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ASTM C1442 test now offered at Micom Laboratories

Micom Laboratories is pleased to announce that it now offers the ASTM C1442 test as part of its UV testing services. This method describes an accelerated weathering test which allows to assess the effects of actinic radiation, heat and humidity on sealants. Filtered Xenon arc lamps, UV fluorescent lamps and open flame carbon arc are all suitable exposure sources for this standard. Those illuminating sources are respectively based on the guidelines of ASTM G155, ASTM G154 and ASTM G152 methods.

ASTM C1442 test

The purpose of the ASTM C1442 method is to detail test conditions of an accelerated weathering test that is able to assess the effects of actinic radiation, high temperature and moisture on sealants. Indeed, it is through the adjustment of the apparatus’s parameters that it is possible to create an environment that possesses those attributes. Moreover, depending on the properties that are being appraised, the sample may be tested as a free film or it may have to be applied to a variety of substrates. One point of concern about this method is that it can be employed with multiples illuminating sources. As a matter of fact, this standard may be used with Xenon arc lamps, UV fluorescent lamps and open flame Carbon arc and this may lead to disparate results. Thus, comparisons between apparatus with different illuminating sources are to be proscribed, because discrepancies that are due to the differences in their spectral power distribution may occur. This conduces to another point of concern which is how well the test conditions will reflect the property changes that are caused by its end-use conditions. The use of Xenon arc lamps as an illuminating source is a way to address this issue, because it is the best representation of the full solar spectrum among these sources. To learn more about this matter, please consult our latest UV Testing Guide eBook.

Micom offers polymer testing services for a wide selection of material and products. For more information about the ASTM C1442, we invite you to contact our material testing laboratory today. It will be our pleasure to answer your questions about either of those tests.

Micom Laboratories is a third party industrial material testing laboratory accredited by the Standards Council of Canada, CGSB, ISTA and many other organizations.


Disclaimer

All of the information and opinions contained in this blog are made with the information, and the understanding that we have reviewed at the time of publishing. However, despite our efforts, we do not offer any guarantee of their accuracy, thoroughness of our investigation or validity. The author of this blog is not liable for any inaccuracies or any losses or damages that may result from the use of the information or data contained herein. This blog has not been reviewed or verified for its accuracy by any peer group associates prior to publication.

Michel Comtois

Michel Comtois is an accomplished founder and CEO of Micom Laboratories Inc., an ISO/IEC 17025 (2017) A2LA-accredited independent laboratory specializing in product and material testing services. Before establishing Micom Laboratories in 1999, Michel, who also holds a Master’s degree in Physical Chemistry, gained extensive experience over a 14-year tenure managing departments spanning physical chemistry, physics, mechanical and material testing in research and contract laboratories. This exposure granted him a profound understanding of the intricacies of development and material testing processes.

In addition to his practical experience, Michel has played influential roles on various voluntary technical committees. He notably, served as the chairperson for CAN/CGSB 44.227 and the Head of the Canadian Delegation for ISO TC 136. He also contributed to the following technical committees: CAN/CGSB 44.229, CAN/CGSB 44.232, ANSI/BIFMA X5.1, ANSI/BIFMA X5.5, ANSI/BIFMA X5.6, ANSI/BIFMA X 5.9 ANSI/BIFMA X5.11, ISTA Certification Council.

Leveraging his unique expertise, he has led Micom Laboratories to become a renowned name in its niche, now operating out of a 16,000-square-foot test facility in Montreal, Canada, and serving a diverse customer base with an array of material and product testing services. Follow Michel on LinkedIn

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