This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles

for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

Designation: G151 − 19

Standard Practice for

Exposing Nonmetallic Materials in Accelerated Test Devices
that Use Laboratory Light Sources1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation G151; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

1. Scope priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-

1.1 This practice covers general procedures to be used when mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
exposing nonmetallic materials in accelerated test devices that 1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
use laboratory light sources. Detailed information regarding dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
procedures to be used for specific devices are found in ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
standards describing the particular device being used. For Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
example, detailed information covering exposures in devices mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
that use open flame carbon arc, enclosed carbon arc, xenon arc, Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
and fluorescent UV light source are found in Practices G152,
G153, G154, and G155 respectively. 2. Referenced Documents
NOTE 1—Carbon-arc, xenon arc, and fluorescent UV exposures were 2.1 ASTM Standards:2

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also described in Practices G23, G26, and G53 which referred to very D618 Practice for Conditioning Plastics for Testing
specific equipment designs. Practices G152, G153, and G154, and G155 D3924 Specification for Standard Environment for Condi-
are performance based standards that replace Practices G23, G26, and
tioning and Testing Paint, Varnish, Lacquer, and Related
([Link]
G53.
Materials (Withdrawn 2016)3
1.2 This practice also describes general performance re- D5870 Practice for Calculating Property Retention Index of
quirements for devices used for exposing nonmetallic materials
Document Preview
Plastics
to laboratory light sources. This information is intended E41 Terminology Relating to Conditioning (Withdrawn
primarily for producers of laboratory accelerated exposure 2019)3
devices. E171 Practice for Conditioning and Testing Flexible Barrier
1.3 This practice provides information on theASTM use and G151-19 Packaging
[Link]
interpretation of data from accelerated exposure tests. Specific E644 Test Methods for Testing Industrial Resistance Ther-
information about methods for determining the property of a mometers
nonmetallic material before and after exposure are found in E691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to
standards describing the method used to measure each prop- Determine the Precision of a Test Method
erty. Information regarding the reporting of results from E772 Terminology of Solar Energy Conversion
exposure testing of plastic materials is described in Practice E839 Test Methods for Sheathed Thermocouples and
D5870. Sheathed Thermocouple Cable
G23 Practice for Operating Light-Exposure Apparatus
NOTE 2—Guide G141 provides information for addressing variability in
exposure testing of nonmetallic materials. Guide G169 provides informa- (Carbon-Arc Type) With and Without Water for Exposure
tion for application of statistics to exposure test results. of Nonmetallic Materials (Withdrawn 2000)3
NOTE 3—This standard is technically equivalent to ISO 4892, Part 1. G26 Practice for Operating Light-Exposure Apparatus
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the (Xenon-Arc Type) With and Without Water for Exposure
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the of Nonmetallic Materials (Discontinued 2001) (With-
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- drawn 2000)3

1 2
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee G03 on Weathering For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, [Link], or
and Durability and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee G03.03 on contact ASTM Customer Service at service@[Link]. For Annual Book of ASTM
Simulated and Controlled Exposure Tests. Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
Current edition approved Jan. 1, 2019. Published February 2019. Originally the ASTM website.
3
approved in 1997. Last previous edition approved in 2010 as G151 – 10. DOI: The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
10.1520/G0151-19. [Link].

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States

1
 G151 − 19
G53 Practice for Operating Light-and Water-Exposure Ap- 4.1.1 When conducting exposures in devices that use labo-
paratus (Fluorescent UV-Condensation Type) for Expo- ratory light sources, it is important to consider how well the
sure of Nonmetallic Materials (Withdrawn 2000)3 accelerated test conditions will reproduce property changes and
G113 Terminology Relating to Natural and Artificial Weath- failure modes associated with end-use environments for the
ering Tests of Nonmetallic Materials materials being tested. In addition, it is essential to consider the
G130 Test Method for Calibration of Narrow- and Broad- effects of variability in both the accelerated test and outdoor
Band Ultraviolet Radiometers Using a Spectroradiometer exposures when setting up exposure experiments and when
G141 Guide for Addressing Variability in Exposure Testing interpreting the results from accelerated exposure tests.
of Nonmetallic Materials 4.1.2 No laboratory exposure test can be specified as a total
G147 Practice for Conditioning and Handling of Nonmetal- simulation of actual use conditions in outdoor environments.
lic Materials for Natural and Artificial Weathering Tests Results obtained from these laboratory accelerated exposures
G152 Practice for Operating Open Flame Carbon Arc Light can be considered as representative of actual use exposures
Apparatus for Exposure of Nonmetallic Materials only when the degree of rank correlation has been established
G153 Practice for Operating Enclosed Carbon Arc Light for the specific materials being tested and when the type of
Apparatus for Exposure of Nonmetallic Materials degradation is the same. The relative durability of materials in
G154 Practice for Operating Fluorescent Ultraviolet (UV) actual use conditions can be very different in different locations
Lamp Apparatus for Exposure of Nonmetallic Materials because of differences in UV radiation, time of wetness,
G155 Practice for Operating Xenon Arc Light Apparatus for relative humidity, temperature, pollutants, and other factors.
Exposure of Non-Metallic Materials Therefore, even if results from a specific exposure test con-
G156 Practice for Selecting and Characterizing Weathering ducted according to this practice are found to be useful for
Reference Materials comparing the relative durability of materials exposed in a
G169 Guide for Application of Basic Statistical Methods to particular exterior environment, it cannot be assumed that they
Weathering Tests will be useful for determining relative durability of the same
G177 Tables for Reference Solar Ultraviolet Spectral Distri- materials for a different environment.
butions: Hemispherical on 37° Tilted Surface 4.1.3 Even though it is very tempting, calculation of an
2.2 ISO Standards:4
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ISO 4892, Part 1 Plastics: Exposure to laboratory Light
acceleration factor relating x h or megajoules of radiant
exposure in a laboratory accelerated test to y months or years
Sources—General Guidance
([Link]
ISO 9370 Plastics: Instrumental Determination of Radiant
Exposure in Weathering Tests—General Guidance and
of exterior exposure is not recommended. These acceleration
factors are not valid for several reasons.
[Link] Acceleration factors are material dependent and can
Basic Test Method
2.3 CIE Document:5
Document Preview be significantly different for each material and for different
formulations of the same material.
CIE Publication Number 85: 1989 Technical Report—Solar [Link] Variability in the rate of degradation in both actual
Spectral Irradiance ASTM G151-19use and laboratory accelerated exposure test can have a
2.4 Other Documents: significant effect on the calculated acceleration factor.
[Link]
[Link] Acceleration factors calculated based on the ratio of
IES LM-58-13 Spectroradiometric Measurement Methods
6
for Light Sources (2013 or Later) irradiance between a laboratory light source and solar
NIST SP250-89 Spectral Irradiance Calibrations 7 radiation, even when identical bandpasses are used, do not take
2.5 ASTM Adjuncts:8 into consideration the effects on a material of irradiance,
SMARTS2, Simple Model for Atmospheric Transmission of temperature, moisture, and differences in spectral power dis-
Sunshine tribution between the laboratory light source and solar radia-
tion.
3. Terminology
NOTE 4—If use of an acceleration factor is desired in spite of the
3.1 Definitions—The definitions given in Terminologies warnings given in this practice, such acceleration factors for a particular
E41, E772, and G113 are applicable to this practice. material are only valid if they are based on data from a sufficient number
of separate exterior and laboratory accelerated exposures so that results
4. Significance and Use used to relate times to failure in each exposure can be analyzed using
statistical methods. An example of a statistical analysis using multiple
4.1 Significance: laboratory and exterior exposures to calculate an acceleration factor is
described by J. A. Simms (1).9
4
Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St.,
4.1.4 There are a number of factors that may decrease the
4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, [Link] degree of correlation between accelerated tests using labora-
5
Available from the Commission Internationale de L’Eclairage, CIE, Central tory light sources and exterior exposures. More specific infor-
Bureau, Kegelgasse 27, A-1030 Vienna, Austria or the U.S. National Committee for mation on how each factor may alter stability ranking of
CIE, National Institute for Science and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD.
6
Available from Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IESNA), materials is given in Appendix X1.
120 Wall Street, New York, NY 10005, [Link]
7
Available from National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), 100
Bureau Dr., Stop 1070, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-1070, [Link]
8 9
Available from ASTM International Headquarters. Order Adjunct No. The boldface numbers in parentheses refer to the list of references at the end of
ADJG173CD. Original adjunct produced in 2005. this standard.

2
 G151 − 19
[Link] Differences in the spectral distribution between the 5.1.1 The exposure device shall provide for placement of
laboratory light source and solar radiation. specimens and any designated sensing devices in positions
[Link] Light intensities higher than those experienced in which provide uniform irradiance by the light source.
actual use conditions.
NOTE 8—In some devices, several individual light sources are used
[Link] Test conditions where specimens are exposed con- simultaneously. In these devices, the term light source refers to the
tinuously to light when actual use conditions provide alternate combination of individual light sources being used.
periods of light and dark. 5.1.2 Manufacturers of exposure devices shall assure that
[Link] Specimen temperatures higher than those in actual the irradiance at any location in the area used for specimen
conditions. exposures is at least 70 % of the maximum irradiance mea-
[Link] Exposure conditions that produce unrealistic tem- sured in this area. Procedures for measuring irradiance unifor-
perature differences between light and dark colored specimens. mity are found in Annex A1.
[Link] Exposure conditions that do not have any tempera-
ture cycling or that produce temperature cycling, or thermal NOTE 9—During use, the irradiance uniformity in exposure devices can
shock, or both, that is not representative of use conditions. be affected by several factors, such as deposits, which can develop on the
optical system and chamber walls. Irradiance uniformity also can be
[Link] Unrealistically high or low levels of moisture. affected by the type and number of specimens being exposed. The
[Link] Absence of biological agents or pollutants. irradiance uniformity as assured by the manufacturer is valid for new
4.2 Use of Accelerated Tests with Laboratory Light Sources: equipment and well defined measuring conditions.
4.2.1 Results from accelerated exposure tests conducted 5.1.3 Periodic repositioning of the specimens during expo-
according to this standard are best used to compare the relative sure is not necessary if the irradiance at positions farthest from
performance of materials. A common application is conducting the point of maximum irradiance is at least 90 % of the
a test to establish that the level of quality of different batches maximum measured irradiance.
does not vary from a control material with known performance. 5.1.4 If irradiance at any position in the area used for
Comparisons between materials are best made when they are specimen exposure is between 70 and 90 % of the maximum
tested at the same time in the same exposure device. Results irradiance, specimens shall be periodically repositioned to
can be expressed by comparing the exposure time or radiant
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reduce variability in radiant exposure. The repositioning sched-
exposure necessary to change a characteristic property to some ule shall be agreed upon by all interested parties. Appendix X2
specified level. describes some possible specimen placement and repositioning
([Link]
[Link] Reproducibility of test results between laboratories
has been shown to be good when the stability of materials is
plans and frequencies.
NOTE 10—While not required in devices meeting the irradiance

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evaluated in terms of performance ranking compared to other uniformity requirements of 5.1.3, periodic specimen repositioning is a
materials or to a control (2, 3); therefore, exposure of a similar good practice to reduce the variability in exposure stresses experienced
material of known performance (a control) at the same time as during the test interval.
the test materials is strongly recommended. 5.1.5 Replace lamps and filters according to the schedule
4.2.2 In some applications, weathering referenceASTM G151-19
materials recommended by the device manufacturer. Follow the appara-
are [Link]
used to establish consistency of the operating conditions in tus manufacturer’s instructions for lamp and filter replacement
an exposure test. and for pre-aging of lamps or filters, or both.
4.2.3 Reference materials, for example, blue wool test 5.1.6 ASTM G177 describes a standard solar ultraviolet
fabric, also may be used for the purpose of timing exposures. spectrum that can be used as a basis for comparing laboratory
In some cases, a reference material is exposed at the same time accelerated light sources with sunlight. The atmospheric con-
as a test material and the exposure is conducted until there is a ditions used in this standard solar spectrum were selected to
defined change in property of the reference material. The test maximize the fraction of short wavelength solar ultraviolet
material then is evaluated. In some cases, the results for the test radiation.
material are compared to those for the reference material.
These are inappropriate uses of reference materials when they NOTE 11—Previous versions of this standard used a solar spectrum
are not sensitive to exposure stresses that produce failure in the defined in CIE Publication 85-1989, Table 4 as the benchmark for
comparing light sources used in laboratory accelerated exposure tests to
test material or when the reference material is very sensitive to solar radiation. Appendix X3 provides a comparison of the atmospheric
an exposure stress that has very little effect on the test material. conditions and solar spectra of ASTM G177 and Table 4 of CIE 85.
NOTE 5—Definitions for control and reference material that are appro- [Link] Direct radiation from xenon burners, open flame
priate to weathering tests are found in Terminology G113. carbon arcs, and some fluorescent lamps contains considerable
NOTE 6—Practice G156 describes procedures for selecting and charac-
terizing weathering reference materials used to establish consistency of amounts of short wavelength ultraviolet radiation not present in
operating conditions in a laboratory accelerated test. solar radiation. With proper selection of filters for these light
NOTE 7—Results from accelerated exposure tests should only be used to sources, much of the short wavelength light can be eliminated.
establish a pass/fail approval of materials after a specific time of exposure However, with many filters a small, but significant, amount of
to a prescribed set of conditions when the variability in the exposure and
this short wavelength (less than 300 nm) radiation is present in
property measurement procedure has been quantified so that statistically
significant pass/fail judgments can be made. the spectral distribution of the filtered light source. Fluorescent
UV lamps can be selected to have a spectral output correspond-
5. Requirements for Laboratory Exposure Devices ing to a particular ultraviolet region of solar radiation. The
5.1 Light Source: xenon arc, when appropriately filtered, produces radiation with

3
 G151 − 19
a spectral power distribution that is a good simulation of surface temperature of individual test specimens, a specified
average solar radiation throughout the UV and visible region. black-panel sensor is used to measure and control temperature
5.1.7 The apparatus should have a means to monitor and within the test chamber. It is strongly recommended that the
control the specimen irradiance. black panel temperature sensor be mounted within the speci-
NOTE 12—In apparatus that do not provide irradiance control, the
men exposure area so that it receives the same radiation and
specimen irradiance may vary over time as the source and some optical cooling conditions as a flat test panel surface. The black panel
filters used to modify its spectral distribution age. This variance may also may be located at a fixed distance position different from
contribute to differences between weathering tests conducted in different the test specimens and calibrated for temperature in the
apparatus as well as those conducted in the same apparatus at separate specimen exposure area. This is not recommended, however,
times.
because black panels mounted at a fixed position away from
[Link] In apparatus equipped with irradiance control, an the specimens may not indicate temperatures representative of
irradiance set point control system comprised of an integrated the test specimens, even if they are calibrated to record
on-board irradiance sensor coupled with an electronic feedback temperature at positions within the specimen exposure area,
loop shall operate to maintain the irradiance at the set point. due to differences in light intensity and movement of air.
This control system shall be calibrated to report the irradiance
[Link] The type of mounting used for uninsulated black or
at the specimen plane whether the on-board irradiance sensor is
white panels (that is, whether the back of the panel is directly
located within the specimen plane or outside the specimen
exposed to air or if the panel is placed against a solid metal
plane.
backing) will have an effect on the conditions in the chamber.
[Link] The irradiance set point control system shall be
Describe the mounting used for the uninsulated black or white
calibrated at regular intervals relative to an irradiance reference
panel in the test report.
device (that is, a radiometer or other suitable transfer calibra-
tion standard) to assure acceptable accuracy and reliability. The NOTE 14—Previous versions of this standard specified an uninsulated
irradiance set point control system shall be calibrated when black panel with an open back subjected to the air within the exposure
replacing any component of the optical system (for example, at chamber. Tests using a different backing configuration may produce
different results. Therefore, if a user wishes to compare to historical
each lamp replacement or filter change) and each time the

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exposure results, it is recommended that the user duplicate the previous
weathering method is changed. A full calibration of the backing configuration of the uninsulated black panel.
irradiance set point control system shall be conducted at least
5.2.2 Exposure devices shall use either an uninsulated black
([Link]
once per year. More frequent calibrations and intermediate
checks are recommended. panel (commonly referred to as a black panel thermometer) or
[Link] The irradiance reference device shall be calibrated in an insulated black panel (commonly referred to as a black

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accordance with ISO 9370 resulting in traceability to a
National Metrology Institute (NMI). This device shall be
standard thermometer) as black panel sensor. Requirements for
each type are found in Annex A2.
calibrated at regular intervals to assure acceptable measure- 5.2.3 The temperature indicated by the uninsulated black-
ment uncertainty, traceability, and reliability. Refer to the panel or insulated thermometer depends on the irradiance of
ASTM G151-19the laboratory light source and the temperature and speed of air
manufacturer’s recommendation for guidance on calibration
[Link]
interval. moving in the test chamber. Uninsulated black-panel tempera-
tures generally correspond to those for dark coatings on metal
NOTE 13—For guidance on good laboratory practices for measurement
and calibration of irradiance see IES LM-58-13 and NIST SP250-89. panels. Insulated black panel thermometer temperatures gen-
erally correspond to those for the exposed surface of dark
[Link] Spectrally selective radiometers within the chain of samples with poor thermal conductivity. At conditions used in
traceability shall comply with one of the types specified in typical exposure tests, the temperature indicated by an insu-
ISO 9370. A full calibration of the spectrally selective radiom- lated black panel thermometer will be 3–12 °C higher than an
eter shall be conducted in accordance with Test Method G130 uninsulated black panel thermometer. The response time for
at least once per year. More frequent calibrations are recom-
temperature changes is slightly slower for insulated black panel
mended.
thermometers compared to uninsulated black panel thermom-
[Link] The irradiance set point control system and the
eters.
irradiance reference device shall be calibrated in terms of
irradiance, Ee, for a defined wavelength or defined wavelength [Link] At low irradiance, the difference between the tem-
interval. Common examples of irradiance control points and perature indicated by an uninsulated black panel or insulated
spectral ranges used in commercial weathering apparatus black panel and the real specimen may be small. When light
include 340 nm, 420 nm, 300-400 nm, and 300-800 nm. Other sources that emit very little infrared radiation are used, there
control points and spectral ranges may be used as agreed upon generally will be very small difference in temperatures indi-
by all interested parties. cated by the two types of black panels or between light and
dark colored specimens.
5.2 Temperature:
5.2.1 The surface temperature of exposed materials depends NOTE 15—There can be differences in temperature indicated by a single
on the ambient temperature, the amount of radiation absorbed, type of black panel thermometer, depending on the specific design of the
device supplied by different manufacturers. Work is being conducted
the emissivity of the specimen, the thermal conduction within within Subcommittee 6 ISO TC/61 to characterize the differences between
the specimen, and the heat transmission between specimen and the different types of temperature sensing devices and between tempera-
air or specimen holder. Since it is not practical to monitor the ture sensing devices of the same type.

4
 G151 − 19
5.2.4 In order to evaluate the range of surface temperatures anions, organics, and particularly silica, exposed specimens
of the exposed specimens, the use of an uninsulated or will develop spots or stains that do not occur in exterior
insulated white panel thermometer is recommended, in addi- exposures. Unless otherwise specified, water used for specimen
tion to the uninsulated black panel or insulated black panel wetting shall have a maximum of 1 ppm solids and a maximum
thermometer. In some cases, temperature of either the uninsu- of 0.2 ppm silica. If the water used for specimen wetting is
lated or insulated white panel thermometer may be used to above 1 ppm solids, the solids and silica levels must be
specify exposure conditions. The uninsulated or insulated reported. Recirculation of water used for specimen wetting is
white panel shall be constructed in the same way as the not recommended and if done the recirculated water shall meet
corresponding uninsulated or insulated black panel the specified purity requirements.
thermometer, except for use of a white coating with a good
NOTE 16—Distillation, or a combination of deionization and reverse
resistance to aging. The reflectance of the white coating osmosis can effectively produce water with the desired purity.
between 450 and 800 nm shall be at least 60 % and at least
30 % between 800 and 1500 nm. 5.3.3 If specimens are found to have deposits or stains after
5.2.5 When requested, suppliers of insulated or uninsulated exposure, the water purity must be checked to determine if it
black or white panels shall provide certification that the black meets the purity requirements described in 5.3.2. On some
or white coating meets the reflectance requirements given in occasions, exposed specimens can be contaminated by deposits
this practice. from bacteria than can grow in the purified water used for
specimen wetting. If bacterial contamination is detected, the
5.2.6 Exposure devices that control temperature of a black
entire system used for specimen wetting shall be flushed with
or white temperature sensor shall be able to maintain fluctua-
a chlorinating solution, such as sodium hypochlorite and
tions at the control point as specified in Annex A3.
thoroughly rinsed prior to resuming exposures.
5.2.7 Manufacturers of exposure devices shall assure that
5.3.4 Although it does not always correlate with silica
the temperature of a black or white panel temperature sensor
content, it is recommended that the conductivity of the water
placed anywhere within the specimen exposure area shall be
used for specimen wetting be monitored continuously and that
within 63 °C of the set point temperature for set points up to
exposures be stopped whenever the conductivity is above
70 °C and within 64 °C for set point temperatures above
70 °C.
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5.2.8 The test report shall indicate whether an insulated or
5 µS ⁄cm.
5.3.5 All components of the specimen wetting unit shall be
fabricated from stainless steel, plastic, or other material that
([Link]
uninsulated black or white panel was used. If either type of
black or white panel thermometer is not positioned in the
does not contaminate the water. If plastic materials are used,
they shall not leach low molecular weight UV absorbing
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specimen exposure area, the exact position used shall be
components into the water.
described in the test report.
5.2.9 If chamber air temperature is measured, the tempera- 5.3.6 In devices where humidity within the test chamber is
ture sensing element shall be shielded from the light source and controlled, sensors used to determine humidity shall be placed
within the test chamber air flow and shielded from direct
ASTM of
water spray. Exposure devices, which control temperature G151-19
radiation and water spray. When humidity is controlled, the
chamber air shall be able to maintain temperature of chamber
[Link]
air within 63 °C of the set point temperature. measured relative humidity shall be within 65 % of the set
point humidity.
5.2.10 Calibrate thermocouples according to instructions
provided by the device manufacturer. If no instructions are [Link] Calibrate the sensors used to determine humidity
provided by the device manufacture, sheathed thermocouples according to the device manufacturer’s instructions.
shall be calibrated according to Test Methods E839, and 5.3.7 Any device intended to introduce wetting of
resistance thermometers used as the sensing element for black specimens, for example, by spray or immersion, shall have
or white panel thermometers shall be calibrated according to means to program intervals with and without wetting.
Test Methods E644. Unless otherwise specified, devices used NOTE 17—There is currently no generally accepted method for charac-
to measure temperature shall be calibrated at least annually. terizing the uniformity or consistency of specimen wetting.
Wherever possible, calibrations should be traceable to a 5.4 Other Apparatus Requirements—Although various ap-
nationally recognized standards agency. paratus designs are used in practice, each apparatus shall
5.3 Humidity and Wetting: include the following:
5.3.1 The presence of moisture may have a significant effect 5.4.1 Any device intended to provide light and dark cycles
on exposure tests. Any apparatus operated according to this shall have means to program intervals with or without light.
standard, which attempts to simulate the effects of moisture, The time of each light and dark cycle shall be controlled to
shall have means for providing moisture to specimens using within 610 % of the shortest cycle time used. It is preferable
one or more of the following methods: humidification of to use cycle timers that are accurate and reproducible as
chamber air, formation of condensation, water spray, or im- possible. Optionally, means to provide a record of the length of
mersion. The type and rate of material degradation can be light and dark cycles may be provided.
affected significantly by the method used to provide moisture 5.4.2 To fulfill the requirements of particular test
stress. procedures, the apparatus also may need to provide means to
5.3.2 The purity of the water used for specimen wetting is register or record the following operational parameters.
very important. Without proper treatment to remove cations, [Link] Line voltage;

5
 G151 − 19
[Link] Lamp voltage and where appropriate, lamp wattage; 6.2.3 When material properties are measured using destruc-
[Link] Lamp current; tive tests, a separate set of specimens is needed for each
[Link] Temperature of uninsulated or insulated black or exposure period. When destructive tests are used, the total
white panel thermometer; number of test specimens required will be determined by the
[Link] Test chamber air temperature; number of exposure periods used and whether unexposed file
[Link] Test chamber relative humidity; specimens are tested at the same time as exposed specimens.
[Link] Water spray cycles; 6.2.4 Control materials with known durability should be
[Link] Irradiance or radiant exposure, or both, over a included with each exposure test. It is recommended that
specified spectral region; and control materials known to have relatively poor and good
[Link] Duration of exposure (radiation time and total, if durability be used. Control materials are used for the purpose
different). of comparing the performance of the test materials to the
5.4.3 Follow the recommendations of the device manufac- controls. Before laboratory to laboratory comparisons are made
turer regarding calibration of devices used to record each it is necessary to establish agreed upon control materials. The
operational parameter. number of specimens of the control material should be the
same as that used for test materials.
6. Test Specimens 6.3 Storage and Conditioning:
6.1 Form and Preparation: 6.3.1 Conditioning and handling of test, control, reference,
6.1.1 The dimensions of the test specimens normally are and file specimens shall be according to Practice G147.
those specified in the appropriate test method for the property 6.3.2 If test specimens are cut or machined from larger
or properties to be measured after exposure. When the behavior pieces, they should be conditioned after machining according
of a specific type of article is to be determined, the article itself to Practice D618, Specification D3924, or Practice E171. In
should be exposed whenever possible. some circumstances, it may be necessary to precondition the
6.1.2 For some tests, specimens to be exposed may be cut sheets prior to cutting or machining to facilitate specimen
from a larger sheet or part that is formed by extrusion, injection preparation. The properties of some materials are very sensi-
tive to moisture content and the duration of conditioning may
iTeh Standards
molding, or other process. The exact shape and dimensions of
the specimens to be exposed will be determined by the specific need to be longer than those specified in these standards,
test procedure used for measurement of the property of interest. particularly where specimens have been exposed to climatic
([Link]
The procedures used to machine or cut individual test speci-
mens from a larger sheet or part may affect the results of the
extremes.
7. General Procedure
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property measurement and the apparent durability. Therefore,
the method used for specimen preparation shall be agreed upon
by the interested parties and should be related closely to the
7.1 Mark each specimen that will be exposed with a unique
identifying number in accordance with Practice G147.
method normally used to process the material in typical 7.1.1 Do not touch the surface of exposed specimens or
application. ASTM G151-19
optical components with bare skin because oils that are
deposited may act as UV absorbers or contain contaminants
[Link]
6.1.3 Unless otherwise specified or required, do not cut
individual test specimens for property measurement from which accelerate degradation.
larger specimens that have been exposed. The effects any 7.2 Specific conditions and procedures for the exposure test
cutting or machining operation may have on the properties of depend on the type of device used and the material being
individual test specimens usually are much larger when the test tested. For open flame carbon-arc, enclosed carbon-arc, fluo-
specimens are cut from a large piece after exposure. This is rescent UV, and xenon-arc exposures, these can be found in
especially true for materials that embrittle on exposure. Practices G152, G153, G154, and G155 and in other standards,
[Link] When test specimens are cut from an exposed sheet which reference these practices.
or larger part, they should be taken from an area that is at least 7.2.1 For each exposure test, specific set points for impor-
20 mm from the fixture holding the material or from the tant parameters such as irradiance, temperature, and humidity
exposed specimen edges. In no circumstances shall any mate- are used. Typically, these parameters are measured and con-
rial from the exposed face be removed during the test specimen trolled at a single position within the chamber. During normal
preparation. operation, there is an allowable departure of the measured
6.1.4 When comparing materials in an exposure test, use value from the set point. Annex A3 provides detailed informa-
test specimens that are similar in dimensions and exposed area. tion about the maximum allowable departure of the measured
6.2 Number of Test Specimens: value from the set point.
6.2.1 The number of test specimens for each test condition 7.2.2 A single point measurement does not mean conditions
or exposure period shall be that specified in the appropriate test throughout the cabinet are the same. It does not mean two tests
method for the property or properties to be measured after run in similar cabinets will produce the same results. Cabinets
exposure. that control temperature by the black panel will not produce the
6.2.2 Unless otherwise specified or required, use at least same test as cabinets that control by air temperature.
three replicate specimens where properties are measured using 7.3 Select material properties that exhibit a significant
nondestructive tests and six replicate specimens where prop- change during the exposure period in order to provide weath-
erties are measured using destructive tests. ering performance discrimination among a series of materials.