ASTM_F_1515_-_03_2008.pdf

Designation:F151503(Reapproved 2008)Standard Test Method forMeasuring Light Stability of Resilient Flooring by ColorChange1This standard is issued under the fixed designation F1515;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 a procedure for determining theresistance of resilient floor covering to color change fromexposure to light over a specified period of time.1.2 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:2D2244 Practice for Calculation of Color Tolerances andColor Differences from Instrumentally Measured ColorCoordinatesD2565 Practice for Xenon-Arc Exposure of Plastics In-tended for Outdoor ApplicationsD4459 Practice for Xenon-Arc Exposure of Plastics In-tended for Indoor ApplicationsE177 Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias inASTM Test MethodsE691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study toDetermine the Precision of a Test MethodG155 Practice for Operating Xenon Arc Light Apparatus forExposure of Non-Metallic Materials2.2 DIN Standard:DIN 53384 Artificial Weathering and Aging of Plastics byExposure to Laboratory UV Radiation Sources,April19893.Summary of Practice3.1 Specimens are exposed continuously at a controlledtemperature and humidity to a properly filtered xenon-arcradiant-energy source.The filters selected are to simulateindoor exposure conditions behind window glass.See PracticeD4459.3.2 To ensure uniform exposure,the specimens are mountedon a cylindrical framework that rotates around the xenon lampsuspended in the center.3.3 The effect of radiation(actinic and thermal)on thespecimen shall be the color difference between the specimenbefore and after exposure.4.Significance and Use4.1 Resilient floor covering is made by fusing polymermaterials under heat or pressure,or both,in various manufac-turing and decorating processes.The polymer material may becompounded with plasticizers,stabilizers,fillers,and otheringredients for processability and product performance char-acteristics.The formulation of the compound can be variedconsiderably depending on the desired performance character-istics and methods of processing.4.2 Light stability,which is resistance to discoloration fromlight,is a basic requirement for functional use.4.3 This test method provides a means of measuring theamount of color change in flooring products when subjected toaccelerated light exposure over a period of time(functional useof the flooring product).4.4 This test method specifies that a sample is measured bya spectrophotometer and expressed in DE*units before andafter accelerated light exposure.NOTE1It is the intent that this test method be used for testing lightstability performance properties to be referenced in resilient flooringspecifications.5.Apparatus5.1 The apparatus employed shall utilize either a water-cooled or air-cooled xenon-arc lamp as the source of radiationand should be of Type AH,BH,or E as described in PracticesD2565 or G155.5.1.1 Type AHAn exposure apparatus in which the sourceof radiant energy shall be a water-cooled xenon-arc verticallylocated at the central axis of either a 20-in.(508-mm)diametervertical specimen rack,or of a 25.5-in.(648-mm)diameter1This test method is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee F06 on ResilientFloor Coverings and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F06.30 on TestMethods-Performance.Current edition approved May 1,2008.Published July 2008.Originally approvedin 1995.Last previous edition approved in 2003 as F1515 03.DOI:10.1520/F1515-03R08.2For 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.Copyright ASTM International,100 Barr Harbor Drive,PO Box C700,West Conshohocken,PA 19428-2959.United States1 inclined rack.Means shall be provided to control temperature,relative humidity,and spectral irradiance.The specimen rackshall rotate at approximately 1 rpm.5.1.2 Type BHAn exposure apparatus in which the sourceof radiant energy shall be a water-cooled xenon-arc verticallylocated at the central axis of a 37.75-in.(960-mm)diameterinclined or vertical specimen rack.Means shall be provided tocontrol temperature,relative humidity and spectral irradiance.The specimen rack shall rotate at approximately 1 rpm.5.1.3 Type EAn exposure apparatus in which the source ofradiant energy shall be three air-cooled xenon-arc lampsoperating sim