ASTM F1515

Standard Test Method for Measuring Light Stability of Resilient Flooring by Color Change

ASTM F1515 is a standard practice for measuring light stability of resilient flooring by color change. Micom offers test services to ASTM F1515 as part of its UV testing services.  This test method requires the use of Type BH three-tier racks apparatus (either inclined or vertical).  This practice covers specific procedures and test conditions based on practices ASTM G151, ASTM G155, ASTM D2565 and ASTM D2244; all using a xenon arc light source. Furthermore, ASTM F1515 covers the preparation of test specimens, the test conditions and the evaluation of test results.

ASTM F1515 uses and factors to be considered

Polymers can have their mechanical, electrical and optical properties significantly altered when exposed to light behind window glass. This method is intended to quantify the amount of color change in flooring products when subjected to accelerated aging to light for a specific amount of time.

When offering different colors of the same material; different colors should be tested. Indeed, pigments used to color plastics are different in chemical composition

Typical experimental parameters

ASTM F1515 precisely defines the following test parameters.  It is therefore important when you require testing to insure they are all followed:

• The lamp filters (inner and outer)
• The xenon arc light source intensity (irradiance level)
• % relative humidity
• Cabinet temperature interior temperature
• The Black Panel Temperature (BPT)
• Each product to be tested in triplicate

The delta E calculation is based on the color L, a, b measurements. These measurements can be done per ASTM D2244 which is a standard test method for calculations of color differences.

If you have any questions about the ASTM F1515 test or other material tests, we invite you to contact our material testing laboratory today. Our material testing experts will be happy to answer your questions and help you with your custom testing requirements.

Other test methods related to ASTM F1515

For additional test methods related to ASTM F1515, we invite you to read more on Xenon arc testing, Weather-Ometer^®️* testing, QUV testing, polymer testing, and coating testing.