Both suppliers and users of advanced ceramics can benefit from knowledge of the surface area of these materials. Results of many intermediate and final processing steps are controlled by, or related to, specific surface area of the advanced ceramic.

1.1 This test method covers determination of surface area of advanced ceramic materials. This test method specifies general procedures that are applicable to many commercial physical adsorption instruments. This test method provides specific sample outgassing procedures for listed materials, including silicon carbide, silicon nitride, and zirconium oxide. It includes additional general outgassing instructions for other advanced ceramic materials. The multipoint equation of Brunauer, Emmett and Teller (BET) along with the single point approximation of the BET equation form the basis for all calculations.

1.2 This test method does not include all existing procedures appropriate for outgassing advanced ceramic materials. The included procedures provided acceptable results for samples analyzed during round robin testing. The investigator must determine the appropriateness of listed procedures.

1.3 This test method uses SI units as standard. State all numerical values in terms of SI units unless specific instrumentation software reports surface area using alternate units. In this case, present both reported and equivalent SI units in the final written report. Many instruments report surface area as m²/g, instead of using correct SI units (m²/kg).

1.4 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.