Standard Test Methods for Abrasion Resistance of Porcelain Enamels

When a porcelain enamel is first subjected to abrasion of the type involved in these tests, the rate of wear or attrition is relatively low. As the enamel is subjected to continued abrasion, the rate of wear increases until it reaches a steady value. Thereafter, the rate of wear remains almost constant until the enamel is penetrated and the underlying ground coat or metal exposed. The abrasion that occurs during the period of increasing rate-of-weight loss is defined as surface abrasion and results in reduced gloss and cleanability with high-gloss enamels and a modification of color, appearance, or surface texture, or combination thereof with low-gloss enamels. The abrasion that occurs during the period of steady rate-of-weight loss is defined as subsurface abrasion and results in the destruction of the continuity of the coating. These two types of abrasion are not necessarily proportional, and since it is desirable to be able to determine the resistance of porcelain enamel to both types of abrasion, it is necessary to deal with each one separately.