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IS 9704:1980 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for methods of tests for linoleum sheets and tiles. This standard specifies the methods for conducting tests on linoleum sheets and tiles to evaluate their physical properties and performance characteristics. It details procedures for checking dimensions, flexibility, indentation resistance, water absorption, and color fastness, serving as a basis for quality control and compliance.
Methods of tests for linoleum sheets and tiles
Overview
Status
Current
Usage level
Specialized
Domain
Materials Science — Flooring, Wall Finishing and Roofing
! This standard only defines the test methods. The acceptable limits and performance requirements for linoleum are specified in the material specification standard, IS 653.
! Strict adherence to sample conditioning as per IS 196 (27±2°C, 65±5% RH) is critical before testing to ensure result accuracy and comparability.
! The indentation test (Clause 5) is crucial for assessing the flooring's ability to recover from pressure from furniture legs or other point loads.
Consolidated list per BIS. For the text of each amendment, refer to the BIS portal link above.
linoleumflooringsheetstilesresilient flooring
International Equivalents
Similar International Standards
ISO 24011:2018ISO (International Organization for Standardization), International
HighCurrent
Resilient floor coverings — Specification for plain and decorative linoleum
This is a product specification that references the individual test methods comparable to those in IS 9704.
EN 548:2012CEN (European Committee for Standardization), Europe
HighWithdrawn
Resilient floor coverings - Specification for plain and decorative linoleum
The direct European predecessor to ISO 24011, it defined performance requirements tested by methods similar to IS 9704.
ASTM F2034-21ASTM International, USA
MediumCurrent
Standard Specification for Sheet Linoleum Floor Covering
The primary US specification for linoleum, referencing ASTM test methods which differ in some procedures but aim to measure similar properties.
ISO 24343-1:2012ISO (International Organization for Standardization), International
MediumCurrent
Resilient and laminate floor coverings — Determination of indentation and residual indentation — Part 1: Residual indentation
This specific test method standard is an example of how modern codes separate tests, and its methodology for indentation differs from IS 9704.
Key Differences
≠IS 9704 is a single, consolidated standard covering multiple test methods. Modern international practice (ISO/EN) uses separate, specific standards for each test (e.g., ISO 23999 for dimensional stability, ISO 24343-1 for indentation).
≠The indentation test methodology is significantly different. IS 9704 uses a small 1.13 mm diameter indentor with a 15 kg load, whereas ISO 24343-1 uses a larger 5.64 mm diameter indentor with a much higher 500 N (approx. 51 kg) load and a longer test duration.
≠International standards like ISO 24011 include a test for curling after heat exposure (max 2.0 mm height as per ISO 23999), which is not explicitly defined or measured in IS 9704.
≠While the principle of dimensional stability testing is similar (heat exposure), ISO 23999 specifies more stringent controls over conditioning, measurement points, and apparatus precision compared to the method in IS 9704.
Key Similarities
≈The principle of the flexibility test is identical, involving bending a specimen around a mandrel of a specified diameter to check for cracks or breakage.
≈Both IS 9704 and the referenced international standards (like ISO 105-B02) determine color fastness to artificial light using a xenon arc lamp and comparing the degree of fading against a standard blue wool scale.
≈The dimensional stability test in both IS 9704 and its international equivalent (ISO 23999) uses the same fundamental procedure: measuring dimensions before and after exposure to elevated temperature (80°C) for a set duration (6 hours).
≈Both the Indian and international frameworks include tests for determining resistance to various common chemicals and staining agents, although the specific list of agents may vary.
Parameter Comparison
Parameter
IS Value
International
Source
Dimensional Stability (Max % Change)
≤ 0.40% (from spec IS 3462)
≤ 0.40%
ISO 24011:2018
Flexibility (Mandrel Diameter for 2.0mm thickness)
20 mm (from spec IS 3462)
20 mm
ISO 24011:2018
Color Fastness to Light (Blue Wool Scale)
Minimum 6 (from spec IS 3462)
≥ 6
ISO 24011:2018
Residual Indentation (Max)
≤ 0.15 mm (from spec IS 3462)
≤ 0.10 mm (for Class 31) / ≤ 0.07 mm (for Class 32+)
ISO 24011:2018
Indentation Test - Indentor Diameter
1.13 mm
5.64 mm
ISO 24343-1:2012
Indentation Test - Applied Load
15 kg (≈ 147 N)
500 N (≈ 51 kg)
ISO 24343-1:2012
Indentation Test - Load Duration
10 minutes
150 minutes
ISO 24343-1:2012
Curling after Heat Exposure
Not specified
≤ 2.0 mm
ISO 24011:2018
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use
Key Values6
Quick Reference Values
Standard testing atmosphere temperature27 ± 2 °C
Standard testing atmosphere relative humidity65 ± 5 percent
Flexibility test mandrel diameter (for 2.00 mm thick)20 mm
Indentation test initial load9.8 N
Indentation test total load147 N
Water absorption test sample dimensions50 x 50 mm
Key Formulas
Water Absorption (%) = [(m2 - m1) / m1] x 100 — Where m1 is mass before immersion and m2 is mass after immersion.
Tables & Referenced Sections
Key Tables
No tables data
Key Clauses
Clause 3 - Determination of Dimensions and Squareness
Clause 4 - Determination of Flexibility and Adhesion of Finish
Clause 5 - Determination of Indentation
Clause 6 - Determination of Water Absorption
Clause 7 - Determination of Resistance to Oil and Grease
Clause 9 - Determination of Colour Fastness to Daylight