CEN/TC 249/SC 1/WG 6 - Ageing, chemical and environmental resistance

This document specifies methods for determining the deterioration of plastics due to the action of fungi and bacteria and soil microorganisms. The aim is not to determine the biodegradability of plastics or the deterioration of natural fibre composites.
The type and extent of deterioration can be determined by
a)    visual examination and/or
b)    changes in mass and/or
c)    changes in other physical properties.
The tests are applicable to all plastics that have an even surface and that can thus be easily cleaned. The exceptions are porous materials, such as plastic foams.
This document uses the same test fungi as IEC 60068-2-10. The IEC method, which uses so-called "assembled specimens", calls for inoculation of the specimens with a spore suspension, incubation of the inoculated specimens and assessment of the fungal growth as well as any physical attack on the specimens.
The volume of testing and the test strains used depend on the application envisaged for the plastic.

ISO 291:2008 sets out specifications relating to the conditioning and testing of all plastics and all types of test specimen at constant atmospheric conditions.
Special atmospheres applicable to a particular test or material or simulating a particular climatic environment are not included in this International Standard.

Specifies the principles and procedures for evaluating the thermal endurance properties of plastics exposed to elevated temperature for long periods. The study of the thermal ageing is based solely on the change in certain properties resulting from a period of exposure to elevated temperature. The properties studied are always measured after the temperature has returned to ambient.

Cancels and replaces the first edition (1976). Specifies methods of exposing plastics to solar radiation, either by direct exposure to natural weathering (Method A), to indirect solar radiation by modification of its spectral distribution with glass to simulate ageing of plastics behind building or automotive window glass (Method B), or to solar radiation intensified by the use of Fresnel mirrors to achieve acceleration of the weathering processes (Method C). Specifies the general requirements for the apparatus and operating procedures for using the test methods described and methods for determining radiation dosage. Applicable to plastics materials of all kinds and to products and portions of products.

This International Standard sets out  specifications relating to the conditioning  and testing of all plastics and all types of  test specimen at constant atmospheric  conditions. Special atmospheres applicable  to a particular test or material or simulating  a particular climatic environment are not  included in this International Standard.

Migrated from Progress Sheet (TC Comment) (2000-07-10): UAP was launched on ISO 4892-3:1994 (TA/9806)

Migrated from Progress Sheet (TC Comment) (2000-07-10): UAP was launched on ISO 4892-2:1994 (TA/980623)