
- oxidising and reducing atmosphere
- possibility to add separate O_2
- automatic registration of temperature and atmosphere conditions  (O₂ , CO₂, CO)

10.20

Chamber Kiln
- gas-fired
- net capacity: 0,24 m³
- net dimensions: 0,50 x 0,60 x 0,80 m³ (W x L x H)
- firing temperature: 1300 °C max.
- cycle time: 4 h min.
- oxidising firing
- thermal afterburning

10.30

Chamber Kiln
- gas-fired
- net capacity: 0,25 m³
- net dimensions: 0,90 x 0,50 x 0,55 m³ (W x L x H)
- firing temperature: 1600 °C max.
- cycle time: approx. 20 h min.
- firing system: IVF (Infinite Variable Flash firing)
- control type: modulating, impulse
- oxidising and reducing atmosphere
- thermal afterburning
- possibility to add separate O_2
- computer control of temperature and atmosphere conditions (O₂, CO₂, CO)  and pressure in furnace chamber
- data capture of relevant parameters
- data transfer to other systems as ASCII-File

10.40

Chamber Kiln ‘SO 1093’
- electrical heated
- net dimensions: 0,35 x 0,35 x 0,40 m³ (W x L x H)
- firing temperature: 1300 °C max.
- thermal afterburning
- free programmable heating and cooling < 1100 °C

10.50

Gradient Kiln
- electrical heated
- 6 temperature sections (= 6 measurement positions)
- effective section dimension: 0,15 x 0,15 x 0,08 m³ (W x L x H)
- firing temperature: 1320 °C max.
- temperature-time-programs of all sections are free programmable
- registration of chosen temperature course

10.60

High Speed Kiln
- electrical heated
- firing temperature: 1400 °C max.
- cycle time: approx. 30 min
- to heat at 1200 °C is possible in 4 min
- especially suitable for tile firing
- effective filler dimensions for two tiles: 250 x 200 mm^2
- furnace chamber is variable to approx. 100 mm height

10.70

Lift-Floor-Kiln for rapid firing
- electrical heated
- effective filling capacity: 0,30 x 0,23 x 0,20 m³ (W x L x H)
- firing temperature: 1800 °C max.
- permanent working temperature: 1730 °C max.
- heating rate: 15 K/min max.

10.80

Laboratory Firing Aggregates
- electrical heated
- 9 kW-kiln: 1350 °C max.
- high temperature kiln 1: 1600 °C max.
- high temperature kiln 2: 1750 °C max.

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11.10

Length of Flow following operating instructions 18880
- channel viscosimeter
- glazes and ceramic fluxes

11.20

Melting Behaviour and Dilatometer Analyses
melting behaviour with heating microscope

11.30

Glaze Stress Test according to Steger

11.40

Resistance to Scratching according to Mohs following DIN EN 101

11.50

Glaze Abrasion Resistance following operating instructions 18881
- sprinkling method with corundum K 63 (it corresponds to grain 24 following  DIN)
- 10 test pieces

11.60

Glaze Crazing Resistance following DIN EN ISO 10545, part 11 and operating instructions 37 160
- under hydrothermal conditions (autoclave-test)

11.70

Moisture Expansion
- test piece preparation
- hydrothermal stress (autoclave-test)
- determining moisture expansion

11.80

Colour Measurements and determination of Degree of Whiteness (see
point 7.20)

11.90

Gloss Measurements following testing station instructions 103
- on flat surfaces
- remission measurement with 3 angles

11.100

Determination of the Contact angle for a review of the wetting ability of glazes at room temperature; Stereo microscope Stemi 2000 (Carl Zeiss)

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12.00

Measurement of Geometrical Properties of tiles and plates following DIN EN ISO 10545-2

12.10

Water Absorption following DIN EN ISO 10 545, part 3
- tiles and plates

12.20

Drying Transverse Strength following DIN EN ISO 10545, part 4
- wall and floor tiles

12.30

Bending Strength after Firing following DIN EN ISO 10545, part
- fired wall and floor tiles

12.40

Resistance to Scratching according to Mohs following DIN EN 101

12.50

Surface Abrasion following DIN EN 10545, part 7
- resistance of glazed tiles and plates

12.60

Linear Thermal Expansion following DIN EN ISO 10545, part 8
- ceramic tiles and plates

12.70

Thermal Shock Resistance following DIN EN ISO 10545, part 9
- ceramic tiles and plates

12.80

Moisture Expansion of ceramic tiles and plates following
DIN EN ISO 10 545, part 10

12.90

Resistance against Glaze Cracks following DIN EN ISO 10 545, part 11
- ceramic tiles and plates

12.100

Determination of frost resistance following DIN EN ISO 10545, part 12
ceramic tiles and plates

12.110

Chemical Resistance following DIN EN ISO 10545, part 13
- ceramic slabs and plates

12.120

Specking following DIN EN ISO 10545, part 14
- resistance of slabs and plates

12.130

Resistance of Glazes Moisture Expansion after hydrothermal treatment
- sample preparation
- autoclave treatment
- masurement

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13.10

Frost Resistance following DIN EN 592, part 2
- roofing tiles and roofing tile accessories
- frost acts on all over after impregnation in vacuum

13.20

Water Impermeability Test following DIN EN 539, part 1
- roofing tiles

13.30

Water-Soluble-Salts following DIN 51100
- percolation or eluation method

13.40

Floating Enclosures following DIN 105, part 1
- steam test

13.50

Abrasive Wear Test according to Böhme following DIN 52108
- determination of loss in volume
- determination of loss in thickness

13.60

Moisture Expansion after hydrothermal treatment
- sample preparation
- autoclave treatment
- measurement of moisture expansion with low temperature dilatometer

13.70

Determination of the crazing safety of glazed structural ceramics in the autoclave

13.80

Determination of UV resistance / light stability of glazed structural ceramics by means of cyclic stress with UV radiation and sprinkling

13.90

Determination of the weathering resistance of glazed structural ceramics to moisture and temperature in the climatic chamber

13.100

Determination of the resistance of surfaces to boiling water and water vapour in accordance with DIN ISO 2744 by making use of the tester as described in DIN ISO 2733

13.110

Measurement of Geometrical Properties on roofing tiles following
DIN EN 1024

13.120

Determination of bending carring capacity following DIN EN 538

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14.10

Frost Resistance following DIN EN 52252, part 1
- hard burned bricks and clinkers
- frost acts on all over of single bricks

14.20

Water-Soluble-Salts following DIN 51100
- percolation or eluation method

14.30

Floating Enclosures following DIN 105, part 1
- steam test

14.40

Acid Resistance:
- following DIN EN ISO 10545, part 13 (Brick, in lumps)

14.50

Abrasive Wear Test according to Böhme following DIN 52108
- determination of loss in volume
- determination of loss in thickness

14.60

Moisture Expansion after hydrothermal treatment
- sample preparation
- autoclave treatment
- measurement of moisture expansion with low temperature dilatometer

14.70

Determination of the crazing safety of glazed structural ceramics in the autoclave

14.80

Determination of UV resistance / light stability of glazed structural ceramics by means of cyclic stress with UV radiation and sprinkling

14.90

Determination of the weathering resistance of glazed structural ceramics to moisture and temperature in the climatic chamber

14.100

Determination of the resistance of surfaces to boiling water and water vapour in accordance with DIN ISO 2744 by making use of the tester as described in DIN ISO 2733

14.110

Determination of compression strength following DIN 105-1

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15.10

Frost Resistance of paving bricks following DIN EN 1344 or DIN 18503 (paving clinkers)

15.20

Water-Soluble-Salts following DIN 51100
- percolation or eluation method

15.30

Floating Enclosures following DIN 105, part 1
- steam test

15.40

Acid Resistance:
- - following DIN 51 102, part 1 (sewerage stoneware, in lumps)
- following DIN EN 993, part 16 (ceramic clinker for acid protective building,
  grained)
- following DIN EN 1344 (clay pavers)
- following DIN 18503 (paving clinkers)
- following DIN 4051 (sewer brick, grained)

15.50

Abrasive Wear Test according to Böhme following DIN 52108
- determination of loss in volume
- determination of loss in thickness

15.60

Moisture Expansion after hydrothermal treatment
- sample preparation
- autoclave treatment
- measurement of moisture expansion with low temperature dilatometer

15.70

Determination of the crazing safety of glazed structural ceramics in the autoclave

15.80

Determination of UV resistance / light stability of glazed structural ceramics by means of cyclic stress with UV radiation and sprinkling

15.90

Determination of the weathering resistance of glazed structural ceramics to moisture and temperature in the climatic chamber

15.100

Determination of the resistance of surfaces to boiling water and water vapour in accordance with DIN ISO 2744 by making use of the tester as described in DIN ISO 2733

15.110

Determination of bending strength following DIN EN 1344 (clay pavers) as well as  determination of compression and bending strength following DIN 18503 (paving clinkers)

15.120

Determination of water absorption following DIN 18503 (paving clinkers)

15.130

Determination of water permability on water permable bricks

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16.10

Test Sieving following DIN 66 165-1 and -2

16.20

Sprinkling Behaviour following testing station instructions 84

16.30

Bulk Density following DIN EN 1097, part 3

16.40

Abrasion following testing station instruction 83

16.50

Granules Strength following testing station instruction 24
- 50 single determinations of a fraction
- statistical evaluation

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17.10

Plus mesh
- perforated bottoms
- 3,15 mm; 1,25 mm; 0,20 mm

17.20

Particle Size Distribution following testing station instructions 15
- Cilas laser granulometer
- 0,04 µm - 400 µm
- in alcohol

17.30

Strew Amount following DIN 1168, part 2

17.40

Consistence following working station instruction

17.50

Setting Time following DIN 1168, part 2

17.60

Judgement of corrosion behavior of plasters

17.70

Compression Strength following DIN 1168, part 2

17.80

Diffusion Coefficient following operating instruction 18 879

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18.10

Edge Impact Strength following operating instructions 42790
- fine ceramic products

18.20

Thermal Shock Resistance following operating instructions 18877
- fine ceramic products (dishes)

18.30

Dishwasher Safety of decorated table porcelain following ‘pre’ DIN 50275-1;
dishwasher type G540 with a capacity of - 30 plates 24cm,15 plates 19 cm;
number ofrinse cycles is specified by client ( max. 1000 rinse cycles)

18.40

Acid Resistance / Pollutant Emission following DIN EN 1388-1
- lead and cadmium determination
- cold acidification
- hot extraction

18.50

Resistance to Scratching according to Mohs following DIN EN 101

18.60

Resistance of  Dishes after autoclave treatment

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19.10

Determination of the bulk density, apparent porosity and true porosity according to DIN EN 993-1

19.20

Cold test pressure determinationin accordance with DIN EN 993-5

19.30

Determination of the bending strength at ambient temperature according to DIN EN 993-6

19.40

Bending strength determination at elevated temperatures in accordance with DIN EN 993-7

19.50

Pressure flow determination according to DIN EN 993-9

19.60

Wear testing after Boehme (DIN 52 108)

19.70

Thermal shock resistance of fire-resistant bricks according to DIN 51068-1 (water quenching method) and DIN EN 993-11, respectively

19.80

Determination of postshrinkage / secondary expansion in accordance with DIN 51066 and DIN EN 993-10, respectively

19.90

Determination of the bulk density of granular material according to the mercury displacement technique after DIN EN 993-17

19.100

Oxidation resistance of up to 10 SiC- samples at temperatures as high as 1200°C in steam atmosphere, following ASTM C 863 -83

19.110

Determination of Si₃N₄ phases in SiC, quantitatively by means of X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD)

19.120

Silicon and quartz determination in silicon carbide quantitatively by means of X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD)

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20.10

Thermal Conductivity at room temperature
- plate method
- ceramics

20.20

Determination of the calorific value and heating value according to
DIN 51900, part 1+2

20.30

Determination of bacterial counts in ceramic masses (anaerobic/aerobic)

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21.10

• Lettering
• Engraving
• Surface treatment

..............................................................................................................................................................................

22.10

Water content in accordance with DIN 18121-1

22.20

State limits (limits of consistency), yield strength limit, plastic limit and limit of shrinkage according to DIN 18122-1/ 2

22.30

Grain-size distribution in accordance with DIN 18123

22.40

Proctor density according to DIN 18127

22.50

Loss on ignition according to DIN 18128

22.60

Lime content analogous to DIN 18129

22.70

Coefficient of water permeability in accordance with DIN 18130

22.80

Shear stability in accordance with DIN 18137

22.90

Soil classification according to DIN 18196