4.1 Both sellers and purchasers of alumina and quartz will find the test method useful to determine the specific surface area and indirectly as a measure of the particle size for material specifications, manufacturing control, and research and development.

1.1 This test method covers the determination of the specific surface area of aluminas and silicas used in the manufacture of ceramics. The test method is a general one, permitting the use of any modern commercial nitrogen adsorption apparatus but strictly defining the outgassing procedure. Calculations are based on the Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) equation.

1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.3 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.