ASTM G147-96

Standard Practice for Conditioning and Handling of Nonmetallic Materials for Natural and Artificial Weathering Tests

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.

General Information

• Status: Historical
• Publication Date: 09-Dec-1996
• ICS: 19.020 - Test conditions and procedures in general
• Technical Committee: G03 - Weathering and Durability
• Drafting Committee: G03.01 - Joint Weathering Projects

Relations

• Replaced By: ASTM G147-02 - Standard Practice for Conditioning and Handling of Nonmetallic Materials for Natural and Artificial Weathering Tests
• Effective Date: 10-Dec-2002
• Referred By: ASTM D7793-21 - Standard Specification for Insulated Vinyl Siding
• Effective Date: 10-Dec-1996
• Referred By: ASTM D1435-20 - Standard Practice for Outdoor Weathering of Plastics
• Effective Date: 10-Dec-1996
• Referred By: ASTM D3451-06(2017) - Standard Guide for Testing Coating Powders and Powder Coatings
• Effective Date: 10-Dec-1996
• Referred By: ASTM D3815/D3815M-05(2019) - Standard Practice for Accelerated Weathering of Pressure-Sensitive Tapes by Open-Flame Carbon-Arc Exposure Apparatus
• Effective Date: 10-Dec-1996
• Referred By: ASTM D7254-21 - Standard Specification for Polypropylene (PP) Siding
• Effective Date: 10-Dec-1996
• Referred By: ASTM D7869-17 - Standard Practice for Xenon Arc Exposure Test with Enhanced Light and Water Exposure for Transportation Coatings
• Effective Date: 10-Dec-1996
• Referred By: ASTM D4799/D4799M-17(2023) - Standard Practice for Accelerated Weathering Test Conditions and Procedures for Bituminous Materials (Fluorescent UV, Water Spray, and Condensation Method)
• Effective Date: 10-Dec-1996
• Referred By: ASTM D7856-21 - Standard Specification for Color and Appearance Retention of Solid and Variegated Color Plastic Siding Products using CIELab Color Space
• Effective Date: 10-Dec-1996
• Referred By: ASTM D7356/D7356M-19 - Standard Test Method for Accelerated Acid Etch Weathering of Automotive Clearcoats Using a Xenon-Arc Exposure Device
• Effective Date: 10-Dec-1996
• Referred By: ASTM D3841-21 - Standard Specification for Glass-Fiber-Reinforced Polyester Plastic Panels
• Effective Date: 10-Dec-1996
• Referred By: ASTM G178-16(2023) - Standard Practice for Determining the Activation Spectrum of a Material (Wavelength Sensitivity to an Exposure Source) Using the Sharp Cut-On Filter or Spectrographic Technique
• Effective Date: 10-Dec-1996
• Referred By: ASTM D822/D822M-13(2018) - Standard Practice for Filtered Open-Flame Carbon-Arc Exposures of Paint and Related Coatings
• Effective Date: 10-Dec-1996
• Referred By: ASTM D4141/D4141M-22 - Standard Practice for Conducting Black Box and Solar Concentrating Exposures of Coatings
• Effective Date: 10-Dec-1996
• Referred By: ASTM D5071-06(2021) - Standard Practice for Exposure of Photodegradable Plastics in a Xenon Arc Apparatus
• Effective Date: 10-Dec-1996

Standards Content (Sample)

NOTICE: This standard has either been superceded and replaced by a new version or discontinued.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information.
Designation: G 147 – 96
AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR TESTING AND MATERIALS
100 Barr Harbor Dr., West Conshohocken, PA 19428
Reprinted from the Annual Book of ASTM Standards. Copyright ASTM
Standard Practice for
Conditioning and Handling of Nonmetallic Materials for
Natural and Artificial Weathering Tests
This standard is issued under the fixed designation G 147; 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 (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope Testing of Nonmetallic Materials
G 23 Practice for Operating Light-Exposure Apparatus
1.1 This practice covers specimen preparation, identifica-
(Carbon-Arc Type) With and Without Water for Exposure
tion, packing, shipping, handling, and conditioning before,
of Nonmetallic Materials
during, and after natural and artificial weathering testing.
G 24 Practice for Conducting Exposures to Daylight Fil-
1.2 This practice includes details on the conditioning of
tered Through Glass
specimens after exposure and before examination. This prac-
G 26 Practice for Operating Light and Water Exposure
tice also covers long-term storage of file specimens.
Apparatus (Xenon-Arc Type) With and Without Water for
1.3 Conditioning in this practice does not refer to the
Exposure of Nonmetallic Materials
specific act of exposing the specimens to the weathering
G 53 Practice for Operating Light- and Water-Exposure
factors.
Apparatus (Fluorescent UV-Condensation Type) for Expo-
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
sure of Nonmetallic Materials
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
G 90 Practice for Performing Accelerated Outdoor Weath-
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
ering of Nonmetallic Materials Using Concentrated Natu-
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
ral Sunlight
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
G 113 Terminology Relating to Natural and Artificial
NOTE 1—There is no equivalent ISO standard describing procedures for 5
Weathering Tests of Nonmetallic Materials
identification, shipping, conditioning, and handling of specimens intended
2.2 Other Documents:
for natural or artificial weathering tests. ISO 139 and ISO 291 describe
ISO 139 Textiles—Standard Atmosphere for Conditioning
procedures used for conditioning specimens prior to and during physical
and Testing
property testing.
ISO 291 Plastics—Standard Atmospheres for Conditioning
2. Referenced Documents
and Testing
2.1 ASTM Standards:
2 3. Terminology
D 618 Practice for Conditioning Plastics for Testing
3.1 The definitions given in Terminologies E 41 and G 113
D 1729 Practice for Visual Appraisal of Colors and Color
are applicable to this practice.
Differences of Diffusively Illuminated Opaque Materials
3.2 Unless otherwise stated, use of the term “specimens” in
D 1776 Practice for Conditioning Textiles for Testing
this practice refers to specimens of the test material and of any
D 3924 Specification for Standard Environment for Condi-
applicable reference or control materials included as part of the
tioning and Testing Paint, Varnish, Lacquers, and Related
exposure experiment.
Materials
3.3 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
E 41 Terminology Relating to Conditioning
3.3.1 handling, n—the management of a specimen between
E 171 Specification for Standard Atmospheres for Condi-
exposure periods, or prior to, or after an exposure test.
tioning and Testing Flexible Barrier Materials
E 284 Terminology of Appearance
4. Significance and Use
E 456 Terminology Relating to Quality and Statistics
4.1 Weathering is an inherently variable science due to the
G 7 Practice for Atmospheric Environmental Exposure
fact that weather itself is variable. In addition, there can be
variability in results in artificial accelerated testing even when
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee G-3 on Durability
all devices are running identical exposure cycles. Therefore, it
of Nonmetallic Materials and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee G03.01
on Joint Weathering Projects. is essential to control all factors as much as possible in order to
Current edition approved Dec. 10, 1996. Published April 1997.
reduce the overall source of error.
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 08.01.
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 06.01.
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 07.01.
5 7
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 14.02. Available from the American National Standards Institute, 1430 Broadway,
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 15.09. New York, NY 10018.
NOTICE: This standard has either been superceded and replaced by a new version or discontinued.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information.
G 147
4.2 Proper handling of specimens is extremely important for laboratory shall maintain records which allow the following
maintaining integrity of the material being evaluated. Damage information to be determined:
to specimens caused by improper handling and labeling can
6.1.1 Laboratory I.D. code number.
adversely affect the validity of the testing program, causing 6.1.2 Exposure location.
loss of money and time. Improper handling can introduce
6.1.3 Exposure type:
nonstandard procedures into the protocol which may be a 6.1.3.1 Exposure angle,
significant source of variability, adversely affecting the overall
6.1.3.2 Orientation,
precision of results obtained. Improper handling may also 6.1.3.3 Backing type,
introduce a bias in the results obtained.
6.1.3.4 Device type (when applicable), and
4.3 Changes to materials can occur even under a seemingly
6.1.3.5 Exposure cycle (when applicable).
benign conditioning environment, especially if the specimen
6.1.4 Intended duration of exposure.
has already been exposed. Therefore it is necessary to mini-
6.1.5 Individual specimen identification:
mize the number and length of non-testing periods in order that
6.1.5.1 Series,
the exposure is the only cause of further changes.
6.1.5.2 Formula code, or
6.1.5.3 Consecutive numbering.
5. General Handling Procedures
6.1.6 Replicate Number.
5.1 Handle all test specimens with care and attention.
6.2 The identifying mark for a specimen shall be made in
Physical damage resulting from improper handling can distort
such a manner that it does not affect the test results for the
the results from the exposure. Wear clean soft cotton gloves if
specimen during the exposure.
the specimen will be touched on the exposed surface in order
6.3 Typically, most marking is made on the back or nonex-
to avoid exposing surfaces to skin oils.
posed side of the test specimen. Do not label the top of the
5.1.1 In climates where it is necessary to wear sunscreen,
exposed surface with any marking system (inks) that may
insect repellent, or other skin treatments, take extra precautions
degrade, run down, and contaminate the specimen.
that these are not transferred to the test specimen.
6.3.1 When using an ink or any other liquid as a marker,
5.2 The front surface (that is, the side to be oriented towards
make sure that it has fully dried before stacking specimens.
the light source) is the primary surface of a test specimen. This
6.4 Typical methods for marking specimens are as follows:
front surface must remain free of marks or damage not caused
6.4.1 Scribing,
by the weathering elements. Handle test specimens by the
6.4.2 Permanent ink marker pen,
edges whenever possible.
6.4.3 Paint pen,
5.3 It is recommended that the test specimens be separated
6.4.4 Grease crayon, and
during shipment or storage. This ensures that the specimen
6.4.5 Tag attached to the specimen.
surface will not be damaged by abrasion or by interaction with
NOTE 3—The following items have been found to be useful for marking
other specimens. For flat specimens, this can be accomplished
specimens: permanent marker pen, (broad tip, black only), paint pen, and
using slotted containers or racks. If specimens are to be
grease crayon. If the durability of the marking made by a marker pen,
stacked, use of a smooth liner film or paper between adjacent
grease crayon, or paint pen is not known, experiments to evaluate
specimens is recommended. Non-textured paper, coated papers
durability should be conducted prior to use for identifying specimens.
such as release liners, or unstabilized polyethylene or polyester
6.5 Do not scribe on the exposed side of the specimen when
films are suitable protective layers. Any material placed against
oxidation of the specimen or substrate will cause unwanted
the face of the test specimens shall not contaminate or have
specimen damage or when the information will become ob-
other interaction with the specimen that affects durability or
scured.
appearance. For some materials, specimens can be stacked
6.6 When test specimens must be marked on the front side,
face-to-face. However, this is not recommended because of the
place the marking away from the center portion of the
damage which can be caused by abrasion or interaction
specimen, preferably in a corner. The marking on the front
between the surfaces of adjacent specimens.
surface will be affected by the same weathering factors as the
NOTE 2—Textured paper may leave surface impressions, and additives
specimen, and therefore, extra attention must be given to the
such as antioxidants, UV absorbers, or plasticizers can migrate from a film
durability of the marking.
onto the test specimen. Suppliers of polymer films can be found in the
6.7 The frame to which specimens are attached may also be
Thomas Register.
marked provided that the frame and specimens remain together
5.4 Never rest the test specimen on its primary surface
throughout the exposure.
without protection. Care should be taken not to mar the surface
when specimens are placed on measurement equipment, on test
7. Shipping Specimens
frames used for outdoor exposures, or in specimen holders
7.1 Incorrect shipping methods can have a deleterious effect
used in laboratory-accelerated exposure devices.
on test materials and is an often overlooked source of error in
5.5 In the event that it is necessary to handle wet specimens,
exposure tests. Specimens damaged during shipment can result
take extra care to ensure that nothing contacts the primary
in postponement or cancellation of exposures or may result in
surface until it has dried completely.
only partial completion of critical experiments. Shipping is an
6. Specimen Identification
inherently rigorous process, but damage can be minimized with
6.1 Each specimen shall be uniquely coded, and the test care.
NOTICE: This standard has either been superceded and replaced by a new version or discontinued.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information.
G 147
NOTE 4—Care should be taken to minimize exposure of specimens to
8. Initial Receipt of Specimens
extremely high or low temperatures or to conditions that might result in
8.1 Upon initial receipt of specimens to be exposed, read
thermal shock during shipping.
any special handling instructions attached to the packaging
7.2 When transporting or shipping specimens from one
before the package is opened. Inspect the packaging material
location to another, care should be taken to use sturdy shipping
for signs of damage. If any signs of damage are found, they
containers for all specimens.
shall be noted and reported to the originator.
7.3 It is recommended that specimens be isolated from one
NOTE 5—Signs of package damage could indicate adverse effects on
another during shipping.
the specimens enclosed.
7.3.1 For flat specimens such as metal panels with a coating,
8.2 Open the specimen package as soon as possible after
a slotted box is the best form of shipping container. The panels
arrival in the laboratory. Process the specimens in the fastest
are placed in a wooden box with slots at opposite sides to hold
possible manner so that a minimum amount of time passes
the top and bottom of the panel. There should be an adequate
before exposure begins.
spacing between each slot to prevent contact between neigh-
boring panels.
NOTE 6—In some cases, preconditioning of the specimen may be
7.3.2 As an alternative to using a container with precut slots,
required before exposure.
the specimens may be maintained separately by placing a
8.2.1 Make sure each specimen has an identifying mark
spacer at each end. Use a wood dowel or extruded polystyrene
which can be used to distinguish it from other similar speci-
foam block wrapped in a smooth film or paper, and ensure that
mens. See Section 6 for further details.
the box is completely filled. Use bulk packing material to fill in
8.3 Review the instructions for testing that is included with
any excess space in the box.
the specimens for accuracy and to ensure that the testing
7.4 If specimens are to be stacked and bundled during
laboratory has all of the necessary facilities to conduct the test.
shipment, use the following procedure:
Use a log sheet or computerized data base, or both, to keep
7.4.1 Place a smooth film or paper meeting the requirements
track of the following information:
of 5.3 between adjacent specimens.
8.3.1 Test identification number,
7.4.2 Bundle specimens using paper or other wrapping
8.3.2 Name and address of originator,
material and pressure-sensitive adhesive tape. The paper or
8.3.3 Description of specimens, and
other wrapping material used shall not contaminate or interact
8.3.4 Test specification.
with the specimens in any way that will affect the results from
8.4 Check the arriving specimens for defects which are
exposure tests or property measurements.
present prior to exposure, and note any that are found on the
7.4.3 Place bundled specimens in a box or container and use
exposure log so that these defects will not be counted as
bulk packaging material to isolate the bundles. It is recom-
weathering failures. Damage to specimens caused during
mended that the volume of the container be at least 50 %
shipping shall be noted, reported to the originator, and de-
greater than the total volume of bundles placed in the container.
scribed in the report of test results.
Expanded polystyrene foam chips, poly bubble liner, and
NOTE 7—Whenever possible, provide photographic documentation of
shredded paper (except newsprint) have been found acceptable
any noticeable defects.
as bulk packing material. Pack the container as tightly as
possible to avoid damage caused by movement during ship- 8.4.1 Conduct any initial instrumental property measure-
ments at this time. Follow the conditioning proced
...