Weathering

ASTM D1149-18, ASTM G154, ASTM D4329, ASTM D4587, ISO 4892, ASTM G155-21

Weathering testing refers to laboratory test methods designed to predict how a product or material will respond to prolonged exposure to natural elements, such as sunlight and heat.

Test Details

There are a number of factors to consider when designing and developing a product that will be subjected to long-term sunlight and outdoor exposure. Ultraviolet (UV) rays, ozone, and solar radiation can all cause different reactions in a given material or product. It’s critical for manufacturers to understand these effects so they can design a product that can withstand the elements.

Three pillars of weathering testing are ozone exposure testing, QUV testing, and Xenon arc testing. These test methods recreate outdoor conditions associated with sunlight and solar radiation and can predict long-term performance in an accelerated time frame.

Ozone Testing

Ozone exposure—also called ozone attack—can cause cracking and deterioration of rubbers and other materials. Ozone exposure testing can measure the effects of ozone exposure or assess the performance of an antiozonant or other antidegradant used in a compound formulation.

Common ozone exposure tests include:

ASTM D1149-18

Standard Test Methods for Rubber Deterioration—Cracking in an Ozone Controlled Environment

QUV Testing

QUV testing is an accelerated weathering test that uses fluorescent lamps to recreate ultraviolet radiation in a controlled laboratory environment. QUV testing is extremely beneficial for manufacturers of products that may experience long-term exposure to the elements, such as construction materials, textiles, automotive components, recreational items, and more. Moisture and temperature levels can also be controlled to determine how a product or material may react when exposed to a combination of these natural elements.

Common QUV test standards include:

ASTM G154

Standard Practice for Operating Fluorescent Ultraviolet (UV) Lamp Apparatus for Exposure of Nonmetallic Materials

ASTM D4329

Standard Practice for Fluorescent Ultraviolet (UV) Lamp Apparatus Exposure of Plastics

ASTM D4587

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

ISO 4892

Plastics — Methods of exposure to laboratory light sources — Part 2: Xenon-arc lamps

Xenon Arc Testing

Xenon arc testing uses a weatherometer to recreate UV and visible solar radiations in a controlled laboratory environment. Xenon arc light can be combined with other variables to recreate a specific service environment or match a standardized test protocol. Xenon arc testing is a reliable way to quantify how a product or material may react to long-term exposure to sunlight, either outdoors or through a window or other barrier.

Common Xenon Arc test standards include:

ASTM G155-21

Standard Practice for Operating Xenon Arc Lamp Apparatus for Exposure of Materials
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