ASTM D3349-06

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
An American National Standard
Designation:D3349–06
Standard Test Method for
Absorption Coefficient of Ethylene Polymer Material
1
Pigmented with Carbon Black
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D3349; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope* used to predict the performance of the polymer material in
response to prolonged exposure to ultraviolet light as evi-
1.1 This test method measures the amount of light transmit-
denced by minimal changes in specific properties.
ted through a film of carbon black pigmented ethylene poly-
mer.
NOTE 1—This test method was developed to evaluate ethylene polymer
1.2 After calculation of the amount of light and film materialspigmentedwithsmallparticlesizecarbonblackssuitableforUV
protection. It is not known how accurate and reproducible the test would
thickness, an absorption coefficient is calculated.
be with larger particle size blacks.
1.3 Whenever two sets of values are presented, in different
units, the values in the first set are the standard, while those in
5. Apparatus
parentheses are for information only.
5.1 Spectrophotometer—An instrument in accordance with
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
Practice E60 is required.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
NOTE 2—Consult the spectrophotometer’s operation manual or consult
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica- the manufacturer of the instrument for the calibration procedure.
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
5.2 Mold—A mold in accordance with Figs. 1 and 2. Make
the mold of Ketos steel (or equivalent) hardened to Rockwell
2. Referenced Documents
C45, with mold surfaces chromium plated to 0.005-mm
2
2.1 ASTM Standards:
(0.0002-in.) minimum thickness.
E60 Practice for Analysis of Metals, Ores, and Related
5.3 Specimen Holder—Cut two concentric rings from
Materials by Molecular Absorption Spectrometry
phenolic-paper laminate or other suitable material to the
D1248 Specification for Polyethylene Plastics Extrusion
dimensionsshowninFig.3.Slipfittheringssnuglyonewithin
Materials for Wire and Cable
the other.
5.4 Reference Material—A reference material is required
3. Summary of Test Method
having an absorbance value of 1.0 to 1.2 at 375 nm as
3.1 The transmission of light of a specified wavelength
measured by the instrument used for testing.
through thin ethylene polymer film is measured. The result is
3
5.4.1 Neutral Density Filter, M-type carbon 0.85 density,
used to calculate an absorption coefficient that is a reciprocal
laminated between cellulose acetate sheets has been found
function of transmission after correction for thickness.
satisfactory. Since this material is furnished as a rigid sheet, it
cannot be mounted as described in Section 7. Instead, a special
4. Significance and Use
mount must be prepared by cutting Ring 1 of Fig. 3 in half
4.1 The absorption coefficient of polyolefin polymer pig-
around its circumference to give two rings about 2 mm (0.08
mented with carbon black is useful to judge the degree and
in.) thick. Cut a 22-mm (0.87-in.) circle from the laminated
uniformity of dispersion of the pigment, and the adequacy of
filter, sandwich this between the two 2-mm rings, and slide the
the quantitative level of pigment addition. These factors are
outer ring (Ring 2 of Fig. 3) over this composite.
5.4.2 An alternative reference material can be prepared by
1
any user of this test method. Prepare an alternative reference
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D09 on
Electrical and Electronic Insulating Materials and is the direct responsibility of material consisting of a highly uniform sample ofASTM Type
Subcommittee D09.18 on Solid Insulations, Non-Metallic Shieldings, and Cover-
I polyethylene (see Specification D1248) containing about 1 %
ings for Electrical and Telecommunications Wires and Cables.
Current edition approved April 1, 2006. Published April 2006. Originally
approved in 1974. Last previous edition approved in 1999 as D3349 – 99. DOI:
3
10.1520/D3349-06. The sole source of supply of the apparatus known to the committee at this time
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or is The Kodak neutral density filter, No. 5, available from the Eastman Kodak Co.
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM If you are aware of alternative suppliers, please provide this information to ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document
...