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: D1435 − 13

Standard Practice for

Outdoor Weathering of Plastics1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D1435; 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.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the Department of Defense.

1. Scope* G113 Terminology Relating to Natural and Artificial Weath-

1.1 This practice is intended to cover procedures for the ering Tests of Nonmetallic Materials
exposure of plastic materials to weather. G141 Guide for Addressing Variability in Exposure Testing
of Nonmetallic Materials
NOTE 1—See Practice G24 for aging under glass. G147 Practice for Conditioning and Handling of Nonmetal-
1.2 This practice is limited to the method by which the lic Materials for Natural and Artificial Weathering Tests
material is to be exposed and the general procedure to be 2.2 ISO Standard:
followed. It is intended for use with finished articles of ISO 877.2-2009 Plastics—Methods of exposure to solar
commerce as well as with all sizes and shapes of test radiation—Part 2: Direct weathering and exposure behind
specimens. glass3
1.3 Means of evaluation of the effects of weathering will
3. Terminology
depend on the intended use for the test material.
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of technical terms pertain-
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
ing to plastics used in this practice, see Terminologies D883,
standard.
D1600, G113, and E772.
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the 4. Significance and Use
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- 4.1 Tests conducted in accordance with this practice are
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica- used to evaluate the stability of plastic materials when they are
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. exposed outdoors. The relative durability of plastics in outdoor
NOTE 2—This standard and ISO 877.2-2009, Method A, are technically use can be very different depending on the location of the
equivalent. exposure because of differences in ultraviolet (UV) radiation,
time of wetness, temperature, pollutants, and other factors. It
2. Referenced Documents cannot be assumed, therefore, that results from one exposure in
2.1 ASTM Standards:2 a single location will be useful for determining relative
D883 Terminology Relating to Plastics durability in a different location. Exposures in several locations
D1600 Terminology for Abbreviated Terms Relating to Plas- with different climates that represent a broad range of antici-
tics pated service conditions are recommended.
E772 Terminology of Solar Energy Conversion 4.1.1 Because of year-to-year climatological variations, re-
G7 Practice for Atmospheric Environmental Exposure Test- sults from a single exposure test cannot be used to predict the
ing of Nonmetallic Materials absolute rate at which a material degrades. Several years of
G24 Practice for Conducting Exposures to Daylight Filtered repeat exposures are needed to get an average test result for a
Through Glass given location.
4.2 The results of short-term exposure tests can provide an
indication of relative outdoor performance, but they should not
1
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D20 on Plastics and be used to predict the absolute long-term performance of a
is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D20.50 on Durability of Plastics. material. The results of tests conducted for less than twelve
Current edition approved June 1, 2013. Published July 2013. Originally approved months will depend on the particular season of the year in
in 1956. Last previous edition approved in 2005 as D1435 - 05. DOI: 10.1520/
D1435-13. which they begin.
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at [email protected]. For Annual Book of ASTM
3
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St.,
the ASTM website. 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.

*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard

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 D1435 − 13
5. Apparatus is not constrained (that is, it is free to expand or contract with
5.1 The test site shall conform to the requirements of thermal changes, swell because of moisture absorption, or
Practice G7. Unless otherwise specified, position exposure shrink because of plasticizer loss).
racks so that they face the equator. The angle of the exposure 5.3.4 Frame Holders—These holders are in the shape of a
rack relative to the horizontal can vary depending upon the frame that may be subdivided as necessary to provide proper
end-use conditions that are being evaluated. spacing of the specimens. The exposure aperture of each frame
shall be of sufficient size to expose the entire test area of each
NOTE 3—Test sites at latitudes less than 23°27' from the equator in specimen when sufficient specimens are contained. This
either hemisphere will have a period during the year when the declination method of mounting is shown in Fig. 1.
of the sun will exceed the latitude of the site.
5.3.5 Plate Holders—This type of holder is a universal
5.1.1 At-Latitude Racks—These racks shall be adjusted such panel consisting of a slotted-aluminum plate on which electri-
that the exposed surfaces are at an angle from the horizontal cal white glaze spool or knob porcelain insulators are mounted
corresponding exactly to the site latitude angle (Note 4). at proper positions to affix various-sized specimens. The
NOTE 4—Exposure at the latitude angle is typically used to compare
specimens are mounted in the grooves of the insulators at a
exposures from different locations when solar radiation is the main factor, fixed distance of at least 11 mm from the slotted back plate.
and temperature and moisture are not being considered. The insulators provide inert mounting while the slotted plate
5.1.2 45° Racks—These racks shall be adjusted such that the permits free circulation of air behind the specimen. This
exposed surfaces of specimens are at an angle of 45° to the method of mounting is shown in Fig. 2.
horizontal. 5.4 Instruments for Measuring Climatological Data:
5.1.3 90° Racks—These racks shall be adjusted such that the 5.4.1 Instruments Used to Measure Ambient Temperature
exposed surfaces of specimens are at an angle of 90° to the and Relative Humidity—Instruments and procedures used for
horizontal. measurement of ambient temperature and relative humidity
5.1.4 5° Racks—These racks shall be adjusted such that the shall be in accordance with Practice G7.
exposed surfaces of specimens are at an angle of 5° to the 5.4.2 Instruments Used to Measure Solar Radiation—
horizontal. Instruments and calibration procedures used for measurement
5.1.5 Horizontal Racks—These racks shall be positioned of total solar radiation, total solar ultraviolet radiation, or
such that the exposed surfaces of the specimens are horizontal narrow band solar ultraviolet radiation shall be in accordance
(Note 5). with Practice G7.
NOTE 5—To provide moisture runoff for most horizontal-type testing of 6. Sampling
plastics, 5° south exposure is usually preferred. However, plastic roofing
membranes, artificial turf, and other plastics that may be exposed at 6.1 Sampling shall be in accordance with the pertinent
horizontal in their end-use condition should be exposed at 0° horizontal. considerations outlined in Guide G141.
5.1.6 Other-Angle Racks—These racks shall be adjusted
such that the exposed surfaces of specimens are at a tilt angle 7. Test Specimens
mutually agreed upon between the interested parties. 7.1 Exposure test specimens may be of any size or shape
5.2 Materials and Manner of Construction—Test racks and that can be mounted in a holder or applied directly to the racks.
hardware shall conform to the requirements of Practice G7 and They may be specimens suited to the means of evaluating the
shall provide for attachment of specimens or holders of any effects of weathering on a specific physical property, or they
convenient width and length. The structural members of the may be larger specimens from which smaller specimens for
test racks shall not constitute a backing to the specimens under evaluation may be cut. Exposure test specimens should be
test unless it is used in relation to an end-use system. 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 desorption, or
plasticizer loss.
5.3 Specimen Holders:
5.3.1 Some specimens under test will not be of an exact size
for mounting directly on the frame. Specimen holders should
be used to support the many sizes of specimens involved in this
testing. The specimen holder shall not constitute a backing for
that portion of the material to be evaluated unless it is used in
relation to an end-use system.
5.3.2 The specimen holders shall be constructed of an inert
material. (Aluminum extruded shapes have been found to be
suitable.)
5.3.3 The design of the specimen holders shall be such that
each specimen or sheet in a holder cannot shift its position, yet FIG. 1 Suitably Mounted Specimens in a Frame

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 D1435 − 13

FIG. 2 Suitably Mounted Specimens on a Plate Holder

large enough that mounting edges may be removed where (Note 6). The ground cover should be low-cut grass in most
evaluation test results would otherwise be affected. temperate, tropical, and subtropical areas.
7.2 As far as practical, exposure test specimens shall simu- NOTE 6—Sand as a ground cover may be desirable where the abrasive
late service conditions of an end-use application. All materials effects of exposure to wind-blown sand is a part of the desired exposure.
of an unknown end use application will normally be run in an
unbacked condition. When conditions of use are known, the 9. Exposure Stages
specimen exposed will consist of the plastic material being
evaluated plus suitable backing materials to conform to pro- 9.1 Use one of the following methods to specify the
jected practice. The effect of backing is highly significant and exposure stages at which changes in properties of test speci-
contributes to the degradation as a function of reflectance, heat mens are determined:
absorption, moisture retention, etc. It shall always be used in
NOTE 7—The same exposure stage (by whichever method is used) will
relation to an end-use system rather than as a standard not necessarily give the same changes in properties of the test specimen at
mounting method. different exposure sites. The exposure stages must be regarded as
7.3 The use of at least three replicates of each experimental providing only a general indication of the degree of exposure, and the
results should always be considered in terms of characteristics of the
material being evaluated is recommended in order to account exposure site as well.
for variability.
9.2 Exposure Time—Specify the duration of the exposure in
7.4 The total number of specimens will be determined by
terms of months (1, 3, 6, 12, 15, etc.) or years (1, 1.5, 2, 3, 4,
the removal schedule and number of replicates plus file
specimens. These file specimens shall be retained at conditions 5, etc.), unless otherwise instructed.
of 23.0 6 5°C and 50 6 20 % relative humidity. They shall be NOTE 8—The results for exposure stages of less than one year will
kept in a storage cabinet or covered with inert wrapping to depend on the season of the year in which the exposure was made. For
exclude light exposure during the exposure period. instance, summer exposures are generally more severe than winter
exposures. Seasonal effects are averaged in exposures of several years.
8. Test Sites
9.2.1 If required, report the total solar radiant exposure and
8.1 Weathering racks shall be located in cleared areas, total solar UV radiant exposure that has been measured by
preferably at a suitable number of climatologically different radiometers positioned at the same tilt and azimuth angle as the
sites representing the variable conditions under which the test specimens.
plastic product will be used. Climatological variations within
these areas may include those represented by desert, seashore 9.3 Solar-Radiation Measurements—Since solar radiation is
(salt air), industrial locations, tropical, and subtropical regions, one of the most important factors in the deterioration of plastics
plus areas exhibiting a wide range in solar radiant energy. The during weathering exposure, exposure stages may be defined in
area beneath and in the vicinity of the weathering racks should terms of the amount of radiation received by the specimens. An
be typical of the ground cover in that climatological area. In inherent limitation in solar-radiation measurements is that they
desert areas in which sand, rock or bare earth is the prevailing do not reflect the effects of variations in temperature and
ground cover, coarse gravel is recommended to prevent abra- moisture exposure, which can often be as important as solar
sion and significant dust accretion due to wind-blown sand radiation.

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 D1435 − 13
9.3.1 Total Solar Irradiance—Measure the total solar irra- 10.8 Unexposed file specimens shall be used for visual
diance using solar-radiation measuring instrumentation as de- comparison to exposed specimens at the end of the exposure. If
scribed in 5.4.2. Total solar radiant exposure shall be expressed interim evaluations are made it is best practice to use the file
in MJ/m2. specimen as the comparison. If there is a masked area on the
9.3.2 Total Ultraviolet Irradiance—Measure the total solar- specimen, this area may only be used for interim visual
ultraviolet irradiance using ultraviolet-measuring instrumenta- comparisons provided there are no obvious changes to the
tion as described in 5.4.2. Total solar-ultraviolet radiant expo- masked area. Any use of the masked area must be noted on the
sure shall be expressed in MJ/m2. This is the recommended report.
method for determining exposure stages when polymer degra-
NOTE 10—It is possible that changes could have occurred on the
dation is being evaluated. Table 1 shows typical UV radiant masked area that is not obvious.
exposures for 12 months in subtropical and desert climates.
10.9 Exposures and inspections may be planned to permit
NOTE 9—The average UV radiant exposures shown for subtropical and reporting the following:
desert climates are based on several years of measurement in these test
environments. The actual yearly values may vary widely from Table 1. 10.9.1 Change after a specified exposure,
10.9.2 Exposure to a specified change in properties, and
9.3.2.1 Total solar radiant exposure (in MJ/m2) must also be
measured and reported for each exposure stage defined by UV 10.9.3 A record of a series of measurements versus expo-
radiant exposure. sure.
9.3.3 Specified Narrow-Band Ultraviolet Irradiance—The
UV irradiance in specified narrow-wavelength intervals (or 11. Report
bands) that conform closely to the wavelengths to which the 11.1 Report the following information:
material is most sensitive may also be used to follow the 11.1.1 Angle of exposure (horizontal, 45° or 90°), and
exposure stages. direction of exposure,
11.1.2 Duration of exposure of each specimen at each site,
10. Procedure
and dates of exposure,
10.1 Mark the test and control specimens to be exposed with 11.1.3 If required, total UV radiant exposure (295 to 385
an identifying number, letter, or symbol so that they may be nm) for each exposure level, expressed in MJ/m2,
identified readily after exposure. Specimen marking shall be in 11.1.4 If required, total solar radiant exposure (295 to 3000
accordance with Practice G147 and shall be such that there is nm) for each exposure level, expressed in MJ/m2,
no interference with either the exposure or the subsequent
11.1.5 If required, solar UV radiant exposure measured in
testing. (Preferably, mark both specimen and specimen holder
narrow bandpass including the bandpass in which the radiant
on the side not exposed to weather, as advanced weathering can
exposure was measured.
obscure even deeply scribed marks.)
11.1.6 Description of the climate at each site and summary
10.2 Record the initial appearance and physical-property of the pertinent climatological data at each site for the exposure
data appropriate to the evaluation method used. period involved, as follows:
10.3 Mount the test specimens in the holder or directly to 11.1.6.1 Rainfall
the exposure rack. It is convenient to group specimens to be
NOTE 11—These data are intended as an indication of the climate at the
removed from exposure at the same time in one holder. test site, and the values reported are not to be used as absolute limits for
10.4 Record a diagram of the test specimen holder layout, any particular specimen on exposure.
and record the date of installation and length of exposure 11.1.6.2 Temperature average and temperature extremes,
planned. 11.1.6.3 Humidity average and humidity extremes,
10.5 Ensure that the radiometers are mounted at a tilt and 11.1.6.4 Geographical location of the National Weather
azimuth angle that is identical to that of the test specimens. Service relative to the test site if climatological data is not
10.6 Mount the specimens on racks for the prescribed time, measured at the test site,
solar radiant energy, or total UV radiant energy. 11.1.7 General appearance properties of the exposed speci-
mens and control materials, if used,
10.7 Establish a fixed procedure of cleaning, visual
11.1.8 Results of property tests and description or reference
examination, conditioning, and testing of the specimens. This
to tests used to evaluate the property measured. Calculate
procedure will vary with materials, but it must be uniform in a
retention of characteristic property according to Practice
series of tests on one material to provide comparative results.
D5780 when it is reported.
11.1.9 Suitably complete identification of the specimen,
TABLE 1 Typical UV Radiant Exposures for 12 Months in 11.1.10 Laboratory name,
Subtropical and Desert Climates
11.1.11 Site latitude,
Average UV Radiant Exposure
Exposure Time (MJ/m2, 295 to 385 nm)
11.1.12 Test method and sequence of the test events,
(Months) Subtropical Climate Desert Climate 11.1.13 Specimen mounting,
(at 5°) (at latitude)
12 308 333
11.1.14 Any deviation from this practice, and
11.1.15 Observations and waivers pertinent to the testing.

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 D1435 − 13
12. Precision and Bias 13. Keywords
12.1 No statements of precision and bias are applicable to 13.1 exposure; natural weathering; outdoor weathering;
this practice. These are dependent on the ASTM test methods plastics
for the specific properties being measured.

SUMMARY OF CHANGES

Committee D20 has identified the location of selected changes to this standard since the last issue, D1435 - 05,
that may impact the use of this standard. (June 1, 2013)

(1) Added 5.1.4 for specific reference to 5° as an acceptable (8) In 10.8, added the possibility to use a masked area for
angle of exposure. visual comparison, but ensuring that final comparison is made
(2) Changed Note 4 to reflect the addition of 5° and the with an unexposed control.
comparison to horizontal exposure. (9) In 11.1.3 and 11.1.4, deleted the requirement to report
(3) Added reference to new Fig. 1 in 5.3.4 showing specimens certain radiometer data.
mounted in a frame. (10) Deleted old 11.1.6.2, which was the requirement to report
(4) Deleted Footnote 4 since as there are many sources of time of wetness
double-headed porcelain insulators (11) In 11.1.14, moved the requirement to report any deviations
(5) Changed the recommended number of replicates from two from the practice to its own line.
to three in 7.3. (12) Added a new Figure 1 to show the suitable mounting on a
(6) In 7.4, added the option to use a dark storage cabinet to frame.
store the file specimens in .
(7) In Section 8, added to other types of ground cover for desert
areas.

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