Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
D1499-13 – Standard Test Method Technical Guide
🔬 Scope and Application
This practice covers specific procedures and test conditions for filtering and exposing plastics in open-flame carbon-arc devices, as dictated by Practices G151 and G152. It is important to note that this standard specifically excludes enclosed carbon-arc exposures (covered under D6360 and G153). The purpose is to induce property changes associated with end-use conditions, particularly the effects of sunlight, moisture, and heat. While technically equivalent to ISO 4892-4, results should be carefully correlated to real-world performance.
⚙️ Key Apparatus and Referenced Standards
Conducting this test requires strict adherence to several companion ASTM standards that specify the exact apparatus and supporting methodologies.
| 🟦 Standard | 📐 Specific Role in D1499 |
|---|---|
| G151 / G152 | Define the general practices and specific operation of the filtered open-flame carbon-arc apparatus used for exposure. |
| G113 | Supplies the standard terminology relating to natural and artificial weathering tests of nonmetallic materials. |
| D6360 | Describes the alternative enclosed carbon-arc exposure method for plastics. |
| D5870 / E691 / G169 | Guide property retention calculation, precision determination, and basic statistical methods for weathering results. |
⚠️ Crucial Caveat: The exposure in this practice simulates sunlight, moisture, and heat. It does not simulate localized weather phenomena such as atmospheric pollution, biological attack, or salt water exposure. Results must be interpreted within these limits.
📊 Key Measured Properties and Evaluation
The practice focuses on evaluating the deterioration of electrical, mechanical, and optical properties caused by the accelerated weathering cycle. Specific attention is paid to standard specimen preparation, test conditions suited for plastics, and robust evaluation of test results.
| 🎯 Property Category | ⚡ Typical Deterioration Signatures |
|---|---|
| Optical | Color change, reduced gloss retention, yellowing, and loss of transparency. |
| Mechanical | Reduction in tensile strength, loss of impact resistance, and embrittlement. |
| Electrical | Degradation of insulation resistance, loss of dielectric strength, and surface tracking. |
💡 Pro Tip for Consistency: Always follow Practices G147 for proper conditioning and handling of test specimens. To address inherent variability in accelerated exposure testing, consult Guide G141 for best practices.