ASTM G155 Xenon Arc Lamp Apparatus for Exposure of Materials Metals & Alloys;
5.1 The apparatus exposes specimens to light, heat, and optionally moisture, often to attempt to replicate specimen property changes observed in outdoor and indoor end-use environments. Exposures are not intended to simulate the deterioration caused by localized weather phenomena, such as atmospheric pollution, biological attack, and saltwater exposure.
5.2 This practice allows a wide range of exposure conditions that may produce significantly different results. Therefore, no reference shall be made to results from its use unless accompanied by a report in conformance with Section 10 detailing the specific operating conditions.
5.2.1 A control (a similar material of known performance) should be exposed simultaneously with the test specimen to provide a reference for comparative purposes. It is best practice to use two different control materials: one known to have relatively poor durability and one known to have relatively good durability. At least three replicates of each test specimen and control material should be exposed concurrently to permit statistical evaluation of results.
5.3 Comparison of results obtained from specimens exposed in different apparatus (even if the apparatus is the same model) using the identical setpoints and operational controls should not be made unless reproducibility has been established between apparatus for the material to be tested.
Beijing United Test Co.,Ltd. export@unitedtest.com offer the ASTM G155 Xenon Arc Lamp Apparatus testing machine for Exposure of Materials
Applicable Products: All Materials Exposed to Sunlight
Test Procedures: Test specimens are exposed to light from an optically filtered xenon arc lamp under controlled environmental conditions. Different types of optical filters in combination with xenon arc light sources are described. Specimen preparation and evaluation of the results are covered in the ASTM methods or specifications for specific materials. General guidance is given in Practice ASTM G21. Specimens are exposed to repetitive cycles of controlled light, heat, and moisture.
End Result: Evaluation of material property changes after exposure period
Special Notes: Accelerated weathering practices have no correlation to real time. Therefore, predictive testing to a specific period of time is not possible. These tests are best suited to comparison testing of products for performance ranking or as a compliance effort to some set standard, such as building code, or project specification. Test reports will not express the durability or service life of a product.
Key Factors of ASTM G155 Testing
Several critical parameters must be controlled during ASTM G155 testing to ensure accurate and reproducible results:
UV Radiation: The xenon arc replicates the full spectrum of sunlight, allowing for the study of materials sensitive to various wavelengths.
Moisture: Alternating between dry and wet cycles simulates conditions such as rain and dew. Materials are exposed to high humidity or even sprayed with water during the test.
Temperature Control: Heat exposure can be a significant factor in material degradation. ASTM G155 allows for precise control over the temperature, making it possible to replicate the thermal conditions of a particular environment.
Test Duration: The duration of exposure can vary based on the material’s expected real-world application. Typically, the testing cycles can range from hundreds to thousands of hours, depending on how accelerated the aging simulation needs to be.
