Designation: D 5208 - 01 Standard Practice for Fluorescent Ultraviolet (UV) Exposure of Photodegradable Plastics’ ‘This standard is issued under the fixed dsigation D S208; the mumbo iemedialy following the designation indats the year of vigil adoption on te cae fv, the Ya of last evs. A mur in prehes sets the ea OF St TeapDVa-A superset epi () ilcates a eitorl change since he lst vision of Feappoval 1, Scope * L.1 This practice covers the specific procedures applicable for fluorescent Ultraviolet (UV) exposure of photodegradable plastics conducted in accordance with Practices G 151 and G 154. This practice also covers the preparation of test speci- ‘mens and the evaluation of test results. [Nore |_Previous versions ofthis practice referenced flurescent UV devices described by Practice G53, which descibed very specific ‘uipment designs. Practice G53 has been withdrsem and replacad by Practice G81, which deserites performancs criteria for devices that ust laboraory light sources and by Prctce ‘Bes requiemeats for exposing nonmetallic materials in fuorescent UV vices, 1.2 Practice D 4329 covers fluorescent UV exposures of plastics intended for long term use in outdoor applications. 1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only. 1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety problems, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard t establish appro- priate safety and health practices and determine the applica bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. [Nore 2—Ther is no ISO stndard equivalent to his practic. 2. Referenced Documents 2.1 ASTM Standards 1D 3826 Practice for Determining Degradation End Point in Degradable Polyolefins Using a Tensile Test? 1D 3980 Practice for Incerlaboratory Testing of Paint and Related Materials? D870 Practice for Calculating the Property Retention Index of Plastics‘ ‘Curent eon proved December 10,2001. Published Fray 2002. Orig tally published a2 DS208—91, Discontimes Febuary 2000 and reinstated as Dstoe— * dma! Baok of ASTM Standards, Vol 08.02 2 Discntined: se 1997 Annual Book of ASTM Standard, Vo 0601 nm Book of ASTM Standards, Vol DEB. E691 Practice for Conducting an Intelaborstory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method? G53 Practice for Operating Light- and Water-Exposure ‘Apparatus (Fluorescent UV/Condensation Type) for Expo- sure of Nonmetallic Materials® G13 Terminology Relating to Natural and Anificial ‘Weathering Tests of Nonmetallic Materials? G 141. Guide for Addressing Variability in Exposure Testing ‘on Nonmetallic Materials? G.147 Practice for Conditioning and Handling of Nonme- tallic Materials for Natural and Artificial Weathering Tests? GSI Practice for Exposing Nonmetallic Materials in Ac- celerated Test Devices that Use Laboratory Light Sources? G 154 Practice for Operating Fluorescent Light Apparatus ‘tor UV Exposure of Nonmetalic Materials" G 169 Guide for Application of Basic Statistical Methods to ‘Weathering Tests” 3. Terminology 3.1 The definitions given in Terminology G 113 are appli- cable to this practice. 4. Significance and Use 4.1 Materials made from photodegradable plastics are in- tended to show relatively rapid deterioration of chemical, physical, and mechanical properties when exposed to light, heat, and water after fulfilling their intended purpose. This practice is intended to induce property changes associated with conditions that might be experienced when the material is discarded as liter, including the effects of sunlight, moisture, and heat. The exposure used in this practice is not intended to simulate the deterioration caused by localized weather phe- nomena such as atmospheric pollution, biological attack, and salt water exposure. 42 Cautions— Variation in results may be expected when operating conditions are varied within the accepted limits of this practice. Therefore, no reference to the use of this practice should be made unless accompanied by a report prepared in * dnmual Book of ASTM Stndands, NOL 4.02. ‘ Discomtiued ee 200] Annual Book of STM Sudan, Vol 4.08 nm Book of ASTM Sundar, NL 148 “*A Sammary of Changes sition appears atthe end of this standard. Copigtt @ASTI aman 100 der Hare Die, PO Box C0, Wet Carsten PAOKZB2SS8, Unie Ste,fly 0 5208-01 accordance with Section 9 that describes the specific operating conditions used. Reier to Practice G 151 for detailed informa tion on the caveats applicable 10 use of results obtained in accordance with this practice. Nore $—Adk3tional informtion on sources of variability and on strategies for addressing varsbilty in the cesign, execution and data snalyss of labortoryacccleratd exposure tes is found in Guide G 14 4.3 Exposure ofa similar material of known performance (a control) at the same time as the test specimens provides a standard for comparative purposes. Use of a control to rank the ability of test materials greatly improves agreement between different laboratories.*” It is recommended that at least three replicates of each material evaluated be exposed to allow for Siatistical evaluation oF results. 4.4 Test results will depend upon the care that is taken to ‘operate the equipment in accordance with Practice G 154, ‘Significant factors include regulation of line voltage, tempera~ ture of the room in which the device operstes, tempersture control, and condition and age of the lamps. 5S. Apparatus 5.1 Use of fluorescent UV apparatus that conform to the requirements defined in Practices G 151 and G 154 is required to conform to this practice. 5.2 The spectral power distribution of the fluorescent UV lamp stall conform to the requirements in Practice G 154 for a UVA 340 lamp. 53 lest Chamber Location: 5.3.1 Locate the apparatus in an area maintained between 18 and 27°C (65 and 80°F). Measure ambient temperature at a ‘maximum distance of 150 mm (6 in.) from the plane door of ‘the apparatus. Control of ambient temperature is particularly critical when one apparatus is stacked above another, because ‘the heat generated from the lower unit can interfere with the operation of the units above. 5.3.2 Place the apparatus at least 300 mm from walls or ther apparatus. Do not place the apparatus near a heat source such as an oven, 5.3.3 Ventilate the room in which the apparatus is located to remove heat and moisture. 6 Test Specimens 6.1 The size and shape of specimens to be exposed will be termined by the specifications of the particular test method used to evaluate the effects of the exposure on the specimens; the test method shall be determined by the parties concemed, ‘Where practical, itis recommended that specimens be sized to fit specimen holders and racks supplied with the exposure apparatus. Unless supplied with a specific backing as an integral part of the test, specimens shall be mounted so that ‘only the minimum specimen area required for support by the "Pacer, R, “Results of Roun Robin Stade of Light and Waer-Exposue Sundard Practices” Aecleratad and Outdoor Durability Testi of Orsanie Materials, ASTM STP 1212, Waren D. Ketal 2nd Douglas Crosman, Es, “American Society foe Testing and Materia, Pili, 1993 Kato, W> and Fisch Be “Charctrzation and Une f Reference Matra Jn Accleated Durability Test” VAMAS Techical Report No, 30 valle act NIST, Gathersbu, MD. holder shall be covered. This unexposed surface must not be used as part of the test area. 62 For specimens of insulating materials, such as foams, ‘maximum specimen thickness is 20 mm in order to allow for adequate heat transfer for condensation. 63 To provide rigidity, attach flexible specimens to a backing panel made of aluminum, 0,635 mm (0.(25 mm) thick. ‘Suggested aluminum alloys are 3032, 6061, or 3003. (64 Seal any boles in specimens larger than two mm and any ‘openings larger than one mim around irregularly shaped speci= ‘mers to prevent loss of water vapor. Attach porous specimens to a solid backing such as aluminum that ean act a8 a vapor barter. 65 Unless otherwise specified, expose at least three repli= cate specimens of each test and control material 66 Follow the procedures described in Practice G147 for identification and conditioning and handling of specimens of test, control, and reference materials prior to, during, and after exposure, 67 Do not mask the face of a specimen for the purpose of showing on one panel the effects of various exposure times. Misleading results may be obtained by this method, since the ‘masked partion of the specimen is still exposed to temperature ‘and humidity cycles that, in many cases, will affect results. 68 Since the thickness of a specimen may markedly affect the results, thickness of test and control specimens shall be within +10 % of the nominal dimensions [Nore 4—This is especially important when mechanical properties ae being investigated. 69 Retain a supply of unexposed file specimens of all materials tested. 6.10 Specimens should net be removed from the exposure apparatus for more than 24 h and then returned for additional tests, since this may not produce the same results on all materials as tests run without this type of interruption, Any clapsed time should be reported as noted under Section 9. [Nore S—Since the stability of the fle specimen may also be time dependent, users ae cautioned thet over prolongsd exposure periods, ot ‘wtere small difereices in the order of arcoptabi Lime are aicipate, comparison of exposed speximens withthe file specimen may not be vail Instrumental measurements are rcommended whenever posible 7. Procedure 7.1 When the test and control specimens do not completely fill the specimen racks, fil all empty spaces with blank panels to maintain the test conditions within the chamber. 7.2 Unless otherwise specified, control irradiance at 0.78 + 0.02 WA» nm) at 340 nm Nore 6—in devices without iraiance control operated at 50 + 3°C ‘ninslatd black panel temperate the iradiance at 340 nm i 0.78 = 0.12 When. 73 Unless otherwise specified, program the device to one of the following test cycles. Operate the device continuously. 73.1 Cycle 420 h UV with uninsulated black panel temperature controlled at 50 + 3°C. 4h condensation with uninsulated black panel temperature controlled at 40 + 3°C.fly 0 5208-01 732 Cyele Bb UV with uninsulated black panel m= perature contlled at 50 = 3°C 4h condensation with uninsulited black panel temperature controled at 40 + 3°. 7.33 Cyele C—contimous UV with uninsulated black panel temperature controled at 50 + 3C. Nore 1—The se pints nner for 7.2m Cycler, Bnd C represen an pst contol pou for cpleinconons a Shee lestion nthe cabinct which my et necesrly pes the iflemnly of tic coun dubou i tablnce ASYM Commlace (oss working cine those wernt and ese wifey tse 7.34 Use Cycle € for materials that willbe used for toxicity testing after exposure. This is essential because cycles that use ondonsation may wash away by-products of photochemical degradation. 74 Unless otherwise specified, reposition spscimens as follows in order to minimize any effeds fom temperature ot ‘UV light variation. Figure | shows a diagram of the specimen repositioning 714.1 Reposition the specimens horizontally at kast every third day by (1) moving the two extreme right hand holders 10 the far ft ofthe exposure area, and (2) sliding the remaining holders to the right 714.2 Reposition the specimens vertically so that each speci- sen spends te same amoent of exposure tne in each vertical position within the specimen holder. For instance, if two Specimens are stacked veically in each holder, then the top and botom specimens should switch places halfway through the text If four specimens are stacked vertically, then the specimens should be repositioned vertically three times during the text. 715 Hentifcationof any contro specimen used stall accom- pany the repor. 8. Periods of Exposure and Exaluation of Test Results 4.1 tf standard or specification for general use requies a dkfinite property level after a specific tie or radiant exposure in an exposure test confucted in accoriance with this practice, tse the specified property level on results from round-robin cxperiments run to dotermine the test reproducibility from the exposure and propery measurement procedure. Conic these roumd.robins in azcortance with Pratie E601 or Test Method 1D 3980 and include a statistically representative sample of all Ishoratores or orgatizatons who would normally conduct the exposite and property measurement. The precision and bias section contains results ffom such a round-robin, 2.1.1 Ifa standard or specification for use between two or three partes requires a definite property level aera specific ee ee time or radiant exposure in an exposure test conducted in accordance with this practice, base the specified property level ‘on two independent experiments run in each laboratory to determine the reproducibility for the exposure and property ‘measurement process. The reproducibility of the exposure/ property measurement process is then used to determine the minimum level of property after the exposure that is mutually agreeable to all parties. ‘82 When reproducbbility in results from an exposure test conducted in accordance with this practice have not been established through round-robin testing, specify performance requirements for materials in terms of comparison (ranked) to ‘a control material. The control specimens shall be exposed simultaneously with the test specimen(s) in the same device. All concerned parties must agree on the specific control ‘material used. ‘82.1 Conduct analysis of variance to determine whether any differences between test materials and control materials are statistically significant. Expose replicates of the test specimen and the control specimen so that statistically significant per- formance differences can be determined, Nore 8—Fischer ills ue of rank comparison betwecn test and [Nore 9—Guide G 169 includes examples showing use of analysis of variance fo compare matsrals 83 In most cases, periodic evaluation of test and control ‘materials is necessary 1o determine the variation in magnitude and direction of property change as a function of exposure time oF radiant exposure. ‘84 The time or radiant exposure necessary to produce a defined change in a material property can be used to evalvate or rank the stability of materials. This method is preferred over evaluating materials after an arbitrary exposure time or radiant exposure. ‘84.1 Exposure to an arbitrary time or ndiant exposure may be used for the purpose of a specific test if agreed upon by the parties concerned. When a single exposure period is used, select a time or radiant exposure that will produce the largest performance differences between the test materials or between the test material and the contol material '85 Evaluate or rate changes in exposed test specimens in accordance with applicable ASTM test methods. ‘85.1 When testing degradable polyethylene and polypropy- lene, conduct tensile tests in accordance with Practice D 3826 to determine the degradation end point. 85.2 In accordance with EPA regulation 40 CFR Part 238, 1 polyethylene or polypropylene material cannot be considered as photodegradable when tested in accordance with this prac- tice if an exposure of longer than 250 light hours using Cycle ‘A is needed to produce degradation end point determined in accordance with Practice D 3826. [Nore 10—For some materials. changes may continue after the speci men has been removed from the exposure apparatis, Measurements "Fischer, R, Kebla, W, “Impact of Recah o Develpment of ASTM. oabiny Tasting Stand” Dura’ ting of Now Metallic Matera, AST ‘SIP 1294, Rober Hating, itor, American Society fr Testa aad Matias, Pilati, 1995.fly 0 5208-01 (isual or instrumental) should be made within a standardized time period ‘ras agreed upon between intrested parties. The standardized time period ‘eed to consider conditioning prior to testing. 8.6 Conduct analysis of variance to compare the results for the control and test specimens. 9, Report 9.1. Report the following information: 9.1.1 Type and model of exposure device, 9.1.2 Age of fluorescent lamps used at the start of the exposure, and whether any lamps were changed during the period of expasure, 9.1.3 If required, report irradiance measured at a single wavelength in W/(a?- nm) and radiant energy measured at a single wavelength in Jim" - nm). For measurements made over abroad band, such 2s 300-400 nm, report irradiance in W/m? and radiant exposure in Jim“, specifying the spectral region measured, 9.1.3.1 Do not report spectral irradiance or radiant exposure unless direct measurement of spectral irradiance was made daring the exposure. 9.1.4 Elapsed exposure time, 9.1.5 Light and dark-water-condensation or humidity cycle employed, 9.1.6 Operating insulated black panel temperature, 9.1.7 If recuired, operating reative humidity, 9.1.8 Specimen repositioning procedure, if different from the procedure described in 73, and 9.1.9 Results of property tests. Calculate retention of char- acteristic property in accordance with Practice D 5870 when it is reported, 10, Precision and Bias 10.1 Precision 10.1.1 The repeatability and reproducbility of results ob- tained in exposures conducted in accordance with this practice will vary with the materials being tested, the material property being measured, and the specific test conditions and cycles that are used. It is essential to determine reproducibility of the lexposure/property measurement process when using the results from exposures conducted in accordance with this practice in product specifications. 10.1.2 A round-robin conducted and analyzed in accordance with Practice E 691 for exposures of three degradable polyole- fin polymers produced the repeatability and reproducibility results for tensile elongation shown in Table 1 [Nore 11For this round-robin, sx laboratories exposed three difereat materials supplied by two labortories. Each participating, laboratory fexpored five replicate spovimens After exposure, the specimens Were retumed to the originating labortory for tense testing. A complete ‘scription of the round-robin is available by consctng te tall manager ‘of ASTM Commitse D20 on Plastics. ‘TABLE 4 Results from Round-Robin Test "Tenate longalon Deternined a Acoadance wth Prados D 326 Matta ‘average Repesttaty Reprodacbay Repeatability “ted Standard ‘Stantord tt i. Devin, ovata ry a7 TES cory was ear ais ste0 os nat 40 24 45 se "28 Tet a sar 8 ars "ZECO materials ethvenelcarion menoade salma: which isinown 0 dearaieundar UV ecosure 2 The exposure used fa tus round-robin wae Cree ols standard © LLDPE and whe LLDPE ae How fn low denstypoyethyere wih an addthe to proote deradation by soe redaton. Clear LLOPE was natural in oy, whe whe LLDPE had some TO, adie provide he white exo 10.2 Bias 10.2.1 Bias cannot be determined because no acceptable standard weathering reference materials are available 11. Keywords 11.1 dogradation; exposure; fluorescent UV; light exposure; ultravioletfly 0 5208-01 SUMMARY OF CHANGES. ‘This section identifies the location of selected changes to this practice. For the convenience of the user, ‘Committee D20 has highlighted those changes that may impact the use of this practice. This section may also include descriptions of the changes or reasons for the changes, or both. D 5208-01: (2) Revisions made throughout. () Reinstated standard, ASTM Intemational tes no postion especieg te vally of any patent rights asserted in conection wth any ism mentioned ‘ninis Sadard Users otis Standard ae expressly ase fat determination othe val fay uch patent Ms nthe Sk Of iningoment of Such ight, ae ere) to ext respons This standart is subject to rosin at any te by the response tectrical commie and muse revwed ove fve years and \Ynotrolod, itor raaperovad erwin. 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