uvtester

In keeping with our commitment to ensure duplication of test services for our Sydney and Melbourne clients, Austest Sydney has taken delivery of a new Short-wave UV accelerated weathering tester.

The tester reproduces the damaging effects of sunlight on durable materials and uses UVA-340 lamps to pr0vide the best available simulation of sunlight in the critical short-wave UV region, matching sunlight from the solar cut-off to 360nm.

The  short-wave UV accelerated weathering tester is designed to test for polymer/plastics degradation such as gloss loss (chalking), yellowing, loss of strength, cracking, crazing and brittleness.  The system can provide at the same time, condensation at 100%RH which can accelerate the weathering of paints and test for blistering.

Austest’s 2 accelerated weathering chambers provide full coverage of UV testing, depending on what you’re looking to achieve;

  • For a reproduction of the full spectrum of sunlight, including ultraviolet, visible light and infrared, combined with water spray and humidity to determine fading and colour change, we suggest using our Xenon Arc Solar Radiation Chamber.  This chamber is also best for testing indoor products, as it is fitted with window glass filters.  As this unit can accurately control humidity, it is also ideal for sensitive materials such as textiles and inks.
  • For determining the degree of strength loss, yellowing, cracking, brittleness and blistering on polymers/plastics and paints, we suggest using our Short-wave UV Weathering Tester.

According to Dr. John Javorniczky of ARPANSA (Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency), the average solar UVR levels in Australia have not changed to any great extent, but that depends on your location. The southern states have remained fairly constant while the northern states have increased slightly due mostly to cloud cover changes.

The Southern Hemisphere generally has higher solar UVR levels than the Northern Hemisphere for locations at equal latitudes, because the atmosphere in the Southern Hemisphere is cleaner and also because the earth is closer to the sun in January than July, when the Northern Hemisphere has its summer.

The following table shows the average solar UVR data for various capital cities.

Mean monthly daily total UVR (290-400nm) data in kJ/m2 for 5 locations in Australia measured using an Eppley TUV detector.

Month

Melbourne

Perth

Brisbane

Alice Springs

Darwin

JAN

1492

1902

1444

1691

1442

FEB

1545

1607

1435

1315

1179

MAR

1138

1317

1341

1490

1490

APR

775

961

1157

1267

1389

MAY

458

620

782

1065

1305

JUN

317

486

739

836

1186

JUL

383

523

823

1155

1195

AUG

574

790

1001

1181

1499

SEPT

774

1198

1287

1346

1245

OCT

1158

1424

1407

1606

1632

NOV

1396

1639

1512

1564

1582

DEC

1464

1748

1671

1745

1720

Yearly Total = (MJ/m2)

348

432

444

495

514

 

TEST STANDARDS for our Short-wave UV accelerated weathering tester are listed below.  TEST STANDARDS for our Xenon Arc Solar Radiation Chamber are listed here.

standards

AAMA 624

Voluntary Specification, Performance Requirements and Test Procedures for High Performance Organic Coatings on Fiber Reinforced Thermoset Profiles

This specification describes test procedures and performance requirements for high performance, organic, coatings applied to fiber reinforced thermoset profiles for windows, doors and similar products.

 

AATCC TM186

Weather Resistance: UV Light and Moisture Exposure

This test method provides a procedure for the exposure of textile materials of all kinds, including coated fabrics and products made thereof, in a laboratory artificial weathering exposure apparatus employing fluorescent UV lamps as a light source and using condensing humidity and/ or water spray for wetting.

 

ASTM C1257

Standard Test Method for Accelerated Weathering of Solvent-Release-Type Sealants

This test method includes two laboratory accelerated exposure procedures for predicting the effects of ultraviolet or ultraviolet/visible radiation, heat, and moisture on color, chalking, cracking, and adhesion of solvent-release sealants.

 

ASTM C1442

Practice for Conducting Tests on Sealants Using Artificial Weathering Apparatus

This practice covers three types of laboratory weathering exposure procedures for evaluating the effect of actinic radiation, heat, and moisture on sealants.

 

ASTM C1501

Standard Test Method for Color Stability of Building Construction Sealants as Determined by Laboratory Accelerated Weathering Procedures

This test method describes laboratory accelerated weathering procedures using either fluorescent ultraviolet or xenon arc test devices for determining the color stability of building construction sealants.

 

ASTM C1519

Standard Test Method for Evaluating Durability of Building Construction Sealants by Laboratory Accelerated Weathering Procedures

This test method covers the method for the determination of the durability of a sealant based on its ability to function in cyclic movement maintaining adhesion and cohesion after repeated exposure to laboratory accelerated weathering procedures.

 

ASTM C732

Standard Test Method for Aging Effects of Artificial Weathering on Latex Sealants

This test method covers a laboratory procedure for the determination of aging effects of artificial weathering on latex sealants.

 

ASTM C734

Standard Test Method for Low-Temperature Flexibility of Latex Sealants After Artificial Weathering

This test method covers a laboratory procedure for the determination of low-temperature flexibility of latex sealants after 500 h artificial weathering.

 

ASTM C793

Standard Test Method for Effects of Laboratory Accelerated Weathering on Elastomeric Joint Sealants

This test method covers a laboratory procedure for determining the effects of accelerated weathering on cured-in-place elastomeric joint sealants (single- and multi-component) for use in building construction.

 

ASTM D1148

Standard Test Method for Rubber Deterioration-Discoloration from Ultraviolet (UV) and Heat Exposure of Light-Colored Surfaces

This test method covers techniques to evaluate the surface discoloration of white or light-colored vulcanized rubber that may occur when subjected to UV or UV/visible exposure from specified sources under controlled conditions of relative humidity, or moisture, and temperature.

 

ASTM D1670

Standard Test Method for Failure End Point in Accelerated and Outdoor Weathering of Bituminous Materials

This test method covers the use of a spark generating apparatus for determination of failure due to cracking of bituminous materials undergoing accelerated or outdoor weathering on electrically conductive backings.

 

ASTM D3424

Standard Practice for Evaluating the Relative Lightfastness and Weatherability of Printed Matter

This standard describes procedures for the determination of the relative lightfastness and weatherability of printed matter under the following conditions, which involve exposure to natural daylight or accelerated procedures in the laboratory.

 

ASTM D3451

Standard Guide for Testing Coating Powders and Powder Coatings

This guide covers the selection and use of procedures for testing coating powders and powder coatings. The test methods included are listed in . Where more than one test method is listed for the same characteristic, no attempt is made to indicate superiority of one method over another. Selection of the methods to be followed must be governed by experience and the requirements in each individual case, together with agreement between the purchaser and the seller.

 

ASTM D4101

Standard Specification for Polypropylene Injection and Extrusion Materials

This specification covers polypropylene materials suitable for injection molding and extrusion. Polymers consist of homopolymer, copolymers, and elastomer compounded with or without the addition of impact modifiers (ethylene-propylene rubber, polyisobutylene rubber, and butyl rubber), colorants, stabilizers, lubricants, or reinforcements.

 

ASTM D4329

Standard Practice for Fluorescent UV Exposure of Plastics

This practice covers specific procedures and test conditions that are applicable for fluorescent UV exposure of plastics conducted in accordance with Practices G151 and G154.

 

ASTM D4434

Standard Specification for Poly(Vinyl Chloride) Sheet Roofing

This specification covers flexible sheet made from poly(vinyl chloride) resin as the primary polymer intended for use in single-ply roofing membranes exposed to the weather.

 

ASTM D4587

Standard Practice for Fluorescent UV-Condensation Exposures of Paint and Related Coatings

This practice covers the selection of test conditions for accelerated exposure testing of coatings and related products in fluorescent UV and condensation devices conducted according to Practices G151 and G154.

 

ASTM D4674

Standard Practice for Accelerated Testing for Color Stability of Plastics Exposed to Indoor Office Environments

This practice covers the basic principles and operating procedures for using fluorescent light to determine color stability of plastics when materials are exposed in typical office environments where fluorescent overhead lighting and window-filtered daylight are used for illumination and where temperature and humidity conditions are in accordance with American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) recommendations for workers’ comfort.

 

ASTM D4799

Standard Practice for Accelerated Weathering Test Conditions and Procedures for Bituminous Materials (Fluorescent UV, Water Spray, and Condensation Method)

This practice describes test conditions and procedures for fluorescent UV and condensation exposures conducted according to Practices G151 and G154 for bituminous roofing and waterproofing materials that have a minimum softening point of approximately 95°C (200°F) as determined by Test Method D36.

 

ASTM D4811

Standard Specification for Nonvulcanized (Uncured) Rubber Sheet Used as Roof Flashing

This specification covers nonvulcanized (uncured) rubber sheet made of EPDM (ethylene-propylene-diene terpolymer) or CR (polychloroprene) intended for use as watertight roof flashing exposed to the weather.

 

ASTM D5208

Standard Practice for Fluorescent Ultraviolet (UV) Exposure of Photodegradable Plastics

This practice covers the specific procedures applicable for fluorescent Ultraviolet (UV) exposure of photodegradable plastics conducted in accordance with Practices G151 and G154.

 

ASTM D5894

Standard Practice for Cyclic Salt Fog/UV Exposure of Painted Metal, (Alternating Exposures in a Fog/Dry Cabinet and a UV/Condensation Cabinet)

This practice covers basic principles and operating practice for cyclic corrosion/UV exposure of paints on metal; using alternating periods of exposure in two different cabinets: a cycling salt fog/dry cabinet, and a fluorescent UV/condensation cabinet.

 

ASTM D6577

Standard Guide for Testing Industrial Protective Coatings

This guide covers the selection and use of test methods and procedures for testing industrial protective coatings.

 

ASTM D750

Standard Test Method for Rubber Deterioration Using Artificial Weathering Apparatus

This test method covers specific variations in the test conditions and procedures that shall be applicable when Practice G151 plus either Practice G152, G153, G154, or G155 are employed for exposure of vulcanized rubber compounds.

 

ASTM D882

Standard Test Method for Tensile Properties of Thin Plastic Sheeting

This test method covers the determination of tensile properties of plastics in the form of thin sheeting and films (less than 1.0 mm (0.04 in.) in thickness).

 

ASTM D904

Standard Practice for Exposure of Adhesive Specimens to Artificial Light

This practice covers the basic principles and operating procedures for ultraviolet (UV) light aging (with or without water) of adhesive bonded joints having at least one glass or transparent adhered, using fluorescent UV (see Method A) or xenon-arc light sources (see Method B).

 

ASTM D925

Standard Test Methods for Rubber Property—Staining of Surfaces (Contact, Migration, and Diffusion)

These test methods cover techniques to evaluate three types of staining that rubber may cause when in contact with, or in proximity to, another surface that may be light colored.

 

ASTM F1164

Standard Test Method for Evaluation of Transparent Plastics Exposed to Accelerated Weathering Combined with Biaxial Stress

This test method covers the resistance of transparent plastics exposed to environmental conditioning (accelerated weathering) under a biaxial stress state induced by a pressure cell/test fixture.

 

ASTM F1945

Standard Practice for Determining the Lightfastness of Ink Jet Prints Exposed to Indoor Fluorescent Lighting

This practice covers an accelerated procedure intended to determine the lightfastness of ink jet prints in office environments where overhead fluorescent light is used for illumination.

 

ASTM G151

Practice for Exposing Nonmetallic Materials in Accelerated Test Devices That Use Laboratory Light Sources

This practice provides general procedures to be used when exposing nonmetallic materials in accelerated test devices that use laboratory light sources.

 

ASTM G154

Practice for Operating Fluorescent Light Apparatus for UV Exposure of Nonmetallic Materials

This practice covers the basic principles and operating procedures for using fluorescent UV light, and water apparatus intended to reproduce the weathering effects that occur when materials are exposed to sunlight (either direct or through window glass) and moisture as rain or dew in actual usage.

 

EN 13523-10 (DIN)

Coil Coated Metals – Test Methods Part 10: Resistance to Fluorescent UV Radiation and Water Condensation

GM 9125P

Procedures for Laboratory Accelerated Exposure of Automotive Materials

These procedures are used to determine the resistance to degradation of automotive materials when subjected to artificial light sources. It describes exposures to sunshine carbon arc, xenon arc, fluorescent ultraviolet light and condensation apparatus, and a twin carbon arc.

 

IEC 61215

Crystalline Silicon Terrestrial Photovaltalic (PV) Modules – Design Qualification and Type Approval

IEC 61345

UV Test for Photovaltalic (PV) Modules

ISO 11507 (EN) (DIN)

Paints and Varnishes – Exposure of coatings to artificial weathering- Exposure to fluorescent UV lamps and water

This International Standard specifies exposure conditions for paint coatings exposed to artificial weathering in apparatus including fluorescent UV lamps and condensation or water spray.

 

ISO 29664

Plastics – Artificial weathering including acidic deposition

ISO 4892-1 (EN) (DIN)

Plastics – Methods of Exposure to Laboratory Light Sources – Part 1: General guidance

ISO 4892-3 (EN) (DIN)

Plastics – Methods of Exposure to Laboratory Light Sources – Part 3: Fluorescent UV Lamps

SAE J2020

Accelerated Exposure of Automotive Exterior Materials Using a Fluorescent UV and Condensation Apparatus