The laboratory aging test results obtained mainly depend on three questions:

1. What kind of aging equipment is my product?

2. What testing methods can I use?

3. What is the ideal test setup/sample preparation?

Especially the third point, “How should we prepare our test samples?This is a frequently asked question. The following are general insights and practical suggestions on how to correctly prepare specimens for aging testing.

General guidance

ISO 4892-2 Xenon lamp aging test standard for plastics:

The sample holder can be open, exposing the back of the sample or providing a backing for the sample

In addition, the backing may affect the results, especially for transparent samples.

The American standard ASTM G155 is a general guideline for xenon lamp aging testing, which provides similar insights for the use of backplates in sample clamps:

“Any backing may affect the test results, and relevant parties should reach a consensus in advanceThat's right

Practical advice

Here are our suggestions on when to use backing and when not to use backing:

1. Do not use backing when preparing transparent samples,Because the backing made of stainless steel or aluminum directly reflects ultraviolet radiation and passes through the sample againThe results may have a poor correlation with natural aging.

   
   

2. When preparing loose or very thin specimens, such as textiles, leather, or foil, white cardboard should be used for fixation and proper alignment. However,Only cardboard without bleach can be usedBecause chemical vapors in cardboard may affect exposure.

   
   

3. When preparing opaque samples such as dyed or coated polymers, please use the stainless steel backing provided with our sample holder. Backboard can prevent potential impacts from the back, allowing aging to only occur on the exposed front.