ASTM G154

ASTM G154 is a standard that is used as the basis for all other accelerated weathering standards that use fluorescent UV light sources to simulate exposure to natural sunlight.  Many standards call up this practice. For a list of these by product category, please see the QUV standards list.

ASTM G154 Uses and Factors to Be Considered

ASTM G154 testing uses fluorescent light sources that can simulate UVA or UVB.  This technique is used to evaluate the impact of UV exposure on a product’s mechanical properties. Contrary to ASTM G155, which uses xenon arc exposure, this technique isn’t often used for assessing colour changes as a function of time.  This method is used for evaluating accelerated weathering on plastics, adhesives and sealants, printing inks and coatings.  It is also used for doing accelerated weathering on a lot of finished products including roofing materials and outdoor household products.

Specimen preparation and evaluation of the results are covered in practice ATSM G151 and ISO 4892-1. More specific information about methods for determining the change in properties after exposure and reporting these results is described in ISO 4582.

ASTM G154 Typical Experiment Parameters

Infographic showing typical test parameters for ASTM G154. (See the right hand photo)
To perform an accelerated weathering test that is right for your application, the following test parameters need to be defined:

• The fluorescent lamp
• The lamp’s irradiance level
• The type of moisture exposure
• The timing of the light and moisture exposure
• The temperature of light exposure
• The temperature of moisture exposure
• The timing of a light/dark cycle.

There are predefined cycles that can be used when doing ASTM G154 testing.  You will find these cycles in table X2.1 of the test method.

Other Related Test Methods

As an alternative to Fluorescent light exposure, one should consider ASTM G155 which uses a different light source.  For more information about alternative techniques, we invite you to read more about Accelerated Weathering.

Many ASTM test methods call up ASTM G154. Among others, you will find ASTM D1248, ASTM D5208 and ASTM D5894, which combines a QUV exposure with ASTM G85 (cyclic corrosion).

Finally, upon exposure to ASTM G154, different measurements can be made to quantify the aging impact. For more information, we invite you to consult our ASTM testing and coating testing resources.

Material Testing Laboratory

If you need guidance in deciding which test cycle or test conditions should be used for your specific project related to fluorescent light testing, we invite you to contact us today. Our experts will be happy to assist you in getting the best accelerated weathering test possible for your requirements.

ASTM G154 vs. ASTM G155

This decision tree will help you understand how to choose the right UV Test