ASTM C849-88(2011)

1.1 This test method covers the determination of the Knoop indentation hardness of ceramic whitewares and the verification of Knoop indentation hardness testing machines using standard glasses.

1.2 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
Significance and Use:

The Knoop indentation hardness is one of many properties that is used to characterize ceramic whitewares. Attempts have been made to relate Knoop indentation hardness to tensile strength, grinding speeds, and other hardness scales, but no generally accepted methods are available. Such conversions are limited in scope and should be used with caution, except for special cases where a reliable basis for the conversion has been obtained by comparison tests.