ASTM D1499 Standard Practice for Filtered Open-Flame Carbon-Arc Exposures of Plastics

Get Certified ASTM D1499 Plastic Exposure Testing

Plastic products may lose mechanical, electrical, or optical performance after long exposure to sunlight, heat, and moisture. ASTM D1499 provides controlled laboratory exposure conditions to help manufacturers compare materials’ durability and determine performance changes. Laboratories can expose test and control materials under the same conditions to facilitate meaningful performance comparisons. The practice recommends exposing at least three replicates of each material for statistical evaluation.

• Covers filtered open-flame carbon-arc exposure of plastics. 
• Uses equipment operated according to ASTM G151 and ASTM G152. 
• Covers preparation of plastic test specimens. 
• Provides exposure conditions suitable for plastics. 
• Supports evaluation of changes caused by light, heat, and water.

What are the uses of ASTM D1499 testing?

Engineers use ASTM D1499 to evaluate how plastics respond to laboratory exposure that represents significant outdoor service conditions. This practice can cause changes associated with sunlight, moisture, and heat and can facilitate comparisons between materials. This standard practice-

• Evaluates plastic durability under controlled light exposure. 
• Compares the performance of different plastic materials. 
• Assesses changes in mechanical properties, electrical properties, and optical properties.  
• Supports material development and quality control. 
• Helps manufacturers compare test materials with control materials. 
• Supports evaluation of plastics for outdoor applications.

What ASTM standards are referenced by ASTM D1499? 

ASTM D1499 is used with other related exposure standards and guidance documents.

• ASTM G151: General requirements for laboratory light exposure to nonmetallic materials. 
• ASTM G152: Covers operating light-exposure apparatus using carbon-arc sources. 

What Materials Can Be Tested Under ASTM D1499?

ASTM D1499 covers plastic materials that require laboratory exposure in a filtered open-flame carbon-arc device. Laboratories use specific specimen sizes and shapes depending on the property-evaluation method.

Why is ASTM D1499 Important?

ASTM D1499 provides a standard method for determining the degradation of plastics due to exposure to light, heat, and water. It also helps laboratories compare materials under the same exposure conditions, filters, and carbon-arc type.

Other reference ASTM standards include D3980, D5870, D6360, E691, G113, G141, G147, G151, G152, G153, and G169.

ASTM D1499 Testing Process and Data Collection

Technicians first take representative specimens and, if applicable, a control material, prepare them based on the applicable property-evaluation method, and place them in the filtered open-flame carbon-arc apparatus. Then laboratories expose the specimens under controlled conditions, such as light, heat, humidity, and water. Analysts then monitor key variables during exposure and maintain equipment in accordance with ASTM G151 and G152 requirements. Then they measure the selected material properties and compare them with control specimens. Laboratories document specimen identification, exposure conditions, and duration, then evaluate results.

Common Challenges and Troubleshooting

Several factors can affect the reproducibility of carbon-arc exposure results. Variations in line voltage, water deposits, temperature, humidity, electrode condition, filters, and exposure conditions can influence material degradation. Technicians should keep the exposure equipment clean, use consistent operating conditions, and control specimen thickness. When comparing results between laboratories, they should use the same carbon-arc type, filters, and exposure conditions.