ASTM D5208-14(2022)
(Practice)Standard Practice for Fluorescent Ultraviolet (UV) Exposure of Photodegradable Plastics
Standard Practice for Fluorescent Ultraviolet (UV) Exposure of Photodegradable Plastics
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 Materials made from photodegradable plastics are intended to show relatively rapid deterioration of chemical, physical, and mechanical properties when exposed to light, heat, and water after fulfilling their intended purpose. This practice is intended to induce property changes associated with conditions that might be experienced when the material is discarded as litter, including the effects of sunlight, moisture, and heat. The exposure used in this practice is not intended to simulate the deterioration caused by localized weather phenomena such as atmospheric pollution, biological attack, and salt water exposure.
4.2 Cautions—Variation in results can be expected when operating conditions are varied within the accepted limits of this practice. Therefore, no reference to the use of this practice shall be made unless accompanied by a report prepared in accordance with Section 9 that describes the specific operating conditions used. Refer to Practice G151 for detailed information on the caveats applicable to use of results obtained in accordance with this practice.
Note 2: Additional information on sources of variability and on strategies for addressing variability in the design, execution and data analysis of laboratory accelerated exposure tests is found in Guide G141.
4.3 Exposure of a similar material of known performance (a control) at the same time as the test specimens provides a standard for comparative purposes. Use of a control to rank the stability of test materials greatly improves agreement between different laboratories.3,4 It is recommended that at least three replicates of each material evaluated be exposed to allow for statistical evaluation of results.
4.4 Test results will depend upon the care that is taken to operate the equipment in accordance with Practice G154. Significant factors include regulation of line voltage, temperature of the room in which the device operates, temperature control, and condition and age of the lamps, if ex...
SCOPE
1.1 This practice covers the specific procedures applicable for fluorescent Ultraviolet (UV) exposure of photodegradable plastics conducted in accordance with Practices G151 and G154. This practice also covers the preparation of test specimens and the evaluation of test results.
1.2 Practice D4329 covers fluorescent UV exposures of plastics intended for long term use in outdoor applications.
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.
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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
Note 1: There is no known ISO equivalent to this standard.
1.5 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
Relations
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: D5208 − 14 (Reapproved 2022)
Standard Practice for
Fluorescent Ultraviolet (UV) Exposure of Photodegradable
Plastics
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D5208; 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 D5870 Practice for Calculating Property Retention Index of
Plastics
1.1 This practice covers the specific procedures applicable
E691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to
for fluorescent Ultraviolet (UV) exposure of photodegradable
Determine the Precision of a Test Method
plastics conducted in accordance with Practices G151 and
G113 Terminology Relating to Natural andArtificial Weath-
G154. This practice also covers the preparation of test speci-
ering Tests of Nonmetallic Materials
mens and the evaluation of test results.
G141 Guide for Addressing Variability in Exposure Testing
1.2 Practice D4329 covers fluorescent UV exposures of
of Nonmetallic Materials
plastics intended for long term use in outdoor applications.
G147 Practice for Conditioning and Handling of Nonmetal-
lic Materials for Natural and Artificial Weathering Tests
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
standard. The values given in parentheses are for information G151 Practice for Exposing Nonmetallic Materials inAccel-
erated Test Devices that Use Laboratory Light Sources
only.
G154 Practice for Operating Fluorescent Ultraviolet (UV)
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
Lamp Apparatus for Exposure of Nonmetallic Materials
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
G169 Guide for Application of Basic Statistical Methods to
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
Weathering Tests
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
3. Terminology
NOTE 1—There is no known ISO equivalent to this standard.
3.1 The definitions given in Terminology G113 are appli-
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
cable to this practice.
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
4. Significance and Use
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
4.1 Materials made from photodegradable plastics are in-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
tended to show relatively rapid deterioration of chemical,
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
physical, and mechanical properties when exposed to light,
heat, and water after fulfilling their intended purpose. This
2. Referenced Documents
practice is intended to induce property changes associated with
conditions that might be experienced when the material is
2.1 ASTM Standards:
discarded as litter, including the effects of sunlight, moisture,
D3826 Practice for Determining Degradation End Point in
and heat. The exposure used in this practice is not intended to
Degradable Polyethylene and Polypropylene Using a Ten-
simulate the deterioration caused by localized weather phe-
sile Test
nomena such as atmospheric pollution, biological attack, and
D4329 Practice for Fluorescent Ultraviolet (UV) Lamp Ap-
salt water exposure.
paratus Exposure of Plastics
4.2 Cautions—Variation in results can be expected when
operating conditions are varied within the accepted limits of
1 this practice. Therefore, no reference to the use of this practice
ThispracticeisunderthejurisdictionofASTMCommitteeD20onPlasticsand
is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D20.50 on Durability of Plastics.
shall be made unless accompanied by a report prepared in
Current edition approved July 1, 2022. Published July 2022. Originally approved
accordance with Section 9 that describes the specific operating
in 1991. Last previous edition approved in 2014 as D5208 - 14. DOI: 10.1520/
conditions used. Refer to Practice G151 for detailed informa-
D5208-14R22.
tion on the caveats applicable to use of results obtained in
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
accordance with this practice.
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. NOTE 2—Additional information on sources of variability and on
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D5208 − 14 (2022)
strategies for addressing variability in the design, execution and data
6.3 To provide rigidity, attach flexible specimens to a
analysis of laboratory accelerated exposure tests is found in Guide G141.
backingpanelmadeofaluminum,0.635mm(0.025mm)thick.
4.3 Exposure of a similar material of known performance (a Suggested aluminum alloys are 5052, 6061, or 3003.
control) at the same time as the test specimens provides a
6.4 Sealanyholesinspecimenslargerthantwommandany
standard for comparative purposes. Use of a control to rank the
openings larger than one mm around irregularly shaped speci-
stability of test materials greatly improves agreement between
mens to prevent loss of water vapor. Attach porous specimens
3,4
different laboratories. It is recommended that at least three
to a solid backing such as aluminum that can act as a vapor
replicates of each material evaluated be exposed to allow for
barrier.
statistical evaluation of results.
6.5 Unless otherwise specified, expose at least three repli-
4.4 Test results will depend upon the care that is taken to
cate specimens of each test and control material.
operate the equipment in accordance with Practice G154.
6.6 Follow the procedures described in Practice G147 for
Significant factors include regulation of line voltage, tempera-
identification and conditioning and handling of specimens of
ture of the room in which the device operates, temperature
test, control, and reference materials prior to, during, and after
control, and condition and age of the lamps, if exposure is
exposure.
conducted in a device without irradiance control.
6.7 Do not mask the face of a specimen for the purpose of
5. Apparatus
showing on one panel the effects of various exposure times.
Misleading results can be obtained by this method, since the
5.1 Use of fluorescent UV apparatus that conform to the
masked portion of the specimen is still exposed to temperature
requirementsdefinedinPracticesG151andG154isrequiredto
and humidity cycles that, in many cases, will affect results.
conform to this practice.
6.8 Since the thickness of a specimen can markedly affect
5.2 The spectral power distribution of the fluorescent UV
lamp shall conform to the requirements in Practice G154 for a the results, thickness of test and control specimens shall be
within 610 % of the nominal dimensions.
UVA 340 lamp.
5.3 Test Chamber Location:
NOTE 3—This is especially important when mechanical properties are
being investigated.
5.3.1 Locatetheapparatusinanareamaintainedbetween18
and 27°C (65 and 80°F). Control of ambient temperature is
6.9 Retain a supply of unexposed file specimens of all
particularly critical when one apparatus is stacked above
materials tested.
another, because the heat generated from the lower unit can
6.10 Specimens shall not be removed from the exposure
interfere with the operation of the units above.
apparatus for more than 24 h and then returned for additional
5.3.2 Place the apparatus at least 300 mm from walls or
tests, since this will not produce the same results on all
other apparatus. Do not place the apparatus near a heat source
materials as tests run without this type of interruption. Report
such as an oven.
any elapsed time as noted under Section 9.
5.3.3 Ventilate the room in which the apparatus is located to
NOTE 4—Since the stability of the file specimen can also be time-
remove heat and moisture.
dependent, users are cautioned that over prolonged exposure periods, or
where small differences in the order of acceptable limits are anticipated,
6. Test Specimens
comparison of exposed specimens with the file specimen are not neces-
6.1 The size and shape of specimens to be exposed will be
sarily valid. Instrumental measurements are recommended whenever
possible.
determined by the specifications of the particular test method
used to evaluate the effects of the exposure on the specimens;
7. Procedure
the test method shall be determined by the parties concerned.
7.1 When the test and control specimens do not completely
Where practical, it is recommended that specimens be sized to
fill the specimen racks, fill all empty spaces with blank panels
fit specimen holders and racks supplied with the exposure
to maintain the test conditions within the chamber.
apparatus. Unless supplied with a specific backing as an
integral part of the test, specimens shall be mounted so that
7.2 Unless otherwise specified, control irradiance at 0.89
only the minimum specimen area required for support by the W/(m · nm) at 340 nm.
holder shall be covered. This unexposed surface must not be
NOTE 5—In devices without irradiance control operated at 50 6 3°C
used as part of the test area.
uninsulated black panel temperature the typical irradiance at 340 nm is
0.89 W/(m · nm). (See Note 1 of Table X2.1 in Practice G154 for a full
6.2 For specimens of insulating materials, such as foams,
explanation of the current default irradiance.)
maximum specimen thickness is 20 mm in order to allow for
7.2.1 During equilibrium operation, the allowed deviation
adequate heat transfer for condensation.
from the 340 nm set point is 60.02 W/(m • nm). If the
indicated irradiance is outside the tolerance, stop the test and
Fischer, R., “Results of Round Robin Studies of Light- and Water-Exposure
correct the problem before continuing.
Standard Practices,” Accelerated and Outdoor Durability Testing of Organic
Materials, ASTM STP 1202, Warren D. Ketola and Douglas Grossman, Eds.,
7.3 Unlessotherwisespecified,programthedevicetooneof
American Society for Testing and Materials, Philadelphia, 1993.
the following test cycles.
Ketola, W., and Fischer, R., “Characterization and Use of Reference Materials
7.3.1 Cycle A—20 h UV (light only) with uninsulated black
inAccelerated Durability Tests,” VAMAS Technical Report No. 30.Available from
NIST, Gaithersburg, MD. panel temperature controlled at 50°C.
D5208 − 14 (2022)
8. Periods of Exposure and Evaluation of Test Results
8.1 If a standard or specification for general use requires a
definite property level after a specific time or radiant exposure
in an exposure test conducted in accordance with this practice,
base the specified property level on results from round-robin
experiments run to determine the test reproducibility from the
exposureandpropertymeasurementprocedures.Conductthese
round-robins in accordance with Practice E691 and include a
statistically representative sample of all laboratories or orga-
FIG. 1 Sample Rotation
nizations who would normally conduct the exposure and
property measurement. The precision and bias section contains
results from such a round-robin.
8.1.1 If a standard or specification for use between two or
4hDark/condensationwithuninsulatedblack
three parties requires a definite property level after a specific
panel temperature controlled at 40°C. time or radiant exposure in an exposure test conducted in
accordance with this practice, base the specified property level
Repeatthis24-hourcyclecontinuouslyuntilthedesiredtotal
exposure is reached. on two independent experiments run in each laboratory to
determine the reproducibility for the exposure and property
7.3.2 Cycle B—4 h UV (light only) with uninsulated black
measurement process. The reproducibility of the exposure/
panel temperature controlled at 50°C.
property measurement process is then used to determine the
4hDark/condensationwithuninsulatedblack
minimum level of property after the exposure that is mutually
panel temperature controlled at 40°C.
agreeable to all parties.
Repeat this 8-hour cycle continuously until the desired total
exposure is reached.
8.2 When reproducibility in results from an exposure test
7.3.3 CycleC—continuousUVwithuninsulatedblackpanel conducted in accordance with this practice have not been
temperature controlled at 50°C. Operate continuously until the
established through round-robin testing, specify performance
desired total exposure is reached. requirements for materials in terms of comparison (ranked) to
7.3.4 During equilibrium operation, the maximum allow- a control material. The control specimens shall be exposed
simultaneously with the test specimen(s) in the same device.
abledeviationfromtheuninsulatedblackpaneltemperatureset
point is 63°C. If the indicated temperature of the uninsulated All concerned parties must agree on the specific control
black panel is outside these limits, stop the test and correct the material used.
problem before continuing. 8.2.1 Conduct analysis of variance to determine whether
anydifferencesbetweentestmaterialsandcontrolmaterialsare
NOTE 6—The set points and tolerances for 7.2 and Cycles A, B, and C
statistically significant. Expose replicates of the test specimen
represent an operational control point for equilibrium conditions at a
and the control specimen so that statistically significant per-
single location in the cabinet, which does not necessarily represent the
formance differences can be determined.
uniformity of those conditions throughout the cabinet. ASTM Committee
G03isworkingtorefinethesetolerancesandaddresstheuniformityissue.
NOTE 7—Fischer illustrates use of rank comparison between test and
7.3.5 UseCycleCformaterialsthatwillbeusedfortoxicity
control materials in specifications.
NOTE 8—Guide G169 includes examples showing use of analysis of
testing after exposure. This is essential because cycles that use
variance to compare materials.
condensation can wash away by-products of photochemical
degradation. 8.3 In most cases, periodic evaluation of test and control
materials is necessary to determine the variation in magnitude
7.4 Unless otherwise specified, reposition specimens as
anddirectionofpropertychangeasafunctionofexposuretime
follows in order to minimize any effects from temperature or
or radiant exposure.
UV light variation. Figure 1 shows a diagram of the s
...
Questions, Comments and Discussion
Ask us and Technical Secretary will try to provide an answer. You can facilitate discussion about the standard in here.