MATERIAL DATA SHEET

Vitreous china sanitaryware (Specified by product dimensions)

Ceramic
mineral › Clay-Based › Ceramic
mineralclay-basedceramicvitreoussanitarywarebathroomAS1976non-porousglazedplumbing
ATLAS CODE
MIN-CLY-CER-001
Vitreous china sanitaryware (Specified by product dimensions)
Category mineral
Material Family Clay-Based
Regulatory Status A1 - Non-combustible
Density
1830 – 2480 kg/m³
Carbon (A1-A5)
700 – 1120 kgCO2-eq/tonne
Fire Class
A1 - Non-combustible
Lifespan
20 – 50 years
Description

Vitreous china is a ceramic material consisting of a porcelain body (25-70% glass phase, 30-75% crystalline phase) coated with vitreous enamel. Fired at 1200-1300°C, it achieves water absorption below 0.5% per AS 1976-1992 and ASTM standards. The material comprises clay (kaolin/ball clay), feldspar, quartz/flint, with mullite crystal formation during firing providing structural strength.

Primary Sectors
[Healthcare][Commercial]
Typical Uses
  • Toilets and water closets
  • Washbasins and lavatories
  • Urinals
  • Bidets
  • Cisterns
  • Pedestals
  • Healthcare sanitaryware
  • Commercial washroom fixtures
  • Accessible bathroom fixtures
  • Laboratory sinks
Recycled Content 0 – 30
Renewable Content 0
Recyclability 100
Embodied Carbon 700 – 1120 kgCO2-eq/tonne
Embodied Energy 10 – 15 GJ/tonne
EPD Available Yes
Advantages
Water absorption <0.5% ensuring hygieneNon-porous glazed surface prevents bacterial growthHigh chemical resistance to cleaning agentsStain and odour resistantDurable with 20-50+ year lifespanFire resistant and non-combustibleEasy to clean and maintainAesthetically pleasing glossy finishComplies with Australian StandardsSuitable for all climate zones
Cautions
Brittle - susceptible to impact damageHeavy weight (density 1830-2480 kg/m³)High embodied carbon (700-1120 kgCO2-eq/tonne)Limited thermal shock resistanceCannot be repaired if crackedHigh firing temperature energy consumptionShrinkage during manufacture (10-12%)Professional installation requiredHigher initial cost than plastic alternativesLimited recycling infrastructure
CLAD MATERIALS ATLAS PAGE 1 OF 4
TECHNICAL DATA: PERFORMANCE PROPERTIES MIN-CLY-CER-001
Density (Dry) 1830 – 2480 kg/m³
Specific Gravity 1.83 – 2.48 dimensionless
Hardness 7 Mohs scale
Surface Roughness 0.1 – 0.5 μm Ra
UV Resistance Excellent
Chemical Resistance Excellent - resistant to acids, alkalis, and cleaning agents
pH Tolerance 3 – 14 pH
Compressive Strength 200 – 400 MPa
Tensile Strength 20 – 40 MPa
Flexural Strength 39 – 78 MPa
Shear Strength 30 – 60 MPa
Elastic Modulus 60 – 80 GPa
Impact Resistance Low - brittle material J/m
Bearing Capacity 400 – 600 kg
Poisson's Ratio 0.5 dimensionless
Creep Resistance Excellent at ambient temperatures
Abrasion Resistance Excellent - Mohs 7 surface hardness
Thermal Conductivity 0.5 – 2 W/(m·K)
Thermal Resistance 0.5 – 2 m²·K/W per 100mm
Specific Heat Capacity 800 J/(kg·K)
Thermal Expansion 6 – 7 ×10⁻⁶/°C
Melting Point 1200 – 1300 °C
Sound Transmission Class (STC) 45 STC
Noise Reduction Coeff. (NRC) 0.01 NRC
Optical
Light Transmittance 0 %
Light Reflectance (LRV) 70 – 85 %
Solar Reflectance (SRI) 90 SRI

Vitreous china emerged in the late 19th century as an improvement over earthenware sanitaryware. The term 'vitreous' refers to the glass-like properties achieved through high-temperature firing. In Australia, local production began in the early 20th century with companies like Fowler and Johnson Suisse (now Caroma). The material became the Australian standard for sanitaryware from the 1950s, replacing earlier cast iron and earthenware fixtures. Modern Australian manufacturers have optimised formulations for local clays and improved water efficiency designs to meet WELS ratings.

CLAD MATERIALS ATLAS PAGE 2 OF 4
SAFETY, ECOLOGY & INSTALLATION MIN-CLY-CER-001
Flame Spread Index 0 FSI
Smoke Developed Index 0 SDI
Combustibility Class A1 - Non-combustible
Fire Resistance Rating Non-combustible per AS 1530.1 hours
Heat Release Rate 0 kW/m²
Toxicity of Combustion None - inert material
Embodied Carbon (A1-A3) 700 – 1120 kgCO2-eq/tonne
Embodied Energy 10 – 15 GJ/tonne
Water Footprint 15 L/kg product
EPD Available Yes
Recycled Content 30%
Renewable Content 0%
LEED Points 1 – 3
Circular Economy Score 40 /100
VOC Emissions 0 g/L
Skill Level Licensed plumber required in Australia
Crew Size 1 – 2 persons
Installation Time 2 – 6 hours per fixture
Curing Time 24 – 48 hours for sealants
Setting Time 2 – 4 hours for adhesives
Temperature Range 5-40 °C during installation
Humidity Range 30-80 % RH
Required Tools
Spirit levelDrill with masonry bitsSilicone sealant gunAdjustable wrenchPipe cutterPTFE tape
Certifications Required
Plumbing licenseWaterproofing certification for wet areas
Weather Limitations
Indoor installation onlyProtect from freezing during transport
CLAD MATERIALS ATLAS PAGE 3 OF 4
COMMERCIAL, LOGISTICS & REGULATORY MIN-CLY-CER-001
Material Cost 200 – 2000 AUD per unit
Installation Cost 150 – 500 AUD per fixture
Annual Maintenance 20 – 50 AUD per fixture
Lifecycle Cost (50yr) 1000 – 4000 AUD over 25 years
Market Availability Excellent - multiple Australian suppliers
Lead Time 1 – 12 weeks
Design Life 20 – 50 years
Warranty Period 1 – 15 years
Maintenance Interval 1 year for inspection
Service Temp Range -20 to 80 °C
Freeze/Thaw Resistance Moderate - avoid rapid temperature changes
Dimensional Stability Excellent - <0.1% change after installation

DISCLAIMER: This specification document is generated from the CLAD Materials Atlas Database. Information is for general guidance only and does not constitute professional engineering advice. Values are typical and may vary by batch, manufacturer, and production run. Verify suitability for specific project applications independently.

ID: MIN-CLY-CER-001 Schema: v3.0
CLAD MATERIALS ATLAS PAGE 4 OF 4