Schneider ABD01035 UV Aging of Colored Plastic Parts for Indoor and Outdoor Applications

The standard "Schneider ABD01035 UV aging of colored plastic parts for indoor and outdoor applications" published by Schneider Electric describes a method for checking and verifying the color of plastic parts after aging testing for indoor and outdoor applications. This standard covers all partner business units and subsidiaries.

Yellowing of plastics is a major concern and should be controlled and inspected for both indoor and outdoor applications. Two representative tests were chosen to recreate the conditions of indoor or outdoor exhibition.

The purpose of this standard is to improve the perceived quality (aesthetic requirements) of products after UV aging testing for indoor and outdoor applications.

Currently, there is no standard to define the requirement for plastic parts after a UV aging test representing indoor and outdoor exposure. This method includes an aesthetic check of colored plastic parts.

The purposes of this standard are:

• Checking and verifying the resistance of plastics to simulated indoor aging
• Checking and verifying the resistance of plastics to simulated outdoor aging
• Defining which families of plastics should or should not be tested

The color measurement method is described in the standard “FTR000162 Color measurement with a spectrophotometer”.

Four samples are mandatory for each test (indoor or outdoor test). Three samples are tested, one sample is archived (not tested). Dimensions must be appropriate to the surface defined by the UV testing service provider for UV tests.

Before UV testing, four samples (unaged) are measured three times each with a spectrophotometer. The coordinate average value is used for characterization of the tested material batch.

Color verification on plastic parts used in interior applications is done as follows:

• Colour verification on plastic parts used indoors: For the UV ageing (indoor) test method, Method B described in the standard “ISO 4892-2 Plastics - Methods for exposure to laboratory light sources - Part 2: Xenon arc lamps” is followed. The irradiance energy is 0,51 W/m² and a filter simulating window glass is used. Cycles:
  • 500 hours of continuous irradiation
  • 25 hours of post-conditioning in the dark at 500 degrees
• Color verification after UV aging test: Each sample is measured three times. The coordinate value is determined. The colorimetric gap is calculated between the initial color and the color after UV aging test.
• Test recommendation for plastic families: Testing should be done for polycarbonate (PC) and polycarbonate and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (PC ABS). Also this test is recommended for polystyrene (PS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polypropylene (PP). Other families do not need to be tested, resistant to UV aging.

Color verification on plastic parts used in outdoor applications is done as follows:

• UV aging (open air) test method: This test complies with Method A described in the ISO 4892-2 standard. The irradiance energy is 0,51 W/m² and a filter simulating daylight is used. 336 hours of continuous irradiation is carried out with the following cycles:
  • 102 minutes in a dry environment
  • 18 minutes with water spray
• Color verification after UV aging test: Each sample is measured three times. The coordinate value is determined. The colorimetric gap is calculated between the initial color and the color after UV aging test. Acceptance criteria are: The part must comply with the described measurement and visual inspection. Also, the color consistency in the product is checked. In order to achieve a consistent visual appearance in the product, the various visible parts of the product must have a similar behavior to UV aging.
• Test recommendation for plastic families: Testing should be done for polycarbonate (PC) and polycarbonate and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (PC ABS). Other families do not need to be tested, resistant to UV aging.

Our organization, which has been trying to support businesses from every sector with its testing, measurement, analysis and evaluation studies carried out in a wide range for years, has a strong staff that closely follows the developments in the world in the field of science and technology and constantly improves itself. In this context, testing services in accordance with the "Schneider ABD01035 UV aging of colored plastic parts for indoor and outdoor applications" standard are also provided to businesses.