Overview
ISO/TS 19022:2016 - Plastics: Method of controlled acceleration of laboratory weathering by increased irradiance defines a laboratory test method to predict the aging rate of materials (notably plastics) as a function of radiant exposure. The method increases the UV/solar irradiance from a simulated solar source (e.g., xenon or fluorescent lamps) above natural maximum levels while keeping temperature and moisture conditions constant. The goal is a controlled, accelerated-weathering test that links material property changes to radiant exposure irrespective of the specific degradation mechanisms.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Principle: Accelerate weathering by raising irradiance levels stepwise and plot degradation (e.g., colour change, carbonyl formation) versus radiant exposure H (H = ∫E dt).
- Apparatus: Climate/test chamber with simulated solar radiation source, cooling, filters, radiometer, and black-standard/black-panel thermometers to monitor surface and panel temperatures.
- Exposure controls:
- Maintain constant spectral irradiance and relative spectral match to solar reference (CIE 85).
- Hold chamber air temperature (CHT) and specimen surface temperatures constant while varying irradiance.
- Control humidity and optional spray/wetting cycles; monitor relative humidity and spray timing.
- Specimen handling: Standardized specimen holders and mounting; measure changes after exposure using referenced methods (e.g., ISO 4582, ISO 10640).
- Measurement and validation: Use radiometers to determine radiant exposure; carry out baseline tests at natural-level irradiance (e.g., 300–400 nm irradiance ≤ 66 W/m²) then increase irradiance through multiple levels; validate that degradation correlates with radiant exposure (reciprocity principle) for each material.
- Limitations: Applicability depends on material - nonlinear photochemical responses to irradiance or changes in moisture/temperature coupling can limit predictive validity. For translucent plastics, maximum temperature may occur inside the material, not on the surface.
Applications and users
Practical uses include:
- Durability and accelerated aging testing for plastics, coatings, textiles and polymer components.
- R&D and formulation optimization to compare stabilizers, pigments, and additives under accelerated solar exposure.
- Quality control and product validation in automotive, construction, glazing, outdoor consumer goods, and HVAC components.
Primary users:
- Materials scientists, test laboratories, OEMs, standards bodies, regulatory compliance teams, and product designers performing accelerated weathering testing.
Related standards
- ISO 4892-1 / -2 / -3 (laboratory light source exposure methods)
- ISO 4582 (colour/property change after exposure)
- ISO 9370 (radiant exposure measurement guidance)
- ISO 10640 (polymer photo-ageing assessment)
- ISO/TR 17801 and CIE Publication No. 85 (solar spectral irradiance references)
Keywords: ISO/TS 19022:2016, accelerated weathering testing, plastics, increased irradiance, radiant exposure, simulated solar radiation, xenon, radiometer, black-standard thermometer, material aging prediction.