Significance and Use

The ability of a plastic material to resist deterioration of its electrical, mechanical, and optical properties caused by exposure to light, heat, and water can be very significant for many applications. This practice is intended to induce property changes associated with end-use conditions, including the effects of daylight, moisture, and heat. The exposure used in this practice is not intended to simulate the deterioration caused by localized weather phenomena, such as, atmospheric pollution, biological attack, and saltwater exposure.

Caution Variations in results may be expected when operating conditions are varied within the accepted limits of this practice. Therefore, all references to the use of this practice must be accompanied by a report prepared in accordance with Section 9 that describes the specific operating conditions used. Refer to Practice G 151 for detailed information on the caveats applicable to use of results obtained in accordance with this practice.

Note 3Additional information on sources of variability and on strategies for addressing variability in the design, execution, and data analysis of laboratory-accelerated exposure tests is found in Guide G 141 .

Reproducibility of test results between laboratories has been shown to be good when the stability of materials is evaluated in terms of performance ranking compared to other materials or to a control. ^, Therefore, exposure of a similar material of known performance (a control) at the same time as the test materials is strongly recommended. It is recommended that at least three replicates of each material be exposed to allow for statistical evaluation of results.

Test results will depend upon the care that is taken to operate the equipment in accordance with Practice G 155. Significant factors include regulation of line voltage, freedom from salts or other deposits from water, temperature and humidity control, and condition and age of the burner and filters.

1. Scope

1.1 This practice covers specific procedures and test conditions that are applicable for xenon-arc exposure of plastics conducted in accordance with Practices G 151 and G 155 . This practice also covers the preparation of test specimens, the test conditions best suited for plastics, and the evaluation of test results.

Note 1Previous versions of this practice referenced xenon-arc devices described in Practice G 26 , which described very specific equipment designs. Practice G 26 is being replaced by Practice G 151 , which describes performance criteria for all exposure devices that use laboratory light sources and by Practice G 155 , which gives requirements for exposing nonmetallic materials in xenon-arc devices. Practice G 26 will be balloted for withdrawal before December 2000.

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.

Note 2This practice is technically equivalent to ISO 4892-2.

2. Referenced Documents (purchase separately) The documents listed below are referenced within the subject standard but are not provided as part of the standard.

ASTM Standards

D1293 Test Methods for pH of Water

D3980 Practice for Interlaboratory Testing of Paint and Related Materials

D5870 Practice for Calculating Property Retention Index of Plastics

E691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method

G26 Practice for Operating Light-Exposure Apparatus (Xenon-Arc Type) With and Without Water for Exposure of Nonmetallic Materials (Discontinued 2001)

G113 Terminology Relating to Natural and Artificial Weathering Tests of Nonmetallic Materials

G141 Guide for Addressing Variability in Exposure Testing of Nonmetallic Materials

G147 Practice for Conditioning and Handling of Nonmetallic Materials for Natural and Artificial Weathering Tests

G151 Practice for Exposing Nonmetallic Materials in Accelerated Test Devices that Use Laboratory Light Sources

G155 Practice for Operating Xenon Arc Light Apparatus for Exposure of Non-Metallic Materials

ISO Standard

Keywords

degradation; exposure; light exposure; ultraviolet; xenon-arc; Degradation--plastics; Exposure tests--plastics; Light exposure--plastics; Ultraviolet (UV) analysis--plastics; Water exposure apparatus; Xenon-arc light exposure;

ICS Code

ICS Number Code 83.140.01 (Rubber and plastic products in general)

DOI: 10.1520/D2565-99R08

ASTM International is a member of CrossRef.

ASTM D2565