ASTM D4674-02a(2010)
(Practice)Standard Practice for Accelerated Testing for Color Stability of Plastics Exposed to Indoor Office Environments (Withdrawn 2019)
Standard Practice for Accelerated Testing for Color Stability of Plastics Exposed to Indoor Office Environments (Withdrawn 2019)
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
Tests conducted in accordance with this practice are intended to induce property changes associated with use exposure to light and heat in typical office environments. These exposures are not intended to simulate the deterioration caused by localized phenomena such as handling, dirt contamination, etc.
Note 5—Caution: Caution: Refer to practice G151 for full cautionary guidance applicable to all laboratory weathering devices. Additional information on sources of variability and on strategies for addressing variability by design and data analysis of laboratory accelerated exposure tests is found in Guide G141.
Variation in results may be expected are possible between the different methods described in this practice. For example, differences in spectral distribution of the lamps used and variations in the irradiance for a single type of lamp can cause significant differences in test results. Therefore, any no reference to the use of this practice should be made unless accompanied by a report prepared in accordance with Section 12 that describes needs to include a reference to the method used.
Reproducibility of test results between laboratories has been shown to be good when the stability of materials is evaluated in terms of performance ranking compared to other materials or to a control. Therefore, exposure of a similar material of known performance (a control) at the same time as the test materials is strongly recommended. It is recommended that at least three replicates of each material be exposed to allow for statistical evaluation of results.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice covers the basic principles and operating procedures for using fluorescent light to determine color stability of plastics when materials are exposed in typical office environments where fluorescent overhead lighting and window-filtered daylight are used for illumination and where temperature and humidity conditions are in accordance with American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) recommendations for workers' comfort.
1.2 This practice describes four methods where specimens are exposed to fluorescent light under controlled environmental conditions. Two of the methods use an exposure device that provides for mixing of fluorescent lamps and two of the methods use devices that comply with Practice G154.
Note 1—Method I uses cool white fluorescent lamps and window glass filtered fluorescent UVB lamps and is the same method described in previous versions of this standard.
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 G151. More specific information about methods for determining the change in properties after exposure and reporting these results is described in Practice D5870.
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard.
1.5 Unless otherwise specified, all dimensions are nominal.
1.6 This practice may involve hazardous materials, operations, and equipment. This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, is 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. Specific precautionary statements are given in Section 7.
Note 2—There is no known ISO equivalent to this standard.
WITHDRAWN RATIONALE
This practice covers the basic principles and operating procedures for using fluorescent light to determine color stability of plastics when materials are exposed in typical office environments where fluorescent overhead lighting and window-filtered daylight are used for illumination and where temperature and humidity conditions are in accordance with American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) recommendations for workers' co...
General Information
Relations
Standards Content (Sample)
NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
Designation: D4674 − 02a (Reapproved 2010)
Standard Practice for
Accelerated Testing for Color Stability of Plastics Exposed
to Indoor Office Environments
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D4674; 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 2. Referenced Documents
1.1 This practice covers the basic principles and operating 2.1 ASTM Standards:
procedures for using fluorescent light to determine color D1729 Practice for Visual Appraisal of Colors and Color
stabilityofplasticswhenmaterialsareexposedintypicaloffice Differences of Diffusely-Illuminated Opaque Materials
environments where fluorescent overhead lighting and D2244 Practice for Calculation of Color Tolerances and
window-filtered daylight are used for illumination and where Color Differences from Instrumentally Measured Color
temperature and humidity conditions are in accordance with Coordinates
American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air- D3980 Practice for Interlaboratory Testing of Paint and
conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) recommendations for Related Materials (Withdrawn 1998)
workers’ comfort. D5870 Practice for Calculating Property Retention Index of
Plastics
1.2 This practice describes four methods where specimens
E691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to
areexposedtofluorescentlightundercontrolledenvironmental
Determine the Precision of a Test Method
conditions. Two of the methods use an exposure device that
G113 Terminology Relating to Natural andArtificial Weath-
provides for mixing of fluorescent lamps and two of the
ering Tests of Nonmetallic Materials
methods use devices that comply with Practice G154.
G141 Guide for Addressing Variability in Exposure Testing
NOTE 1—Method I uses cool white fluorescent lamps and window glass
of Nonmetallic Materials
filtered fluorescent UVB lamps and is the same method described in
G147 Practice for Conditioning and Handling of Nonmetal-
previous versions of this standard.
lic Materials for Natural and Artificial Weathering Tests
1.3 Specimen preparation and evaluation of the results are
G151 Practice for Exposing Nonmetallic Materials inAccel-
covered in ASTM methods or specifications for specific
erated Test Devices that Use Laboratory Light Sources
materials. General guidance is given in Practice G151. More
G154 Practice for Operating Fluorescent Ultraviolet (UV)
specific information about methods for determining the change
Lamp Apparatus for Exposure of Nonmetallic Materials
in properties after exposure and reporting these results is
G169 Guide for Application of Basic Statistical Methods to
described in Practice D5870.
Weathering Tests
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
3. Terminology
standard.
3.1 Definitions—ThedefinitionsgiveninTerminologyG113
1.5 Unless otherwise specified, all dimensions are nominal.
are applicable to this practice.
1.6 This practice may involve hazardous materials,
operations, and equipment. This standard does not purport to
4. Summary of Practice
address all of the safety concerns, is any, associated with its
4.1 This practice provides for the exposure of specimens to
use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to
fluorescent light under controlled environmental conditions.
establish appropriate safety and health practices and deter-
Radiant energy is provided by one of the following fluorescent
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
light sources: (1) VHO cool-white fluorescent lamps and glass
Specific precautionary statements are given in Section 7.
filtered fluorescent UV lamps, (2) VHO cool-white fluorescent
NOTE 2—There is no known ISO equivalent to this standard.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
ThispracticeisunderthejurisdictionofASTMCommitteeD20onPlasticsand contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D20.50 on Durability of Plastics. Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2010. Published March 2011. Originally the ASTM website.
approved in 1987. Last previous edition approved in 2002 as D4674 - 02a. DOI: The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
10.1520/D4674-02AR10. www.astm.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D4674 − 02a (2010)
lamps alone, (3) standard output cool white fluorescent lamps 6.1.1 The test chamber used for Methods I and II shall be
alone, or (4) UVA-351 fluorescent UVA lamps. designed so that simultaneous operation of VHO cool white
andglassfilteredUVfluorescentlampsispossible,andshallbe
4.1.1 Method I is intended to simulate the conditions in an
office environment plus a portion of solar UV radiation equipped with a radiometer complying with the requirements
of Practice G151 and calibrated from 250 to 400 nm. Annex
transmitted by window glass. Methods II and III are intended
to simulate only the indoor lighting component of a typical Annex A1 contains more information about the design of the
apparatus used for Methods I and II.
office environment. Method IVis intended to simulate only the
effects of a portion of solar UV radiation transmitted through 6.1.2 The test chamber used for Methods III and IV shall
conform to the requirements of Practice G154.
window glass.
6.2 The spectral distribution of the UVB-313, UVA-340,
NOTE 3—A comparison of the four listed methods has not been
performed, and as such, results obtained from each method cannot be and UVA-351 shall comply with the requirements of practice
considered as equivalent.
G154. The spectral power distribution of the cool white lamps
NOTE 4—For more information on the use of fluorescent UV lamps to
usedshallcomplywiththerequirementsgiveninAnnexAnnex
simulate solar UV radiation behind window glass, refer to Annex A1 of
A2.
Practice G154.
6.3 Window glass—Unless otherwise specified the window
4.1.2 Do not compare Comparison of results obtained from
glass shall be good grade clear, flat, drawn “single strength”
specimens exposed using the methods described should not be
sheet glass free of bubbles or other imperfections and between
made unless correlation has been established between the
2.0 and 2.5 mm in thickness. The glass shall be preaged in the
methods being compared for the materials being tested.
device for at least 24 hours prior to use.
4.2 Color change is determined periodically throughout the
6.4 For Methods I and II, place the apparatus in an envi-
course of the exposure by comparison of the exposed speci-
ronment that meets ASHRAE recommendations of 20 to
mens to unexposed specimens, using either visual or instru-
25.5°C and 40 to 50 % relative humidity. For Methods III and
mental procedures.
IV follow the requirements of Practice G154 for the area in
which the instruments are used.
5. Significance and Use
6.5 Instrument Calibration—To ensure standardization and
5.1 Tests conducted in accordance with this practice are
accuracy, the instruments associated with the exposure appa-
intended to induce property changes associated with use
ratus (for example, timers, thermometers, UV sensors, and
exposuretolightandheatintypicalofficeenvironments.These
radiometers)requireperiodiccalibrationtoensurerepeatability
exposures are not intended to simulate the deterioration caused
of test results. Whenever possible, calibration should needs to
by localized phenomena such as handling, dirt contamination,
be traceable to national or international standards. Unless
etc.
otherwise specified, calibration schedule and procedure shall
NOTE 5—Caution: Caution: Refer to practice G151 for full cautionary be in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.
guidance applicable to all laboratory weathering devices. Additional
information on sources of variability and on strategies for addressing
7. Hazards
variability by design and data analysis of laboratory accelerated exposure
tests is found in Guide G141.
7.1 Never look directly at the operating lamps unless
wearing UV protective eyewear. The apparatus specified in
5.2 Variation in results may be expected are possible be-
Section 6 shall be constructed so that the operator will not be
tween the different methods described in this practice. For
exposed to hazardous levels of UV radiation.
example, differences in spectral distribution of the lamps used
and variations in the irradiance for a single type of lamp can
7.2 Discard or recycle lamps in accordance with any rel-
cause significant differences in test results. Therefore, any no
evant local ordinances when they are no longer suitable for the
reference to the use of this practice should be made unless
tests described.
accompanied by a report prepared in accordance with Section
12 that describes needs to include a reference to the method
8. Test Specimens
used.
8.1 The recommended specimen size is a rectangular flat
5.3 Reproducibility of test results between laboratories has
piece 50 by 80 by 4 mm (minimum thickness). This size is
been shown to be good when the stability of materials is
adequate for visual or instrumental evaluation. Other specimen
evaluated in terms of performance ranking compared to other
dimensions may be used by mutual agreement among the
materials or to a control. Therefore, exposure of a similar
parties concerned but exposed surfaces need to be coplanar for
material of known performance (a control) at the same time as
most consistent results.
the test materials is strongly recommended. It is recommended
that at least three replicates of each material be exposed to
9. Test Conditions
allow for statistical evaluation of results.
9.1 Conduct exposures in accordance with one of the
following exposure methods.
6. Apparatus
9.1.1 Method I:
6.1 Test Chamber—Unless otherwise specified, the test 9.1.1.1 Use apparatus conforming to the requirements de-
chamber shall comply with the requirements of Practice G151. scribed in Annex Annex A1.
D4674 − 02a (2010)
NOTE 6—For Method I, the contribution of fluorescent UV lamp
9.1.1.8 Reposition the specimens at time intervals equal to
radiation to the total UV actinic exposure is adjusted by changing the
25 6 5 % of the total time calculated in section 9.1.1.4. Move
percentage of time the specimens are exposed to the various lamp types.
specimens just to the right of the center line of the exposure
9.1.1.2 This method provides for exposure of specimens to
areatothepositionfarthesttotherightintheexposureareaand
radiant energy from an array of very high output (VHO) cool
move remaining specimens one position to the left. Move
white fluorescent lamps plus intermittent radiant energy from
specimens just to the left of the center line of the exposure to
window glass filtered fluorescent UV lamps. The total UV
the position farthest to the left in the exposure area and move
radiant exposure from both sources is calculated by determin-
remaining specimens in this half one position to the right.
ing the total UV irradiance from each type of lamp separately
9.1.1.9 Maintain chamber air temperature between 30 and
and calculating the product of the total UV irradiance and
40°C during the exposure. If the air temperature exceeds 40°C,
2 2
exposure time in Watt-hours/m (W-h/m ).
the device must be shut off and the cause for the high
9.1.1.3 Place test specimens in the exposure area, leaving at
temperature corrected before exposures can continue.
least a 25 mm empty border around the exposure area.
9.1.1.10 Conduct exposures for a total time agreed upon by
9.1.1.4 Run the device with both the cool white and fluo-
all interested parties. Periodically remove test and control
rescent UV lamps on for at least 20 minutes, then turn off the
specimens for color measurement and relevant physical prop-
fluorescent UV lamps and record the UV irradiance with only
erty tests.
the cool white lamps operating (CWE in W/m , 250-400 nm).
9.1.2 Method II:
Calculate the exposure time required for the desired CW
E 9.1.2.1 Use apparatus conforming to the requirements of
radiant exposure as follows:
Annex A, but without the fluorescent UV lamps.
9.1.2.2 Place test specimens in the exposure area, leaving at
CW
H
CW 5 (1)
t
least a 25 mm empty border around the exposure area.
CW
E
9.1.2.3 Operate the device for at least 20 minutes then
where:
record the UV irradiance (CW ,in W/m , 250-400 nm).
UV
CW = exposure time for cool white lamps,
t
Calculate the exposure time necessary for the desired cool
CW = desired UV radiant exposure for cool white lamps
H
white UV irradiance exposure in accordance with section
alone, and
9.1.1.4.
CW = UV irradiance measured with only with the cool
E
9.1.2.4 Reposition the specimens during the exposure as
white lamps operating.
described in section 9.1.1.8.
9.1.1.5 Run the device with only the fluorescent UV lamps
9.1.2.5 Maintain chamber air temperature between 30 and
on and record the UVirradiance (UVE inW/m , 250-400 nm).
40°C during the exposure. If the air temperature exceeds 40°C,
The UV actinic exposure from the filtered fluorescent UV
the device must be shut off and the cause for the high
lamps is set at 12 % of the UV actinic exposure for the cool
temperature corrected before exposures can continue.
white lamps. Calculate the total operating time for the fluores-
9.1.2.6 Conduct exposures for a total time agreed upon by
cent UV lamps as follows:
all interested parties. Periodically remove test and control
specimens for color measurement and relevant physical prop-
0.12 3CW
H
UV 5 (2)
t
erty tests.
UV
E
9.1.3 Method III:
where:
9.1.3.1 Use apparatus conforming to the requirements of
UV = exposure time for fluorescent UV lamps,
t
Practice G154 and equipped with F40T12 cool white lamps.
CW = desired UV radiant exposure for cool white lamps
H
Place specimens in the devices, and fill all spaces not used by
alone, and
test specimens with blank metal panels. Operate the device
UV = UV irradiance measured with only with the fluores-
E
with lamps on continuously and with the black panel tempera-
cent UV lamps operating.
ture controlled at 50 6 3°C.
NOTE 7—Although an office environment sees some UV exposure due
9.1.3.2 Specimen Repositioning—Periodic repositioning of
to sunlight through window glass, most photodegradation originates from
the specimens during exposure is not necessary if the irradi-
fluorescent lighting. The 12 % is an estimate of a representative o
...
Questions, Comments and Discussion
Ask us and Technical Secretary will try to provide an answer. You can facilitate discussion about the standard in here.