EN ISO 23997 Resilient Floor Coverings - Determination of Mass per Unit Area

A method for determining the mass per unit area of ​​a resilient floor covering is described in the European standard “EN ISO 23997 Resilient floor coverings - Determination of mass per unit area”, subsequently published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).

Durable flooring is used in a wide variety of residential, commercial, and industrial settings where durability, ease of maintenance, and underfoot comfort are important. These materials include vinyl, linoleum, rubber, cork, and similar resilient flooring.

Common applications of resilient flooring include:

• Healthcare facilities: Used in hospitals, clinics, and dental offices. It's hygienic, easy to clean, and resistant to stains and chemicals. It's generally non-slip and has antibacterial properties.
• Educational institutions: Used in schools, universities, and daycare centers. It withstands heavy foot traffic and is easy to maintain. It's available in a variety of colors and patterns for design flexibility.
• Commercial spaces: Used in offices, retail stores, and shopping malls. Comfortable for standing and walking, reduces noise, and resists wear and tear.
• Industrial environments: Used in warehouses, laboratories, and clean rooms. Some resilient flooring offers chemical resistance, shock absorption, and anti-fatigue benefits.
• Residential: Used in kitchens, bathrooms, and basements. Moisture-resistant and suitable alternatives to tile or wood.
• Hospitality and leisure: Used in hotels, gyms, spas, and restaurants. Aesthetically pleasing, durable, and easy to disinfect.
• Transportation hubs: Used in airports, train stations, and bus terminals. Heavy-duty options provide long-lasting performance in high-traffic areas.

For the purposes of this standard, mass per unit area refers to the ratio of mass to area. Mass per unit area is expressed in grams per square metre.

In principle, samples of a certain size are taken from a flexible flooring sample. The samples are weighed, and the mass per unit area of ​​the flooring is calculated accordingly.

In these tests, a balance that can weigh the sample to the nearest 10 mg and a caliper that can measure the size of the sample to the nearest 0,05 mm are used.

The sample is conditioned for at least 24 hours at a temperature of 23 degrees Celsius (plus/minus 2 degrees Celsius) and a relative humidity of 50 percent (plus/minus 5 percent). These conditions are maintained throughout the test.

At the beginning of the test, a representative sample is taken from the available material. Five square or round samples with an area of ​​at least 0,01 m2 are taken equidistant from the sample, with a distance of at least 100 mm between the outer edge of the sample and the nearest edge. If necessary, the edges of the sample are cleaned. Full tiles may also be used in the tests.

During testing, the surface dimensions of each sample are measured and recorded to an accuracy of 0,1 mm. Each sample is weighed individually, and the mass is recorded to an accuracy of 10 mg.

Mass per unit area is calculated in grams per square meter using the formula given in the standard. Results are expressed by rounding to the nearest 5 g/m2 for results up to and equal to 1000 g/m2. Results above 1000 g/m2 are expressed by rounding to the nearest 10 g/m2. The average value of mass per unit area for five samples is calculated by rounding to the nearest gram.

The test report should include the following information:

• A statement that the tests were performed in accordance with this international standard
• Complete description of the product tested, including type, source, color and manufacturer's reference numbers
• Previous history of the sample
• Average value for mass per unit area
• Any deviation from this standard that may have affected the results.

The EN ISO 23997 standard is important for many reasons, particularly in the flooring industry, in the context of quality control, performance evaluation, and product comparison. It also defines the requirements and test methods for flexible cellular polymeric materials, particularly polyethylene foams, which are used in a wide variety of applications.

The main reasons why this standard is important are:

• Ensures product consistency: This standard provides a standardized method for determining the mass per unit area (g/m2) of resilient flooring materials such as vinyl, linoleum, or rubber. This ensures consistent product properties from batch to batch, which is critical for manufacturers and buyers:
  • Uniform performance across parties
  • Better material reliability
  • Easier troubleshooting and quality control
• Supports quality control: Manufacturers use this testing method to monitor production quality. Deviations in mass per unit area can indicate problems with material composition, thickness, or processing.
• Facilitates performance comparison: Mass per unit area can affect the durability, strength, and installation characteristics of a floor covering. By using a standardized measurement, designers and specifiers can compare different products more reliably.
• Assists with the specification and procurement process: Designers, contractors, and procurement teams often require floor coverings to meet specific technical criteria. The EN ISO 23997 standard provides a clear, internationally accepted benchmark that can be incorporated into specifications.
• Enables regulatory and environmental compliance: In some cases, mass per unit area data is important for environmental certifications (such as LEED), transportation logistics, or waste calculations. Standardized data aids accurate reporting and compliance.
• Supports global trade: This standard supports international trade by reducing uncertainty and providing a common language for product evaluation among cross-border producers and buyers.

Ultimately, the EN ISO 23997 standard is important because it defines a consistent, internationally accepted method for measuring the mass per unit area of ​​resilient floor coverings. This improves product quality, supports fair comparisons, and ensures that the floor covering meets performance and regulatory expectations.

Our organization, which has been supporting businesses across all sectors for years through a wide range of testing, measurement, analysis, and evaluation activities, has a strong team of employees who closely follow global developments in science and technology and are constantly improving themselves. In this context, we also provide testing services in accordance with the EN ISO 23997 Resilient floor coverings - Determination of mass per unit area standard.