ISO/TC 61/SC 6 - Ageing, chemical and environmental resistance

This document provides a method for assessing the very early oxidative degradation state of polymers during outdoor weathering and indoor accelerated weathering tests and the influence of various additives can also be evaluated. This method is based on an analytical method in which the degree of progress of the oxidative degradation reaction of a polymer is sensitively detected by measurement of chemically induced ultra-weak photon emission (UPE).

This document specifies general procedures to determine the quantity of water sprayed on specimens during a spray cycle in a xenon arc weathering test apparatus.

This document describes a test method to determine the activation energy (Ea) of photochemical degradation reactions in accelerated weathering tests according to the Arrhenius model in the most comprehensive manner.

This document specifies methods for exposing specimen to alternating outdoor weathering supported with artificial radiation. This method utilizes, as much as possible, the natural outdoor exposure which are then assisted by the artificial radiation during night time and in cloudy conditions. This document is applicable to polyolefin materials as well as to products and portions of products. The artificial and natural outdoor exposures and their practices applicable to this document are described in ISO 4892-1, ISO 4892-3 and ISO 877-1, ISO 877-2 and ISO 877-3, respectively.

This document describes a method that demonstrates the use of polyethylene reference specimens (PERS) for monitoring laboratory and outdoor conditions in weathering tests used for plastics.

This document specifies methods of determining the spectral response of all kind of plastics materials to ultraviolet and visible radiation by an irradiation test with spectrally dispersed irradiation. NOTE Typical specimens that are evaluated include: films, liquids, plaques, pellets, powders, sheets and discs.

This document specifies proper methods for measuring antiviral activity on plastics and other non-porous surfaces of antiviral-treated products against specified viruses. Due to the individual sensitivities, the results of one test virus might not be applicable for other viruses.

This document specifies methods for determining the deterioration of plastics due to the action of fungi and bacteria and soil microorganisms. The aim is not to determine the biodegradability of plastics or the deterioration of natural fibre composites. The type and extent of deterioration can be determined by a) visual examination and/or b) changes in mass and/or c) changes in other physical properties. The tests are applicable to all plastics that have an even surface and that can thus be easily cleaned. The exceptions are porous materials, such as plastic foams. This document uses the same test fungi as IEC 60068-2-10. The IEC method, which uses so-called "assembled specimens", calls for inoculation of the specimens with a spore suspension, incubation of the inoculated specimens and assessment of the fungal growth as well as any physical attack on the specimens. The volume of testing and the test strains used depend on the application envisaged for the plastic.

This document specifies a calculation method which allows calculating a parameter which compares the spectral irradiance of a laboratory radiation source for weathering application to a reference solar spectral irradiance.

This document describes three methods for the exposure of plastics in a marine environment. Method A covers exposures where specimens float on the surface, method B covers exposures where specimens are partially immersed method C covers exposures where specimens are completely immersed. Although intended for marine (salt water) exposure, the methodology can be used with outdoor brackish water and fresh-water exposures as well. Direct weathering of plastics on land is described in ISO 877-1, ISO 877-2 and ISO 877-3. Method A is particularly applicable to enhanced-degradability plastics where the environmental degradation under marine floating exposure is expected to be accelerated relative to that of regular plastic materials. This document specifies the general requirements for the apparatus, and procedures for using the test methods described. It lists properties that can be used to evaluate changes in plastics subjected to marine exposure. More specific information about methods for determining the changes in properties of plastics on exposure and reporting these results is given in ISO 4582.

ISO 877-3:2018 specifies a method for exposing plastics to concentrated solar radiation using reflecting concentrators to accelerate the weathering processes. The purpose is to assess property changes produced after specified stages of such exposures. The reflecting concentrators used in these exposures are sometimes referred to as "Fresnel reflectors" because in cross-section the array of mirrors used to concentrate the solar radiation resembles the cross-section of a Fresnel lens. General guidance concerning the scope of the ISO 877 series is given in ISO 877‑1. NOTE Additional information about solar concentrating exposures, including a partial list of standards in which they are specified, is given in the Bibliography.

ISO 4582:2017 specifies methods to determine changes in colour and other appearance properties, and variations in mechanical or other properties, of plastics that have been exposed to glass-filtered solar radiation, to natural weathering or to simulated solar radiation from a laboratory source. The procedure used to analyse data depends on whether the test used to characterize the materials being exposed is destructive or non-destructive. The exposures are conducted under conditions described in specific exposure standards.

ISO 9370:2017 specifies methods for the instrumental measurement of irradiance on a planar surface. This includes not only natural solar radiation but also intensified natural solar radiation and radiation produced by laboratory light sources. For measurement of solar radiation for natural weathering and accelerated natural weathering, instrumental techniques include the continuous measurement of total solar, solar ultraviolet and spectral solar (ultraviolet) irradiance and the accumulation, or integration, of instantaneous data to provide the radiant exposure. For measurement of radiation in artificial accelerated weathering or artificial accelerated irradiation exposures, instrumental techniques include the continuous measurement of total or defined wavelength bands of ultraviolet radiation, visible spectral irradiance and/or ultraviolet spectral irradiance and the accumulation, or integration, of instantaneous data to provide the radiant exposure. ISO 9370:2017 does not specify procedures using blue-wool standards, chemical actinometry or polymeric or other film dosimetry.

ISO 177:2016 specifies a method for the determination of the tendency of plasticizers to migrate from plastics in which they are contained into other materials or other plastics when they are brought into close contact. NOTE 1 The surfaces into which the migration can proceed can also consist of organic surface coatings, such as lacquers. This test is suitable a) for evaluating the tendency displayed by plastics, particularly in the form of films and sheets, to lose certain of their liquid constituents when they are brought into contact with materials that have an affinity for plasticizers, and b) for studying the tendency to migrate of plasticizers contained in a resin or a series of resins, in one or more concentrations. In case b), standard compounds are prepared on the basis of a well-characterized resin with well-defined ratios of plasticizer to resin. NOTE 2 When the absorbent sheets themselves contain a substance capable of migrating, simultaneous migrations can occur from the test specimens into the absorbent sheets and vice versa. The results may also be affected by the migration of other constituents of the plastic material (for example, oligomers) or by the loss of any volatile constituents other than plasticizers from the plastic material or the absorbent layer.

ISO 4892-1:2016 provides information and general guidance relevant to the selection and operation of the methods of exposure described in detail in subsequent parts. It also describes general performance requirements for devices used for exposing plastics to laboratory light sources. Information regarding performance requirements is for producers of artificial accelerated weathering or artificial accelerated irradiation devices. NOTE In this part of ISO 4892, the term "light source" refers to radiation sources that emit UV radiation, visible radiation, infrared radiation or any combination of these types of radiation. ISO 4892-1:2016 also provides information on the interpretation of data from artificial accelerated weathering or artificial accelerated irradiation exposures. More specific information about methods for determining the change in the properties of plastics after exposure and reporting these results is given in ISO 4582.

ISO 4892-3:2016 specifies methods for exposing specimens to fluorescent UV radiation, heat and water in apparatus designed to simulate the weathering effects that occur when materials are exposed in actual end-use environments to global solar radiation, or to solar radiation through window glass. The specimens are exposed to fluorescent UV lamps under controlled environmental conditions (temperature, humidity and/or water). Different types of fluorescent UV lamp can be used to meet all the requirements for testing different materials. Specimen preparation and evaluation of the results are covered in other International Standards for specific materials. General guidance is given in ISO 4892‑1. NOTE Fluorescent UV lamp exposures for paints, varnishes and other coatings are described in ISO 11507.

ISO/TS 19022:2016 specifies a test method which allows predicting the aging rate of material specimens, e.g. plastics, under interest independent of the aging mechanisms as a function of radiant exposure. The UV irradiance of a simulated solar radiation (with a laboratory radiation source) will be extended above the normal maximum level on earth surface while keeping all relevant temperature parameters fixed. NOTE For translucent plastics, the surface temperatures are below the white standard temperature. In addition, the maximum temperature is not on the irradiated surface, it is somewhere inside the plastic material.

ISO/TR 17801:2014 provides a reference spectrum to the field of weathering degradation in order to classify solar simulators in the UV, visible and infrared wavelength range.

ISO 4892-4:2013 specifies methods for exposing specimens to open-flame carbon-arc lamps in the presence of moisture to reproduce the weathering effects that occur when materials are exposed in actual end-use environments in daylight or daylight filtered through window glass.

ISO 4892-2:2013 specifies methods for exposing specimens to xenon-arc light in the presence of moisture to reproduce the weathering effects (temperature, humidity and/or wetting) that occur when materials are exposed in actual end-use environments to daylight or to daylight filtered through window glass.

ISO 10640:2011 provides a methodology to assess the ageing of polymeric systems during exposure to laboratory accelerated weathering as well as in outdoor exposures. This methodology applies mainly to photoageing, but it can also be applied to thermal ageing. The methodology identifies analyses that follow the chemical changes which control the deterioration of physical properties of materials during photoageing. The main procedure is based on IR spectroscopy analysis and is described in the standard. In addition, UV spectroscopy is used for monitoring the behaviour of some additives and to identify the origin of discoloration in polymeric materials (degradation of pigments and colorants, or polymer yellowing). Examples of applications of this methodology are given in an annex as guidance for the interpretation of the results.

ISO 22196:2011 specifies a method of evaluating the antibacterial activity of antibacterial-treated plastics, and other non-porous, surfaces of products (including intermediate products). It is not intended to be used to evaluate the effects and propagation of bacteria on non-porous surfaces without antibacterial treatments. ISO 846 describes tests to evaluate the effects and propagation of bacteria on non-porous surfaces, which are different from those covered by ISO 22196. Secondary effects of antibacterial treatments, such as the prevention of biodeterioration and odour, are not covered by the standard, which is not intended to be used or referenced as a method to document or claim biodegradability of, for instance, plastics materials. Building materials are excluded, except where they are used in the same manner as treated articles. Antibacterial-treated textile products are excluded, even if the surfaces are coated or laminated (such products are covered by ISO 20743). Photocatalytic materials and products are excluded (such materials and products are covered by ISO 27447).

ISO 4611:2010 specifies the conditions of exposure of plastics to damp heat, water spray, salt mist, and the methods for the evaluation of the change in some significant characteristics after given exposure stages. It is, in general, suitable for all plastics in the form of standard test specimens, and finished articles or parts thereof. It considers separately methods for the determination of change in mass, change in dimensions and appearance, change in physical properties.

ISO 175:2010 specifies a method of exposing test specimens of plastic materials, free from all external restraint, to liquid chemicals, and methods for determining the changes in properties resulting from such immersion. It does not cover environmental stress cracking (ESC) which is dealt with by the various parts of ISO 22088. It only considers testing by immersion of the entire surface of the test specimen. It is applicable to all solid plastics that are available in the form of moulding or extrusion materials, plates, tubes, rods or sheets having a thickness greater than 0,1 mm. It is not applicable to cellular materials.

ISO 29664:2010 describes artificial weathering tests intended to evaluate plastics for use in heavily polluted outdoor environments. Results from ISO 29664:2010 cannot be used to predict the service life of these plastics. ISO 29664:2010 describes two different exposure methods. Use of the methods depends on the form of the plastic product being evaluated. It does not cover the influence of special chemicals like agrochemicals.

ISO 877-1:2009 provides information and general guidance on the selection and use of the methods of exposure to solar radiation described in detail in subsequent parts of ISO 877. These methods of exposure to solar radiation are applicable to plastics materials of all kinds as well as to products and portions of products. It also specifies methods for determining radiant exposure. It does not include direct weathering using black-box test fixtures, which simulate higher end-use temperatures in some applications.

ISO 877-2:2009 specifies a method for the direct exposure of plastics to solar radiation and a method for the exposure of plastics to glass-filtered solar radiation (exposure behind window glass). The purpose is to assess property changes produced after specified stages of such exposures.

ISO 16869:2008 specifies a method for determining the effectiveness of fungistatic compounds in protecting susceptible ingredients like plasticizers, stabilizers, etc., in plastics formulations. The method demonstrates whether or not a plastic product is actively protected against fungal attack. The evaluation is by visual examination. The test is applicable to any articles made of plastic that are in the form of films or plates no thicker than 10 mm. In addition, porous materials such as plastic foams may be tested provided that they are in the above-mentioned form. A minimum diffusion of the fungicides that migrate out of the matrix is necessary with this procedure. In contrast to ISO 846, the test films are not sprayed with a fungal spore suspension but covered with a layer of test agar containing spores. It has been found that this leads to a better distribution of the spores as well as providing a good supply of water necessary for spore germination on plastic surfaces that are normally hydrophobic.

ISO 291:2008 sets out specifications relating to the conditioning and testing of all plastics and all types of test specimen at constant atmospheric conditions. Special atmospheres applicable to a particular test or material or simulating a particular climatic environment are not included in this International Standard.

ISO 62:2008 describes a procedure for determining the moisture absorption properties in the “through-the-thickness” direction of flat or curved-form solid plastics. It also describes procedures for determining the amount of water absorbed by plastic specimens of defined dimensions, when immersed in water or when subjected to humid air under controlled conditions. The “through-the-thickness” moisture diffusion coefficient can be determined for single-phase material by assuming Fickian diffusion behaviour with constant moisture absorption properties through the thickness of the test specimen. This model is valid for homogeneous materials and for reinforced polymer-matrix composites tested below their glass transition temperature. However, some two-phase matrices such as hardened epoxies may require a multi-phase absorption model which is not covered by this International Standard. The results obtained using the methods described in this International Standard are applicable to most plastics but are not applicable to cellular plastics, granulates or powders, which can show additional absorption and capillary effects. Plastics exposed to moisture under controlled conditions for defined periods of time provide relative comparisons between them.

ISO 22088-1:2006 provides information and general guidance relevant to the selection of the test method to be used to determine environmental stress cracking (ESC) of thermoplastic materials.

ISO 22088-2:2006 specifies methods for the determination of environmental stress cracking (ESC) of thermoplastics when they are subjected to a constant tensile load in the presence of chemical agents. It is applicable to test specimens prepared by moulding and/or machining and can be used both for the assessment of ESC of plastic materials exposed to different environments, and for the determination of ESC of different plastic materials exposed to a specific environment. This is essentially a ranking test and is not intended to provide data to be used for design or performance prediction. Methods for the determination of environmental stress cracking by means of a constant-strain test are specified in ISO 22088-3, ISO 22088-4 and ISO 22088-5.

ISO 22088-3:2006 specifies a method for the determination of the environmental stress cracking (ESC) resistance of thermoplastics when they are subjected to a fixed flexural strain in the presence of chemical agents. ESC is indicated by the change of a suitably chosen indicative property of specimens that have been strained for a defined time in the environment. The method of test is suitable for determining the resistance of sheets and of flat test specimens, especially the sensitivity of localized surface regions of specimens, to ESC. This is essentially a ranking test and is not intended to provide data to be used for design or performance prediction. For a constant strain test, refer to ISO 22088-5. For a constant load test, refer to ISO 22088-2.

ISO 22088-4:2006 specifies a ball or pin impression method for the determination of the environmental stress cracking (ESC) behaviour of plastics by means of a constant-strain test. The method is applicable to finished products and to test specimens prepared by moulding and/or machining, and can be used for the assessment of the ESC behaviour of a plastic product or material exposed to different environments, as well as for the determination of the ESC behaviour of different plastics materials exposed to a specific environment. An alternative method for the determination of environmental stress cracking by means of a constant-strain test is specified in ISO 22088-3 and ISO 22088-5. A method for the determination of environmental stress cracking by means of a constant-stress test is specified in ISO 22088-2.

ISO 22088-6:2006 describes a procedure for assessing the environmental stress cracking (ESC) susceptibility of polymeric materials in chemical environments by slowly increasing the strain applied to a tensile specimen at a constant rate. It is applicable to test specimens prepared by moulding and/or machining and can be used to assess the relative ESC susceptibility of a material exposed to different environments or the relative ESC susceptibility of different plastics exposed to a specific environment. This is essentially a ranking test and is not intended for the provision of design data. The principle advantage of the test compared with the test methods described in Parts 2 to 5 of ISO 22088 is the rapidity with which the ESC susceptibility of a particular polymer/environment combination can be assessed.

ISO 22088-5:2006 specifies a method for the determination of the environmental stress cracking (ESC) behaviour of thermoplastics when they are subjected to a constant tensile deformation in the presence of a chemical medium. It is applicable to test specimens prepared by moulding and/or machining and can be used for the assessment of the ESC behaviour of plastic materials exposed to different environments, as well as for the determination of the ESC behaviour of different plastic materials exposed to a specific environment. This is essentially a ranking test and is not intended to provide data to be used for design or performance prediction. Alternative methods for the determination of environmental stress cracking by means of a constant-strain test are specified in ISO 22088-3 and ISO 22088-4. A method for the determination of environmental stress cracking by means of a constant tensile load is specified in ISO 22088-2.

ISO 483:2005 establishes guidelines for the construction and use of enclosures with volumes less than 200 dm3, in order to obtain atmospheres of constant relative humidity at given temperatures, using saturated aqueous salt solutions, glycerol/water solutions or sulfuric acid/water solutions, for conditioning and testing plastics. It specifies the procedures to be followed to maintain the relative humidities of the conditioning and testing atmospheres within the required tolerances, at the temperatures specified by particular International Standards. The procedures described are intended for conditioning small quantities of materials prior to test, and for such tests as may be carried out entirely within a small enclosure, e.g. electrical tests. The guidelines described do not apply to enclosures requiring frequent opening.

ISO 176:2005 specifies two empirical methods for the quantitative determination of the loss of mass from a plastic material under defined conditions of rime and temperature, in the presence of activated carbon. Method A -- The test specimens are in direct contact with the carbon; this method is particularly useful for materials that have to be tested at relatively low temperatures because they flow at higher temperatures. Method B -- The test specimens are placed in wire cages that prevent direct contact between the test specimens and the carbon. These methods apply, in particular, to the quantitative determination of the loss on heating of plasticizers from plasticized plastic materials, in which case it is generally assumed that no significant amounts of other volatile materials are present. They are empirical test methods, suitable only for a rather rapid comparison of the losses of plasticizers or, in general, of volatile compounds, from different plastics. ISO 176:2005 also applies to the comparison of different types of plasticizers; in this case standard compounds should be prepared, on the basis of a well characterized resin, with known ratios of resin to plasticizer.

Specifies the principles and procedures for evaluating the thermal endurance properties of plastics exposed to elevated temperature for long periods. The study of the thermal ageing is based solely on the change in certain properties resulting from a period of exposure to elevated temperature. The properties studied are always measured after the temperature has returned to ambient.

ISO/TR 18486:2016 specifies a calculation method which allows calculating a parameter which compares the spectral irradiance of a laboratory radiation source for weathering application to a reference solar spectral irradiance.

ISO 4892-3:2013 specifies methods for exposing specimens to fluorescent UV radiation, heat and water in apparatus designed to simulate the weathering effects that occur when materials are exposed in actual end-use environments to global solar radiation, or to solar radiation through window glass. The specimens are exposed to fluorescent UV lamps under controlled environmental conditions (temperature, humidity and/or water). Different types of fluorescent UV lamp can be used to meet all the requirements for testing different materials.

ISO 9370:2009 specifies methods for the instrumental measurement of irradiance on a planar surface. This includes not only natural solar radiation but also intensified natural solar radiation and radiation produced by laboratory light sources. For measurement of solar radiation for natural weathering and accelerated natural weathering, instrumental techniques include the continuous measurement of total solar, solar ultraviolet and spectral solar (ultraviolet) irradiance and the accumulation, or integration, of instantaneous data to provide the radiant exposure. For measurement of radiation in artificial accelerated weathering or artificial accelerated irradiation exposures, instrumental techniques include the continuous measurement of total or defined wavelength bands of ultraviolet radiation, visible spectral irradiance and/or ultraviolet spectral irradiance and the accumulation, or integration, of instantaneous data to provide the radiant exposure. The International Standard does not specify procedures using blue-wool standards, chemical actinometry or polymeric or other film dosimetry.

ISO 877-3:2009 specifies a method for exposing plastics to concentrated solar radiation using reflecting concentrators to accelerate the weathering processes. The purpose is to assess property changes produced after specified stages of such exposures.

ISO 4611:2008 specifies the conditions of exposure of plastics to damp heat; water spray; salt mist; and the methods for the evaluation of the change in some significant characteristics after given exposure stages. It is, in general, suitable for all plastics in the form of standard test specimens, and finished articles or parts thereof. It considers separately methods for the determination of change in mass; change in dimensions and appearance; change in physical properties.

ISO 22196:2007 specifies a method of evaluating the antibacterial activity of antibacterial-treated plastic products (including intermediate products). It is not intended to be used to evaluate the effects and propagation of bacteria on plastics without antibacterial treatments. ISO 846 describes tests to evaluate the effects and propagation of bacteria on plastics, which are different from those covered by ISO 22196. Secondary effects of antibacterial treatments, such as the prevention of biodeterioration and odour, are not covered by the standard, which is not intended to be used or referenced as a method to document or claim biodegradability of plastics. The standard does not concern plastic building materials, such as PVC or composites, unless they act in the same way as treated articles.

ISO 4582:2007 describes procedures used to determine changes in colour and other appearance properties, and variations in mechanical or other properties, of plastics that have been exposed to daylight behind glass, to natural weathering or to light from a laboratory source. The procedure used to analyse data depends on whether the test used to characterize the materials being exposed is destructive or non-destructive. The exposures are conducted under conditions described in specific exposure standards.

ISO/TR 19032:2006 describes a method that demonstrates the use of polyethylene reference specimens (PERS) for monitoring laboratory and outdoor conditions in weathering tests used for plastics.

ISO 4892-3:2006 specifies methods for exposing specimens to fluorescent UV radiation and water in apparatus to designed reproduce the weathering effects that occur when materials are exposed in actual end-use environments to daylight, or to daylight through window glass. The specimens are exposed to fluorescent UV lamps under controlled environmental conditions (temperature, humidity and/or water). Different types of fluorescent UV lamp may be used to meet all the requirements for testing different materials.