Significance and Use

Weathering is an inherently variable science due to the fact that weather itself is variable. In addition, there can be variability in results in artificial accelerated testing even when all devices are running identical exposure cycles. Therefore, it is essential to control all factors as much as possible in order to reduce the overall source of error.

Proper handling of specimens is extremely important for maintaining the integrity of the material being evaluated. Damage to specimens caused by improper handling and labeling can adversely affect the validity of the testing program, causing loss of money and time. Improper handling can introduce nonstandard procedures into the protocol which may be a significant source of variability, adversely affecting the overall precision of results obtained. Improper handling may also introduce a bias in the results obtained.

Changes to materials can occur even under a seemingly benign conditioning environment, especially if the specimen has already been exposed. Therefore it is necessary to minimize the number and length of non-testing periods in order that the exposure is the only cause of further changes.

1. Scope

1.1 This practice covers specimen preparation, identification, packing, shipping, handling, and conditioning before, during, and after natural and artificial weathering testing.

1.2 This practice includes details on the conditioning of specimens after exposure and before examination. This practice also covers long-term storage of file specimens.

1.3 Conditioning in this practice does not refer to the specific act of exposing the specimens to the weathering factors.

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.

Note 1There is no equivalent ISO standard describing procedures for identification, shipping, conditioning, and handling of specimens intended for natural or artificial weathering tests. ISO 139 and ISO 291 describe procedures used for conditioning specimens prior to and during physical property testing.

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

D618 Practice for Conditioning Plastics for Testing

D1729 Practice for Visual Appraisal of Colors and Color Differences of Diffusely-Illuminated Opaque Materials

D1776 Practice for Conditioning and Testing Textiles

D3924 Specification for Environment for Conditioning and Testing Paint, Varnish, Lacquer, and Related Materials

E41 Terminology Relating To Conditioning

G7 Practice for Atmospheric Environmental Exposure Testing of Nonmetallic Materials

G24 Practice for Conducting Exposures to Daylight Filtered Through Glass

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

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

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

G152 Practice for Operating Open Flame Carbon Arc Light Apparatus for Exposure of Nonmetallic Materials

G153 Practice for Operating Enclosed Carbon Arc Light Apparatus for Exposure of Nonmetallic Materials

G154 Practice for Operating Fluorescent Light Apparatus for UV Exposure of Nonmetallic Materials

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

Other Documents

Keywords

conditioning; handling; shipping; standard atmosphere; test specimens; weathering; Artificial weathering; Conditioning; Handling material; Natural weathering; Nonmetallic materials; Shipping; Standard atmospheres; Weathering;

ICS Code

ICS Number Code 19.020 (Test conditions and procedures in general)

DOI: 10.1520/G0147-09

ASTM International is a member of CrossRef.

ASTM G147