ASTM D7238-20

Standard Test Method for Effect of Exposure of Unreinforced Polyolefin Geomembrane Using Fluorescent UV Condensation Apparatus

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 The use of this apparatus is intended to induce property changes associated with the end-use conditions, including the effects of the UV portion of sunlight, moisture, and heat. Exposures are not intended to simulate the deterioration caused by localized weather phenomena, such as atmospheric pollution, biological attack, and saltwater exposure.
Note 3: Refer to Practice G151 for cautionary guidance applicable to laboratory weathering devices.  
5.2 Variation in results may be expected when operating conditions are varied within the accepted limits of this method.  
5.3 Test data for one thickness of a geomembrane cannot be used as data for other thickness geomembranes made with the same formula (polymer, pigment, and stabilizers) since the degradation is thickness related.
Note 4: It is recommended that a similar material of known performance (a control) be exposed simultaneously with the test material to provide a standard for comparative purposes. When control material is used in the test program, it is recommended only one coupon be used for each UV exposure period to allow for OIT testing.
SCOPE
1.1 This standard covers the specific procedures and test conditions that are applicable for exposure of unreinforced polyolefin geomembranes to fluorescent UV radiation and condensation.
Note 1: Polyolefin geomembranes include high-density polyethylene (HDPE), linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), flexible polyproplyene (fPP), etc.  
1.2 Test specimens are exposed to fluorescent UVA-340 lamps under controlled environmental conditions. UVA-340 lamps are standard for this method.  
Note 2: Other types of fluorescent UV lamps, such as UVB-313, can also be used based upon discussion between involved parties. However, if the test is run with another type of fluorescent UV lamp, such as UVB-313, this should be considered as a deviation from the standard and clearly stated in the test report. UVB-313 and UVA-340 fluorescent lamps generate different amounts of radiant power in different wavelength ranges; thus, the photochemical effects caused by these different lamps may vary.  
1.3 This method covers the conditions under which the exposure is to be performed and the test methods for evaluating the effects of fluorescent UV, heat, and moisture in the form of condensation on geomembranes. General guidance is given in Practices G151 and G154.  
1.4 The values listed 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.6 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 30-Jun-2020
• ICS: 59.080.70 - Geotextiles
• Technical Committee: D35 - Geosynthetics
• Drafting Committee: D35.02 - Endurance Properties

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation:D7238 −20
Standard Test Method for
Effect of Exposure of Unreinforced Polyolefin
Geomembrane Using Fluorescent UV Condensation
1
Apparatus
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D7238; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
1.1 This standard covers the specific procedures and test
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
conditions that are applicable for exposure of unreinforced
polyolefin geomembranes to fluorescent UV radiation and
2. Referenced Documents
condensation.
2
2.1 ASTM Standards:
NOTE 1—Polyolefin geomembranes include high-density polyethylene
D1238 Test Method for Melt Flow Rates of Thermoplastics
(HDPE), linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), flexible polyproply-
by Extrusion Plastometer
ene (fPP), etc.
D5885/D5885M Test Method for Oxidative Induction Time
1.2 Test specimens are exposed to fluorescent UVA-340
of Polyolefin Geosynthetics by High-Pressure Differential
lamps under controlled environmental conditions. UVA-340
Scanning Calorimetry
lamps are standard for this method.
D6693/D6693M Test Method for Determining Tensile Prop-
erties of Nonreinforced Polyethylene and Nonreinforced
NOTE 2—Other types of fluorescent UV lamps, such as UVB-313, can
also be used based upon discussion between involved parties. However, if
Flexible Polypropylene Geomembranes
the test is run with another type of fluorescent UV lamp, such as
G113 Terminology Relating to Natural andArtificial Weath-
UVB-313, this should be considered as a deviation from the standard and
ering Tests of Nonmetallic Materials
clearly stated in the test report. UVB-313 and UVA-340 fluorescent lamps
G151 Practice for Exposing Nonmetallic Materials inAccel-
generate different amounts of radiant power in different wavelength
ranges; thus, the photochemical effects caused by these different lamps erated Test Devices that Use Laboratory Light Sources
may vary.
G154 Practice for Operating Fluorescent Ultraviolet (UV)
Lamp Apparatus for Exposure of Nonmetallic Materials
1.3 This method covers the conditions under which the
G156 Practice for Selecting and Characterizing Weathering
exposureistobeperformedandthetestmethodsforevaluating
Reference Materials
the effects of fluorescent UV, heat, and moisture in the form of
condensation on geomembranes. General guidance is given in
3. Terminology
Practices G151 and G154.
3.1 Definitions: (According to Terminology G113.)
1.4 The values listed in SI units are to be regarded as the
3.1.1 control, n—a material which is of similar composition
standard.
and construction to the test material used for comparison,
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
exposed at the same time.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
3.1.2 irradiance, n—the radiant power per unit area incident
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
2
on a receiver, typically reported in units of W/(m ·nm) at
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
2
specifiedwavelengthofmeasurementorinW/m inaspecified
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
spectral range.
1.6 This international standard was developed in accor-
3.1.3 reference material, n—a material with known perfor-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
mance.
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
3.1.4 ultraviolet regions, n—the UV region of the spectrum
is divided into three regions: UVA, radiation in wavelengths
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D35 on
Geosynthetics and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D35.02 on Endur-
2
ance Properties. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved July 1, 2020. Published July 2020. Originally approved contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
in 2006. Last previous edition approved in 2017 as D7238 – 06 (2017). DOI: Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
10.1520/D7238-20. the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
1

---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
D7238−20
between 315 nm and 400 nm; UVB, radiation in wavelengths 6.3 The app
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: D7238 − 06 (Reapproved 2017) D7238 − 20
Standard Test Method for
Effect of Exposure of Unreinforced Polyolefin
Geomembrane Using Fluorescent UV Condensation
1
Apparatus
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D7238; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope
1.1 This standard covers the specific procedures and test conditions that are applicable for exposure of unreinforced polyolefin
geomembranes to fluorescent UV radiation and condensation.
NOTE 1—Polyolefin geomembranes include high-density polyethylene (HDPE), linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), flexible polyproplyene
(fPP), etc.
1.2 Test specimens are exposed to fluorescent UVA 340 UVA-340 lamps under controlled environmental conditions. UVA 340
UVA-340 lamps are standard for this method.
NOTE 2—Other types of fluorescent UV lamps, such as UVB-313, can also be used based upon discussion between involved parties. However, if the
test is run with another type of fluorescent UV lamps,lamp, such as UVB-313, this should be considered as a deviation from the standard and clearly stated
in the test report. UVB-313 and UVA-340 fluorescent lamps generate different amounts of radiant power in different wavelength ranges; thus, the
photochemical effects caused by these different lamps may vary.
1.3 This method covers the conditions under which the exposure is to be performed and the test methods for evaluating the
effects of fluorescent UV, heat, and moisture in the form of condensation on geomembranes. General guidance is given in Practices
G151 and G154.
1.4 The values listed 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 safety, health, and healthenvironmental practices and determine the
applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.6 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents
2
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D1238 Test Method for Melt Flow Rates of Thermoplastics by Extrusion Plastometer
D5885D5885/D5885M Test Method for Oxidative Induction Time of Polyolefin Geosynthetics by High-Pressure Differential
Scanning Calorimetry
D6693D6693/D6693M Test Method for Determining Tensile Properties of Nonreinforced Polyethylene and Nonreinforced
Flexible Polypropylene Geomembranes
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
G154 Practice for Operating Fluorescent Ultraviolet (UV) Lamp Apparatus for Exposure of Nonmetallic Materials
G156 Practice for Selecting and Characterizing Weathering Reference Materials
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions: (According to Terminology G113.)
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D35 on Geosynthetics and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D35.02 on Endurance Properties.
Current edition approved July 1, 2017July 1, 2020. Published July 2017July 2020. Originally approved in 2006. Last previous edition approved in 20122017 as D7238 – 06
(2012).(2017). DOI: 10.1520/D7238-06R17.10.1520/D7238-20.
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
1

---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
D7238 − 20
3.1.1 control, n—a material which is of similar composition and construction to the test material used for comparison, exposed
at the same time.
2
3.1.2 irradiance, n—the radiant power per unit area incident on a receiver, typically reported in units of W/(m .nm)·nm) at
2
specified wavelength of measurement or in W/m in a specified spectral rang
...