The degradation of optical properties of transparent plastics is the single greatest cause for in-service removal and replacement. Some optical qualities are inherent in the geometry, manufacturing process, and materials, and remain relatively unchanged after manufacture, while others are subject to gradual change during exposure to the service environment. Factors having an influence on the crazing of transparent plastics include stress, ultraviolet (UV), moisture, and temperature. Sufficient data has been generated to make it evident that real-world conditioning must be experienced by developmental test specimens, as opposed to testing new unexposed material to determine durability, prior to in-service usage. However, the laboratory simulation of natural weathering, and especially accelerated simulation, is imprecise and correlation of results obtained for different plastics or from using different exposure apparatus should not be attempted until a valid database has been generated for such cross-correlation.

1. Scope

1.1 This test method covers the resistance of transparent plastics exposed to environmental conditioning (accelerated weathering) under a biaxial stress state induced by a pressure cell/test fixture.

1.2 The values stated in acceptable metric units are to be regarded as the 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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

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

D1003 Test Method for Haze and Luminous Transmittance of Transparent Plastics

D3359 Test Methods for Measuring Adhesion by Tape Test

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

G53 Practice for Operating Light-and Water-Exposure Apparatus (Fluorescent UV-Condensation Type) for Exposure of Nonmetallic Materials

G90 Practice for Performing Accelerated Outdoor Weathering of Nonmetallic Materials Using Concentrated Natural Sunlight

Keywords

accelerated weathering; biaxial stress; coating adhesion; crazing; transparent plastics; Aerospace transparent enclosures; Composite plastic materials/applications; Conditioning; Crazing--aerospace plastics; Degradation--plastics; Fresnel-reflector system; Haze; Light transmission and reflection; Pressure testing--aerospace materials; Resistance--aircraft/aerospace materials; Stress--aerospace materials; Visual examination--aerospace applications; Weathering (aerospace materials/applications);

ICS Code

ICS Number Code 83.080.01 (Plastics in general)

Citing ASTM Standards

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