ASTM G155

The use of this apparatus is intended to induce property changes associated with the end use conditions, including the effects of sunlight, moisture, and heat. These exposures may include a means to introduce moisture to the test specimen. Exposures are not intended to simulate the deterioration caused by localized weather phenomena, such as atmospheric pollution, biological attack, and saltwater exposure. Alternatively, the exposure may simulate the effects of sunlight through window glass. Typically, these exposures would include moisture in the form of humidity.

Note 2—Caution: Refer to Practice G 151 for full cautionary guidance applicable to all laboratory weathering devices.

Variation in results may be expected when operating conditions are varied within the accepted limits of this practice. Therefore, no reference shall be made to results from the use of this practice unless accompanied by a report detailing the specific operating conditions in conformance with the Report Section.

5.2.1 It is recommended that a similar material of known performance (a control) be exposed simultaneously with the test specimen to provide a standard for comparative purposes. It is recommended that at least three replicates of each material evaluated be exposed in each test to allow for statistical evaluation of results.

1. Scope

1.1 This practice covers the basic principles and operating procedures for using xenon arc light and water apparatus intended to reproduce the weathering effects that occur when materials are exposed to sunlight (either direct or through window glass) and moisture as rain or dew in actual use. This practice is limited to the procedures for obtaining, measuring, and controlling conditions of exposure. A number of exposure procedures are listed in an appendix; however, this practice does not specify the exposure conditions best suited for the material to be tested.

Note 1—Practice G 151 describes performance criteria for all exposure devices that use laboratory light sources. This practice replaces Practice G 26, which describes very specific designs for devices used for xenon-arc exposures. The apparatus described in Practice G 26 iscovered by this practice.

1.2 Test specimens are exposed to filtered xenon arc light under controlled environmental conditions. Different types of xenon arc light sources and different filter combinations are described.

1.3 Specimen preparation and evaluation of the results are covered in ASTM methods or specifications for specific materials. General guidance is given in Practice G 151 and ISO 4892-1. More specific information about methods for determining the change in properties after exposure and reporting these results is described in ISO 4582.

1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard.

1.5 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.

1.5.1 Should any ozone be generated from the operation of the lamp(s), it shall be carried away from the test specimens and operating personnel by an exhaust system.

1.6 This practice is technically similar to the following ISO documents: ISO 4892-2, ISO 11341, ISO 105 B02, ISO 105 B04, ISO 105 B05, and ISO 105 B06.

2. Referenced Documents

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
G113 Terminology Relating to Natural and Artificial Weathering Tests for Nonmetallic Materials
G151 Practice for Exposing Nonmetallic Materials in Accelerated Test Devices That Use Laboratory Light Sources
G26 Practice for Operating Light-Exposure Apparatus (Xenon-Arc Type) With and Without Water for Exposure of Nonmetallic Materials
CIE-Publ. No. 85: Recommendations for the Integrated Irradiance and the Spectral Distribution of Simulated Solar Radiation for Testing Purposes
ISO 105 B02, Textiles-Tests for Colorfastness-Part B02 Colorfastness to Artificial Light: Xenon Arc Fading Lamp Test
ISO 105 B04, Textiles-Tests for Colorfastness-Part B04 Colorfastness to Artificial Weathering: Xenon Arc Fading Lamp Test
ISO 105 B05, Textiles-Tests for Colorfastness-Part B05 Detection and Assessment of Photochromism
ISO 105 B06, Textiles-Tests for Colorfastness-Part B06 Colorfastness to Artificial Light at High Temperatures: Xenon Arc Fading Lamp Test
ISO 1134, Paint and Varnishes-Artificial Weathering Exposure to Artificial Radiation to Filtered Xenon Arc Radiation
ISO 4892-1, Plastics-Methods of Exposure to Laboratory Light Sources, Part 1, General Guidance
ISO 4892-2, Plastics-Methods of Exposure to Laboratory Light Sources, Part 2, Xenon-Arc Sources
SAE J1885, Accelerated Exposure of Automotive Interior Trim Components Using a Controlled Irradiance Water Cooled Xenon Arc Apparatus
SAE J1960, Accelerated Exposure of Automotive Exterior Materials Using a Controlled Irradiance Water Cooled Xenon Arc Apparatus
SAE J2412, Accelerated Exposure of Automotive Interior Trim Components Using a Controlled Irradiance Xenon-Arc Apparatus
SAE J2527 Accelerated Exposure of Automotive Exterior Materials Using a Controlled Irradiance Xenon-Arc Apparatus

Index Terms

accelerated; accelerated weathering; durability; exposure; laboratory weathering; light; lightfastness; non-metallic materials; temperature; ultraviolet; weathering; xenon arc; ICS Number Code 19.040; 19.040

Citing ASTM Standards

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