ASTM D1879-06(2014)

4.1 The procedures outlined in this practice are designed to standardize the exposure of adhesive-bonded specimens for the purpose of studying the effects of ionizing radiation, but have been made flexible enough so that a large variety of conditions may be met within the scope of this one irradiation method. Because of this flexibility in the procedures, it is important that the experimenter have some idea of the kind of changes that will occur, and of the conditions that will affect these changes.

1.1 The purpose of this practice is to define conditions for the exposure of polymeric adhesives in bonded specimens to ionizing radiation prior to determination of radiation-induced changes in physical or chemical properties. This recommended practice specifically covers the following kinds of radiation: gamma or X-ray radiation, electron or beta radiation, neutrons, and mixtures of these such as reactor radiation.

1.2 This practice specifies only the conditions of irradiation but does not cover the preparation of test specimens, testing conditions, or the evaluation of test. These are covered in the various ASTM methods or specifications for specific materials.

1.3 This practice covers procedures for the following five types of exposure:

Procedure A—Exposure at ambient conditions.

Procedure B—Exposure at controlled temperature.

Procedure C—Exposure in a medium other than air.

Procedure D—Exposure under load.

Procedure E—Exposure combining two or more of the variables listed in Procedures A to D.