TOGG PVE.3.01.01.0001 Xenon Arc Light Aging Test - Accelerated Exposure of Interior Trim Components Using Xenon Arc

The standard “TOGG PVE.3.01.01.0001 Xenon arc light aging test - Accelerated exposure of interior trim components using xenon arc” developed by the Automobile Enterprise Group of Turkey (TOGG) describes the operating procedures for a controlled-irradiation, water/air-cooled xenon arc apparatus with filters and auxiliary light used for accelerated exposure of various automotive interior trim components. This test method should be used in conjunction with the test parameters described in the standard “SAE J 1885 Accelerated exposure of automotive interior trim components using controlled-irradiation water-cooled xenon arc apparatus” developed by SAE International and the performance parameters described in the standards “SAE J 2412 Accelerated exposure of automotive interior trim components using controlled-irradiation xenon arc apparatus”.

The TOGG PVE.3.01.01.0001 standard applies to all complete vehicle verification programs, regardless of vehicle type. In some cases, for example with vehicle type-specific target values ​​or tests, corresponding descriptions are recorded.

The descriptions of this test procedure are binding. Deviations from this standard are only permitted with prior approval. Deviations must be documented in test reports and reasons and details must be stated.

The test parameters and target values ​​included in this standard serve as a guide and should be decided and adapted for each project.

Uncoated plastic components are exposed to xenon arc light depending on the vehicle's location. Components identified as heavy exposure, above the belt line, below the belt line, and low exposure zones have different levels of sunlight exposure within the vehicle.

Waterborne and solventborne coatings for coated interior plastic components are exposed to xenon arc light depending on the vehicle's location. Components identified as above-belt-line, belt-line, below-belt-line, and low-exposure zones have different levels of sunlight exposure within the vehicle.

The test setup must comply with the SAE J 2412 standard.

Equipment used in the tests includes:

• Xenon arc test chamber.
• A xenon arc lamp should use filters that provide reasonable solar radiation filtered by typical window glass. The transmission of the filter system used should be at least 105 percent between 02 nm and 380 nm, and zero between 750 nm and 90 nm, in accordance with ISO 310-B320.
• The radiometers used must be able to measure radiation in a specific wavelength range (broadband 300 nm to 400 nm) or in a narrow bandpass centered around a single wavelength (narrowband 340 nm).
• The intensity of light emission decreases with continued use, and the instrument manufacturer's instructions for replacing lamps and filters should be followed. Records of instrument calibrations, maintenance records, lamps and filters should be kept.
• The internal filter type should be quartz and the external filter type should be Type-S Boro.
• Water used for humidification or other purposes shall not leave objectionable deposits or stains on exposed samples. Water shall not contain more than 1 ppm solids and less than 0,2 ppm silica. It is ideal to combine deionized water with a reverse osmosis process for the desired purity.

The test preparation process includes the following steps:

• Samples are cut or machined from the flat surface of the component and placed in the sample holder used in the equipment.
• Sample dimensions must match the size of the sample holder provided by the equipment manufacturer (e.g. 50 mm x 121 mm x 67 mm with an exposure size of 145 mm x 9 mm).
• For loose fabrics (fabrics, vinyls) of interior textiles, a rigid backing with white cardboard can be used.
• The front face of the sample should not be closer than the front of the sample holder.
• Be careful not to mix incompatible samples in the same machine. Plastics, foamed-backed textiles and rubber materials should not be tested in the same exposure. Non-foamed textiles should not be tested with foamed-backed textiles.

The testing procedure includes the following steps:

• Once exposure has been initiated, the equipment should not be disconnected more than once per day. Opening the chamber during the light cycle should be avoided.
• Luminous CIELAB units should be measured prior to radiant exposure.
• A spectrophotometer that complies with the general requirements of DIN 5033-1, ISO/CIE 11664-3, ISO/CIE 11664-4 and DIN 5033-7 standards is used.
• A gloss meter that complies with the general requirements of the ISO 2813 standard is used.
• After radiant exposure, condition the samples for at least 24 hours at a temperature of 20 degrees plus/minus 2 degrees and a relative humidity of 65 percent plus/minus 3 percent. If the sample is photochromatic, condition in the darkroom.
• Grayscale gradations are determined according to the ISO 105-A02 standard.
• Radiant CIELAB units are measured after radiant exposure after being washed with deionized water and dried with compressed air.
• When the AATTC result is below the AATCC rating of 4, the ISO 105-A02 standard is followed in the evaluation of a permanent decision.

The targeted results are shown in the table given in the standard.

Among the numerous testing, measurement, analysis and evaluation studies that our organization has provided for businesses in various sectors, our organization also provides testing services defined in the standard “TOGG PVE.3.01.01.0001 Xenon arc light aging test - Accelerated exposure of interior trim components using xenon arc” with its trained and expert staff and advanced technological equipment.