Ceramic tile scratch resistance -: Determination of scratch parameters.

A test method has been fine-tuned for quantifying the scratch resistance of ceramic tile surfaces by determining two parameters: Q(R) (load required to produce a scratch) and Q(D) (load required to produce chipping). The scratches were made by a scratch tester fitted with a diamond tip. To suppress the influence of surface appearance (colour and gloss) on test results, a topographic map of the scratched area, made with a roughness meter, was used to observe the scratches. This method was applied to the surface of several glazes and the relation of parameters Q(R) and Q(D) to glaze mechanical properties (wear resistance and toughness) was studied.