,1nT~) Designation: D 1435- 99

V
INTERNATIONAL

Standard Practice for

Outdoor Weathering of Plastics1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 1435; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of reYision, the year of last reYision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reappro,·al. A
superscript epsilon ( e) indicates an editorial change since the last reYision or reapproYal.

This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the Department of Defense.

1. Scope E 913 Method for Calibration of Reference Pyranometers

1.1 This practice is intended to cover procedures for the with Axis Veitical by the Shading Methods
exposure of plastic materials to weather. E 941 Test Method for Calibration of Reference Pyranom-
eters with Axis Tilted by the Shading Methods
NOTE 1-See Practice G 24 for aging under glass. G 7 Practice for A tmospheric Environmental Exposure
1.2 This practice is limited to the method by which the Testing of Nonmetallic Materials 5
material is to be exposed and the general procedure to be G 24 Practice for Conducting Exposures to Daylight Fil-
followed. It is intended for use with finished articles of tered Through Glass 5
commerce as well as with all sizes and shapes of test G 84 Practice for Measurement of Time-of Wetness on
specimens. Surfaces Exposed to Wetting Conditions as in Atmospheric
1.3 Means of evaluation of the effects of weathering will Corrosion Testing6
depend on the intended use for the test material. G 113 Terminology Relating to Narnral and Artificial
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the Weathering Tests of Nonmetallic Materials5
standard. The values given in parentheses are for information G 141 Guide for Addressing Variability in Exposure Testing
only. on Nonmetallic Materials5
1.5 This standard does not pwport to address all of the G 147 Practice for Conditioning and Handling of Nonme-
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the tallic Materials for Natural and Altificial Weatl1ering Tests 5
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- 2 .2 ISO Standard:
priate scifety and health practices and determine the applica- ISO 877.2-1991 Method A, Methods for Exposure to Direct
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. Weathering, to Weathering Using Glass-Filtered Daylight,
and to Intensified Weathering Using Fresnel Mirrors 7
NOTE 2- This standard and ISO 877.2-1991. Method A , are technically
equi,;alent.
3. Terminology
2. Referenced Documents 3.1 Definitions- For definitions of technical terms pertain-
2.1 ASTM Standards: ing to plastics used in this practice, see Terminologies D 883,
D 883 Terminology Relating to Plastics2 D 1600, G 113, and E 772.
D 1600 Terminology for Abbreviated Terms Relating to
4. Significance and Use
Plastics2
D 1898 Practice for Sampling of Plastics3 4.1 Tests conducted in accordance with this practice are
E 772 Terminology Relating to Solar Energy Conversion4 used to evaluate the stability of plastic materials when they are
E 824 Test Method for Transfer of Calibration from Refer- exposed outdoors. The relative durability of plastics in outdoor
ence to Field Radiometers5 use can be very different depending on the location of the
exposure because of differences in ultraviolet (UV) radiation,
time of wetness, temperature, pollutants, and other factors. It
cannot be assumed, therefore, that results from one exposure in
1
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D-20 on Plastics a single location will be useful for determining relative
and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D20.50 on Permanence Properties.
Current edition approved No.-. 10, 1999. Published February 2000. Originally
durability in a different location. Exposures in several locations
published as D 1435 - 56 T. Last preYious edition D 1435 - 94.
2
Annual Book ofASTM Standards, Vol 08.01.
3 6
Discontinued 1998. See 1998 Annual Book ofASTM Standards, Vol 08.01. Annual Book ofASTM Standards, Vol 03 .02.
4 7
Annual Book ofASTM Standards, Vol 12.02. A.-ailable from American National Standards Institute, II W. 42nd St., 13th
5
Annual Book ofASTM Standards, Vol 14.04. Floor, New York, NY 10036.

Copyrighl © ASTM l nlernalional, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United Slales.
 c:O D1435
with different climates that represent a broad range of antici- 5.3.1 Most specimens under test will not be of an exact size
pated service conditions are recommended. for mounting directly on the frame. Specimen holders should
4 .1.1 Because of year-to-year climatological variations, re- be used to support the many sizes of specimens involved in this
sults from a single exposure test cannot be used to predict the testing. In no case shall the specimen holder constitute a
absolute rate at which a material degrades. Several years of backing for that portion of the material to be evaluated.
repeat exposures are needed to get an average test result for a 5.3.2 The specimen holders shall be constrncted of an inert
given location. material. (Aluminum extmded shapes have been found to be
4.2 The results of short-term exposure tests can provide an suitable.)
indication of relative outdoor performance, but they should not 5.3.3 The design of the specimen holders shall be such that
be used to predict the absolute long-term performance of a each specimen or sheet in a holder cannot shift its position, yet
material. The results of tests conducted for less than 12 months is not constrained (that is, it is free to expand or contract with
will depend on the pa11icular season of the year in which they thermal changes, swell because of moisture absorption, or
begin. shrink because of plasticizer loss).
5.3.4 Frame Holders- These holders are in the shape of a
5. Apparatus frame that may be subdivided as necessary to provide proper
5.1 The test site shall confonn to the requirements of spacing of the specimens. The exposure apern1re of each frame
Practice G 7. Unless otherwise specified, position exposure shall be of sufficient size to expose the entire test area of each
racks so that they face the equator. The angle of the exposure specimen when sufficient specimens are contained.
rack relative to the horizontal can vary depending upon the 5.3.5 Plate Holders- This type of holder is a universal
end-use conditions that are being evaluated. panel consisting of a slotted-aluminum plate on which electri-
cal white glaze porcelain insulators8 are mounted at proper
NOTE 3- Test sit.es at latitudes less than 23 °27' from the equator in
positions to affix various-sized specimens. The specimens are
either hemisphere will have a period dm·ing the year when the declination
mounted in the grooves of the insulators at a fixed distance of
of the sun will exceed the latitude of the site.
11 mm from the slotted back p late. The insulators provide inert
5.1.1 At-Latitude Racks- These racks shall be adjusted mounting while the slotted plate permits free circulation of air
such that the exposed surfaces are at an angle from the behind the specimen. This method of mounting is shown in
horizontal corresponding exactly to the site latitude angle Fig. 1.
(Note 4). 5 .4 Instruments for Measuring Climatological Data:
NOTE 4- At-latitude exposure provides maximum annual total solar-
5.4.1 Instruments Used to Measure Ambient Temperature
radiant exposure at most non-subtropical sites. In most non-desett areas, and Relative Humidiry-Instruments and procedures used for
however, maximum annual ultraviolet-radiant expostu-e is provided by measurement of ambient temperature and relative humidity
exposure at an angle of the latitude angle minus 10°. shall be in accordance with Practice G 7.
5.1.2 45° Racks- These racks shall be adjusted such that 5.4.2 l nstru/1/ents Used to Measure Solar Radiation-
the exposed surfaces of specimens are at an angle of 45° to the Instruments and calibration procedures used for measurement
horizontal. of total solar radiation, total solar u ltraviolet radiation, or
5.1.3 90° Racks- These racks shall be adjusted such that narrow band solar ultraviolet radiation shall be in accordance
the exposed surfaces of specimens are at an angle of 90° to the with Practice G 7.
horizontal.
6. Sampling
5.1.4 Hori:ontal Racks- These racks shall be positioned
such that the exposed surfaces of the specimens are horizontal 6.1 Sampling shall be in accordance with the pertinent
(Note 5). considerations outlined in Practice D 1898.

NOTE 5- To provide moisture runoff for most horizontal-type testing of 7. Test Specimens
plastics. 5° south exposure is usually prefe11·ed. However. plastic roofing
membranes, rutificial hu-f. ru1d other plastics that may be exposed at
7 .1 Exposure test specimens may be of any size or shape
horizontal in their end-use condition should be exposed at 0° horizontal. that can be mounted in a holder or applied directly to the racks.
They may be specimens suited to the means of evaluating the
5.1.5 Other-Angle Racks- These racks shall be adjusted effects of weathering on a specific physical property, or they
such that the exposed surfaces of specimens are at a tilt angle may be larger specimens from which smaller specimens for
mutually agreed upon between the interested parties. evaluation may be cut. Exposure test specimens should be
5.2 Materials and Manner of Construction- Test racks and large enough that mounting edges may be removed where
hardware shall conform to the requirements of Practice G 7 and evaluation test results would otherwise be affected.
shall provide for attachment of specimens or holders of any 7.2 As far as practical, exposure test specimens shall simu-
convenient width and length. The strnctural members of the late service conditions of an end-use application. All materials
test racks shall not constitute a backing to the specimens under of an unknown end use application will normally be rnn in an
test. Fasteners used to attach specimens to the test rack shall
provide for secure attachment but allow specimens to expand
or contract with thermal changes, moisture absorption or 8
A satisfactory insulator for this purpose is Catalog No. 615160, Special No. 6
desorption, or plasticizer loss. Knob, dry-process, porcelain insulator, available from Porcelain Products, Carey,
5.3 Speci/1/en Holders: OH.

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 cO D1435

FIG. 1 Suitably Mounted Samples

unbacked condition. When conditions of use are known, the effects of exposure to ,vind-blom1 sand is a paii of the desired exposme.
specimen exposed will consist of the plastic material being
evaluated plus suitable backing materials to conform to pro- 9. Exposure Stages
jected practice. The effect of backing is highly significant and 9. l Use one of the following methods to specify the
contributes to the degradation as a function of reflectance, heat exposure stages at which changes in properties of test speci-
absorption, moishue retention, etc. It shall always be used in mens are determined:
relation to an end-use system rather than as a standard
mounting method. Norr 7- The same exposme stage (by whichever method is used) will
7.3 The use of at least two replicates of each experimental not necessarily give the same changes in prope1iies of the test specimen at
material being evaluated is recommended in order to allow for different exposure sites. The exposure stages must be regarded as
variability. providing only a general indication of the degree of expostu·e, and the
results should always be considered in tenns of characteristics of the
7.4 The total number of specimens will be determined by
exposme site as well.
the removal schedule and number of replicates plus file
specimens. These file specimens shall be retained at conditions 9.2 Exposure Time- Specify the duration of the exposure in
of 23 .0 :!: 5°C and 50 :!: 20 % relative humidity. They shall be terms of months (1, 3, 6, 12, 15, etc.) or years (1, 1.5, 2, 3, 4 ,
covered with inert wrapping to exclude light exposure during 5, etc.), unless otherwise instructed.
the exposure period.
Norr 8- The results for exposure stages of less than one year ,,~ll
8. Test Sites depend on the season of the yeai· in which the exposure was made. For
8.1 Weathering racks shall be located in cleared areas, instance, stunmer exposmes are generally more severe than winter
exposmes. Seasonal effects are averaged in expostu·es of seYeral years.
preferably at a suitable number of climatologically different
sites representing the variable conditions under which the 9 .2.1 If required, repo11 the total solar radiant exposure and
plastic product will be used. Climatological variations within total solar UV radiant exposure that has been measured by
these areas may include those represented by desert, seashore radiometers positioned at the same tilt and azimuth angle as the
(salt air), industrial locations, tropical, and subtropical regions, test specimens.
plus areas exhibiting a wide range in solar radiant energy. The
9.3 Solar-Radiation Measurements- Since solar radiation is
area beneath and in the vicinity of the weathering racks should
one of the most in1portant factors in the deterioration of plastics
be typical of the ground cover in that climatological area. In
during weathering exposure, exposure stages may be defined in
desert areas in which sand is the prevailing ground cover,
terms of the amount of radiation received by the specimens. An
coarse gravel is recommended to prevent abrasion and signifi-
cant dust accretion due to wind-blown sand (Note 6). The inherent limitation in solar-radiation measurements is that they
ground cover should be low-cut grass in most temperate, do not reflect the effects of variations in temperah1re and
tropical, and subtropical areas. moisture exposure, which can often be as important as solar
radiation.
NOTE 6- Sand as a grotmd cover may be desirable where the abrasive

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9.3.1 Total Solar Jrradiance-Measure the total solar irra- 10.9 Exposures and inspections may be planned to permit
diance using solar-radiation measuring instrumentation as de- reporting the following:
scribed in 5.4.2. Total solar radiant exposure shall be expressed 10.9 .1 Change after a specified exposure,
in MJ/m 2 . 10.9.2 Exposure to a specified change in properties, and
9.3.2 Total Ultraviolet Irradiance-Measure the total solar- 10.9.3 A record of a series of measurements versus expo-
ultraviolet irradiance using ultraviolet-measuring instrnmenta- sure.
tion as described in 5.4.2. Total solar-ultraviolet radiant expo-
11. Report
sure shall be expressed in MJ/ni. This is the recommended
method for determining exposure stages when polymer degra- 11.1 Report the following information:
dation is being evaluated. Table 1 shows typical UV radiant 11.1.1 Angle of exposure (horizontal, 45° or 90°), and
exposures for 12 months in subtropical and desert climates. direction of exposure,
11.1.2 Duration of exposure of each specimen at each site,
NOTE 9- The a,·erage UV radiant exposures shown for subtropical and
and dates of exposure,
dese1t climates are based on several years of measurement in these test
environments. The actual yearly values may vaiy widely from Table I .
11.1.3 If required, total UV radiant exposure (295 to 385
nm) for each exposure level, expressed in MJ/m2 , the manu-
9.3.2.1 Total solar radiant exposure (in MJ/m2) must also be facturer and model of the UV radiometer used, data of last
measured and reported for each exposure stage defined by UV calibration, and calibrating laboratory,
radiant exposure. 11.1.4 If required, total solar radiant exposure (295 to 3000
9.3.3 Specified Narro11·-Band Ultraviolet Irradiance-The nm) for each exposure level, expressed in MJ/m2 , the manu-
UV irradiance in specified narrow-wavelength intervals (or facturer and model of the pyranometer used, date of last
bands) that conform closely to the wavelengths to which the calibration, and calibrating laboratory,
material is most sensitive may also be used to follow the 11. 1.5 If required, solar UV radiant exposure measured in
exposure stages. narrow bandpass including the bandpass in which the radiant
exposure was measured.
10. Procedure
11.1.6 Description of the climate at each site and summary
10.1 Mark the test and control specimens to be exposed with of the pertinent climatological data at each site for the exposure
an identifying number, letter, or symbol so that they may be period involved, as follows:
identified readily after exposure. Specimen marking shall be in 11.1.6.1 Rainfall, and
accordance with Practice G 147 and shall be such that there is 11.1.6.2 If required, time of wetness (see Practice G 84),
no interference with either the exposure or the subsequent
N orr I 0- These data are intended as an indication of the climate at the
testing. (Preferably, mark both specimen and specimen holder
test site. ai1d the values repo1ted are not to be used as absolute limits for
on the side not exposed to weather, as advanced weathering can any pmticulm· specimen on exposm·e.
obscure even deeply scribed marks.)
10.2 Record the initial appearance and physical-property 11.1.6.3 Temperature average and temperature extremes,
data appropriate to the evaluation method used. 11.1.6.4 Humidity average and humidity extremes,
10.3 Mount the test specimens in the holder or directly to 11.1.6.5 Geographical location of the National Weather
the exposure rack. It is convenient to group specimens to be Service relative to the test site if climatological data is not
removed from exposure at the same time in one holder. measured at the test site,
10.4 Record a diagram of the test specimen holder layout, 11.1.7 General appearance properties of the exposed speci-
and record the date of installation and length of exposure mens and control materials, if used,
planned. 11.1.8 Results of property tests and description or reference
10.5 Ensure that the radiometers are mounted at a tilt and to tests used to evaluate the property measured. Calculate
azimuth angle that is identical to that of the test specimens. retention of characteristic prope11y according to Practice
10.6 Mount the specimens on racks for the prescribed time, D 5780 when it is reported.
solar radiant energy, or total UV radiant energy. 11.1.9 Suitably complete identification of the specimen,
10.7 Establish a fixed procedure of cleaning, visual exami- 11.1.10 Laboratory name,
nation, conditioning, and testing of the specimens. This proce- 11.1.11 Site latitude,
dure will vary with materials, but it must be uniform in a series 11.1.12 Test method and sequence of the test events,
of tests on one material to provide comparative results. 11.1.13 Specimen mounting, and
10.8 Unexposed file specimens shall be used for visual 11.1.14 Observations, deviations, and waivers pe11inent to
comparison to exposed specimens at various exposure levels. the testing.
12. Precision and Bias
TABLE 1 Typical UV Radiant Exposures for 12 Months in 12.1 No statements of precision and bias are applicable to
Subtropical and Desert Climates this practice. These a.re dependent on the ASTM test methods
Average UV Radiant Exposure for the specific propei1ies being measured.
Exposure Time (MJirtr\ 295 to 385 nm)
(Months) Subtropical Climate Desert Climate 13. Keywords
(at 5°) (at latitude)
12 308 333 13.1 exposure; natural weathering; outdoor weathering;
plastics

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 c:O D1435
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