Artificial weathering in Xenon-arc chamber according to ASTM G155

Accelerated weathering test exposing coated panels to simulated sunlight, heat, and moisture in a xenon-arc chamber according to ASTM G155. The method reproduces the degradation effects of outdoor exposure, or exposure through window glass, in a controlled laboratory setting, allowing material durability and weathering resistance to be assessed in significantly less time than real-time outdoor testing.

The xenon-arc lamp produces a full-spectrum light output covering UV, visible, and infrared radiation. Optical filters are selected based on the intended service environment: daylight filters simulate direct outdoor sunlight, while window glass filters simulate indoor exposure to sunlight filtered through glass. Specimens are subjected to repetitive cycles combining controlled light, elevated temperature, and moisture (delivered as water spray or condensation) with exposure conditions defined by the selected test cycle. The standard includes 14 predefined cycles covering a range of applications and end-use environments.

The default offered test conditions are 1000 hours of exposure in a Q-SUN xenon-arc chamber with a Daylight Q filter, which produces a daylight spectral power distribution. Alternative exposure durations, filter types, and test cycles are available upon request.

Typical properties evaluated after exposure include:

• Color change and fading

• Gloss retention

• Surface degradation: cracking, crazing, chalking, and delamination

• Changes in mechanical properties, such as tensile or flexural strength

ASTM G155 does not itself define acceptance criteria or pass/fail thresholds, but is rather a practice for operating the exposure apparatus, and is used in conjunction with material-specific standards or customer-defined performance requirements. No direct correlation exists between accelerated exposure duration and outdoor service life; results are best used for comparative ranking of materials or compliance with specified exposure requirements.

Please specify the required test cycle, exposure duration, filter type, and any post-exposure property evaluations when requesting a quote.