Resilient floor covering is made by fusing polymer materials under heat or pressure, or both, in various manufacturing and decorating processes. The polymer material may be compounded with plasticizers, stabilizers, fillers, and other ingredients for processibility and product performance characteristics. The formulation of the compound can be varied considerably depending on the desired performance characteristics and methods of processing. See Practice D 794 for additional significance and use information.

Heat stability, which is resistance to discoloration from heat, is a basic requirement for processing and functional use.

This test method provides a means of measuring the amount of color change in flooring products when subjected to elevated temperatures over a period of time (functional use of the flooring product).

This test method is not intended to be a means of predicting the amount of color change that occurs during processing (manufacture).

This test method specifies that a sample is subjected to 158°F ± 2°F (70°C ± 1°C) for 7 days, and the color difference is measured by a spectrophotometer and expressed as ΔE* units.

Note 1—It is the intent that this test method be used for testing heat stability performance properties to be referenced in resilient flooring specifications.

1. Scope

1.1 This test method covers a procedure for determining the resistance of resilient floor covering to color change from exposure to elevated temperature over a specified period of time.

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.

1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.

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

D794 Practice for Determining Permanent Effect of Heat on Plastics

D2244 Practice for Calculation of Color Tolerances and Color Differences from Instrumentally Measured Color Coordinates

E177 Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in ASTM Test Methods

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

Keywords

accelerated test; heat resistance; heat stability; resilient flooring; spectrophotometer; Color change resistance; Heating tests; Poly(vinyl chloride)(PVC); Resilient flooring; Resistance; Vinyl flooring/floor coverings;

ICS Code

ICS Number Code 13.220.40 (Ignitability and burning behaviour of materials and products); 97.150 (Non-textile floor coverings)

Citing ASTM Standards

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