ASTM D4459 test now offered at Micom Laboratories

Micom Laboratories is delighted to announce that it now offers the ASTM D4459 test as part of its UV testing services. This method details an accelerated weathering test which assesses the stability of plastics that are intended for indoor applications. Indeed, this standard relies on a periodical evaluation of the color difference between the file and exposed samples and on the use of a window glass filtered Xenon arc lamp in order appraise the behavior of the specimen in regard to the solar radiation that is going through a window. Hence, ASTM D4459 is centered on the ASTM G155 and on the ASTM D2244 standards.

ASTM D4459 test

The purpose of the ASTM D4459 standard is to determine the magnitude and the direction of the color difference between the file and exposed samples as a function of the time of exposure or of the radiant exposure. By assessing this characteristic, it is possible to foresee the performance of the plastic that is intended for an interior application through the use of an accelerating factor. The latter is material dependent and is obtained through a statistical study of the data gathered from past exposures. In order to achieve this purpose, this test relies on an accelerated weathering test which simulates an indoor exposure through a window, with a Xenon arc lamp as an illuminating source, and on a periodical assessment of the properties of the sample. As outlined in our UV testing eBook, an exposure to a Xenon arc light is mainly employed to evaluate the aesthetics of the specimen, because its light spectrum faithfully represents the whole solar spectrum. However, this test protocol can also be used to appraised other properties when it is coupled with the appropriate method.

Micom offers polymer testing services for a wide selection of material and products. For more information about the ASTM D4459, we invite you to contact our material testing laboratory today. It will be our pleasure to answer your questions about either of those tests.

Micom Laboratories is a third party industrial material testing laboratory accredited A2LA, CGSB, ISTA and many other organizations.

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