Test method EN 154 for surface abrasion
resistance, which applies to glazed tiles, envisages the performance of a wear test
using an instrument which subjects the piece to the effects of a
standard abrasive load, at an increasing number of rpm (from 150 to 1500).
The method was developed on the basis of the claim that the
degree of deterioration of a floor is not determined by the
reduction in its thickness, but the visible difference in appearance between
the worn surface and the unworn surface, assessed at a defined
distance under standard conditions of lighting. It is important to stress
that, for the same degree of abrasion, wear is invariably more visible
on dark surfaces. For this reason, the PEI value is shown in
catalogues as the requirement for the individual article, and not for the series as
a whole. The new ISO product standards (Project ISO
TC/189) envisage the introduction of a further class of resistance,
class PEI V, to which tiles meeting the following conditions at 12,000 rpm will
be assigned:
alterations must not be visible at a standard distance.
the surface subjected to abrasion must pass a cleaning test (with the staining
agents chromium green in light oil, iodine in alcohol solution, and olive oil.
This new class, therefore, also takes into account the effects
of abrasion on susceptibility to soiling. The introduction of
class PEI V fulfills the need to highlight more clearly, in relation to
performance, the superior characteristics of ceramic glazes for
technical applications developed in recent years.
PEI I
Floor tiles for light duty wear.
Suggestions for usage: bathrooms and bedrooms
in private houses, where soft footwear is used.
PEI II
Floor tiles for light duty wear.
Suggestions for usage: bedrooms and bathrooms
in private houses, where normal footwear is used.
PEI III
Floor tiles for medium-heavy duty wear.
Suggestions for usage: dining rooms, living
rooms, kitchens, entrances, passages in private
houses, where normal footwear is used, without
external access.
PEI IV
Floor tiles for heavy duty wear.
Suggestions for usage: all rooms in private
houses and public buildings, where normal footwear is
used, excluding dancing halls and compulsory
traffic areas.
PEI V
Floor tiles for heavy duty wear.
Suggestions for usage: very heavy traffic (commercial areas).
