ASTM D5031-96

1.1 This practice covers the selection of test conditions for accelerated exposure testing of coatings and related products in enclosed carbon arc devices operated according to Practices G 151 and G 153. This practice also covers the preparation of test specimens, the test conditions suited for coatings, and the evaluation of test results. describes commonly used test conditions.

Note 1--Previous versions of this practice referenced carbon arc devices described by Practice G 23, which described very specific equipment designs. Practice G 23 has been withdrawn and replaced by Practice G 151, which describes performance criteria for all exposure devices that use laboratory light sources, and by Practice G 153, which gives requirements for exposing nonmetallic materials in enclosed carbon-arc devices.

1.2 This practice does not cover filtered open-flame carbon-arc exposures of paints and related coatings, which is described in Practice D 822. Another procedure for exposing these products is covered by Practice D 3361, in which the specimens are subjected to radiation from an unfiltered open-flame carbon arc that produces shorter wavelengths and higher levels of short wavelength radiation than filtered open flame or enclosed carbon arcs.

Note 2--Practice D 3361 requires use of open-flame carbon-arc apparatus with automatic humidity control.

1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.