ASTM_F_1598_-_95_2014.pdf

Designation:F159895(Reapproved 2014)Standard Test Methodfor Determining the Effects of Chemical/Solvent Exposure toa Membrane Switch/Graphic Overlay(Spot Test Method)1This standard is issued under the fixed designation F1598;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 testing of any surface thatmay be exposed to liquid chemical(s).1.2 This test method is not designed for immersion testingconditions or material edge attack.1.3 This test method is designed for evaluation of visualchanges.In certain instances physical(non-visual)changesmay occur and functional testing may be appropriate.1.4 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regardedas standard.The values given in parentheses are mathematicalconversions to SI units that are provided for information onlyand are not considered standard.1.5 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:2F1595 Practice for Viewing Conditions for Visual Inspectionof Membrane Switches3.Significance and Use3.1 The specific chemical(s)selected is at the discretion ofthe customer and vendor.3.2 Variations in results may be expected due to differentrates of chemical evaporation.The use of a watchglass withsealed edges is intended to curtail or eliminate evaporation ofthe chemical.4.Apparatus4.1 Watchglass,1.5 in.(38 mm).4.2 Medical gauze pad,0.75 in.2(19 mm2),60.125 in.(3mm).5.Conditioning5.1 Condition all specimens and chemical(s)/solvent(s)for72 h at 68 to 77F(20 to 25C)and 20 to 80%relativehumidity(RH).5.2 The test specimen should be clean and dry beforetesting.5.3 Cleaning of the Test Specimen:5.3.1 Use a clean lint-free piece of absorbent material andeither reagent grades of n-heptane or isopropyl alcohol.5.3.2 Wipe the surface of the test area with a saturated pieceof cleaning material.5.3.3 Dry the test area with fresh absorbent cleaning mate-rial.5.3.4 Repeat these two procedures three times to ensurethorough cleanliness.5.3.5 Inspect the test area to ensure no visual damage hasbeen caused by the cleaning process.6.Procedure6.1 Conduct the test at 68 to 77F(20 to 25C)and 20 to80%RH.6.2 Mark the test specimen with a test field that is approxi-mately a size of 2 in.2(51 mm2).Mount the specimenhorizontally.6.3 Completely saturate a 0.75-in.2(19-mm2)of gauze withthe test chemical.Place the gauze within the test field andcover with a watchglass with the edges sealed if necessary toensure that the surface remains wet for the duration of the testperiod.If the test specimen is embossed,perform the test on anembossed area that shall be completely covered with thewatchglass.6.4 A larger watchglass and gauze pad may be required dueto the test surface.In this instance the size relationship betweenthe field area watchglass and gauze should remain the same.1This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F01 onElectronics and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F01.18 on MembraneSwitches.Current edition approved June 1,2014.Published July 2014.Originally approvedin 1995.Last previous edition approved in as 2007 as F1598-95(2007).DOI:10.1520/F1598-95R14.2For 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 6.5 The duration of the test shall be determined by thecustomer and vendor.6.6 After the test,wipe off the test area with a clean lint-freematerial.Repeat the cleaning procedure in 5.2 to remove anysurface contamination of the test chemical.7.Interpretation of Results7.1 Allow the test specimen(s)to recover for 24 h at 68 to77F(20 to 25C)and 20 to 80%RH prior to viewing the testarea for result purposes.7.2 View the test area in accordance with Practice F1595 todetermine any visual changes.7.3 Look for discoloration,crazing,cracking,swelling,blistering,pitting,hazing or other appearance changes.8.Precision and Bias8.1 The precision and bias of this test method cannot bedetermined.9.Keywords9.1 chemical exposure;graphic overlay;membrane switchASTM International takes no position respecting the validity of any patent rights asserted in connection with any item mentionedin this standard.Users of this standard are expressly advised that determination of the validity of any such patent rights,and the riskof infringement of such