ASTM D5208-09

Materials made from photodegradable plastics are intended 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 litter, 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 phenomena such as atmospheric pollution, biological attack, and salt water exposure.

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 accordance with Section 9 that describes the specific operating conditions used. Refer to Practice G 151 for detailed information on the caveats applicable to use of results obtained in accordance with this practice.

Note 3—Additional information on sources of variability and on strategies for addressing variability in the design, execution and data analysis of laboratory accelerated exposure tests is found in Guide G 141.

Exposure of a 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 stability 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 statistical evaluation of results.

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, temperature of the room in which the device operates, temperature control, and condition and age of the lamps.

1.1 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 specimens and the evaluation of test results.

Note 1—Previous versions of this practice referenced fluorescent UV devices described by Practice G 53, which described very specific equipment designs. Practice G 53 has been withdrawn and replaced by Practice G 151, which describes performance criteria for all exposure devices that use laboratory light sources and by Practice G 154, which gives requirements for exposing nonmetallic materials in fluorescent UV devices.

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 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 to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

Note 2—There is no known ISO equivalent to this practice.