ASTM_F_1164_-_97_2014.pdf

Designation:F116497(Reapproved 2014)Standard Test Method forEvaluation of Transparent Plastics Exposed to AcceleratedWeathering Combined with Biaxial Stress1This standard is issued under the fixed designation F1164;the number immediately following the designation indicates the year oforiginal adoption or,in the case of revision,the year of last revision.A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.Asuperscript epsilon()indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.1.Scope1.1 This test method covers the resistance of transparentplastics exposed to environmental conditioning(acceleratedweathering)under a biaxial stress state induced by a pressurecell/test fixture.1.2 The values stated in acceptable metric units are to beregarded as the standard.1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of thesafety concerns,if any,associated with its use.It is theresponsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.2.Referenced Documents2.1 ASTM Standards:2D1003 Test Method for Haze and Luminous Transmittanceof Transparent PlasticsD3359 Test Methods for Measuring Adhesion by Tape TestG26 Practice for Operating Light-Exposure Apparatus(Xenon-Arc Type)With and Without Water for Exposureof Nonmetallic Materials(Discontinued 2001)(With-drawn 2000)3G53 Practice for Operating Light-and Water-Exposure Ap-paratus(Fluorescent UV-Condensation Type)for Expo-sure of Nonmetallic Materials(Withdrawn 2000)3G90 Practice for Performing Accelerated Outdoor Weather-ing of Nonmetallic Materials Using Concentrated NaturalSunlight3.Summary of Test Method3.1 This test method consists of measuring and recordingthe haze and light transmittance of an unexposed circular platetest specimen;mounting the specimen in the test fixture;pressurizing the fixture to induce the desired biaxial stress inthe specimen;and exposing the stressed specimen to specificaccelerated weathering conditions.After conditioning,thespecimen is removed and haze/transmittance are measured todetermine any changes in value.Coating adhesion is measuredwhen applicable.3.2 The resistance of the plastic to stress-during-weatheringis determined by the onset of crazing,the change in haze andluminous transmittance,and adhesion of coating.4.Significance and Use4.1 The degradation of optical properties of transparentplastics is the single greatest cause for in-service removal andreplacement.Some optical qualities are inherent in thegeometry,manufacturing process,and materials,and remainrelatively unchanged after manufacture,while others are sub-ject to gradual change during exposure to the service environ-ment.Factors having an influence on the crazing of transparentplastics include stress,ultraviolet(UV),moisture,and tempera-ture.Sufficient data has been generated to make it evident thatreal-world conditioning must be experienced by developmentaltest specimens,as opposed to testing new unexposed materialto determine durability,prior to in-service usage.However,thelaboratory simulation of natural weathering,and especiallyaccelerated simulation,is imprecise and correlation of resultsobtained for different plastics or from using different exposureapparatus should not be attempted until a valid database hasbeen generated for such cross-correlation.5.Apparatus5.1 Manifold Test FixtureAn exploded view of thepressure-cell/test-fixture used to induce a biaxial stress state ina clamped specimen is illustrated in Fig.1.The mounting plateand clamping ring for a 76.2-mm(30-in.)wide three-cell testfixture are detailed in Fig.2.A 254-mm(10-in.)wide single-cell fixture or a 508-mm(20-in.)wide double-cell fixture isalso acceptable.5.2 Accelerated Weathering Apparatus:5.2.1 Operating procedures for using water-or light-exposure apparatus,or both,employing a Xenon-arc light1This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F07 onAerospace and Aircraft and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F07.08 onTransparent Enclosures and Materials.Current edition approved Dec.1,2014.Published December 2014.Originallyapproved in 1988.Last previous edition approved in 2009 as F1164 97(2009)1.DOI:10.1520/F1164-97R14.2For referenced ASTM standards,visit the ASTM website,www.astm.org,orcontact ASTM Customer Service at serviceastm.org.For Annual Book of ASTMStandards volume information,refer to the standards Document Summary page onthe ASTM website.3The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced onwww.astm.org.Copyright ASTM International,100 Barr Harbor Drive,PO Box C700,West Conshohocken,PA 19428-2959.United States1 source to simulate the deterioration caused by acceleratedweathering exposure,shall comply with Practice G26.5.2.2 Operating procedures for using fluorescent UV andcondensation apparatus to simulate the deterioration caused byaccelerated weathering exposure shall comply with PracticeG53.5.2.3 Operating procedur