ASTM D5272-08(2021)
(Practice)Standard Practice for Outdoor Exposure Testing of Photodegradable Plastics
Standard Practice for Outdoor Exposure Testing of Photodegradable Plastics
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 When discarded as litter, articles made using photodegradable plastics are subject to attack by daylight (particularly solar-ultraviolet radiation), oxygen, heat, and water. The 5° exposure angle used in this practice represents typical conditions for degradation experienced by litter.
4.2 This practice requires characterization of the duration of exposure in terms of solar-ultraviolet radiation. Solar-ultraviolet radiation varies considerably as a function of location and time of year. This can cause dramatic differences in the time required to produce a specified level of degradation in a polymer. Daro4 has shown that when the same lot of polyethylene containing an iron-salt prodegradant is exposed at various times of the year in a single location, the time required to produce an average of two chain scissions per molecule varied by over 130 %. Daro, and Zerlaut and Anderson5 have shown that this variability can be significantly reduced when total solar or solar-ultraviolet radiation, or both, is used to characterize the exposure increments.
4.3 In addition to variations in level of daylight and solar-ultraviolet radiation, there are significant differences in temperature, and moisture stresses between different locations, and between different years, or periods within a single year, at a single location. Because of this variability, results from this test cannot be used to predict the absolute rate at which photodegradable plastics degrade. Results from this test can be used to compare relative rates of degradation for materials exposed at the same time in the same location. Results from multiple exposures of a common lot of material (during different seasons over several years) at different sites can be used to compare the relative rates at which a particular photodegradable plastic will degrade in each location.
Note 2: An inherent limitation in solar-radiation measurements is that they do not reflect the effects of variations in temperature and moi...
SCOPE
1.1 This practice defines test conditions applicable when Practices D1435 and G7/G7M are employed for the outdoor exposure testing of photodegradable plastics.
1.2 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
Note 1: There is no known ISO equivalent to this standard.
1.3 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
General Information
- Status
- Published
- Publication Date
- 30-Nov-2021
- Technical Committee
- D20 - Plastics
- Drafting Committee
- D20.50 - Durability of Plastics
Relations
- Effective Date
- 01-Feb-2024
- Effective Date
- 01-Nov-2023
- Effective Date
- 01-Jan-2020
- Effective Date
- 01-Aug-2019
- Effective Date
- 15-Apr-2019
- Effective Date
- 01-Feb-2019
- Effective Date
- 01-Dec-2018
- Effective Date
- 01-Nov-2018
- Effective Date
- 01-Nov-2018
- Effective Date
- 15-Aug-2017
- Effective Date
- 01-Sep-2013
- Effective Date
- 01-Feb-2013
- Effective Date
- 15-Nov-2012
- Effective Date
- 01-Sep-2011
- Effective Date
- 01-Jun-2011
Overview
ASTM D5272-08(2021), Standard Practice for Outdoor Exposure Testing of Photodegradable Plastics, provides guidelines for testing the degradation of plastics designed to break down under environmental exposure. Developed by ASTM International, this standard ensures reliable and consistent outdoor exposure testing conditions to evaluate the relative weatherability and photodegradability of plastic materials. Testing under real-world outdoor conditions is essential to assess how photodegradable plastics respond to sunlight, oxygen, moisture, and temperature, especially when such plastics may become litter.
Key Topics
- Photodegradable Plastics: Focuses on materials engineered to degrade under solar-ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
- Test Conditions: Defines methods for exposing plastics to outdoor conditions, specifying a 5° angle to simulate typical litter scenarios.
- Exposure Quantification: Requires measurement of exposure duration in terms of solar-UV radiation, acknowledging significant variability depending on time and geographic location.
- Assessment Criteria: Details the importance of using reference materials and multiple specimens to compare relative degradation rates.
- Limitations and Variability: Results are not suitable for predicting absolute degradation rates due to differences in local temperature, UV levels, and moisture. The focus is on comparative degradation rates within the same environment and time frame.
- Documentation and Reporting: Requires detailed records of exposure location, duration, environmental conditions, and test results.
Applications
The ASTM D5272-08(2021) standard is widely used in the plastics industry, research institutions, and product development settings for:
- Product Development: Evaluating new photodegradable materials intended for environmentally friendly applications such as agricultural films, packaging, or single-use plastics.
- Quality Assurance: Comparing the performance of different batches or formulations to ensure consistent degradation profiles.
- Environmental Assessment: Supporting regulatory submissions or eco-labeling by providing data on the relative degradation behavior of plastics in actual outdoor conditions.
- Comparative Analysis: Identifying the best materials for specific climates or seasons by comparing degradation across various sites or years.
- Benchmarking: Testing against standard reference materials to validate the photodegradability claims of commercial products.
Related Standards
- ASTM D1435: Standard Practice for Outdoor Weathering of Plastics, referenced for general outdoor exposure practices.
- ASTM G7/G7M: Standard Practice for Natural Weathering of Materials, basis for the exposure rack and orientation requirements.
- ASTM D882: Test Method for Tensile Properties of Thin Plastic Sheeting, commonly used to assess changes in mechanical strength.
- ASTM D3826: Practice for Determining Degradation End Point in Degradable Polyethylene and Polypropylene Using a Tensile Test.
- ASTM E772: Terminology of Solar Energy Conversion.
- ASTM G183: Practice for Field Use of Pyranometers, Pyrheliometers, and UV Radiometers, covering instrumentation for measuring solar-UV exposure.
Practical Value
ASTM D5272-08(2021) offers a standardized approach for outdoor exposure testing, providing credible and reproducible results essential for:
- Demonstrating product compliance with environmental claims.
- Reducing uncertainty by using reference materials and multiple test sites.
- Facilitating the comparison of material performance across different climates.
By following this practice, manufacturers and researchers can ensure their photodegradable plastics are assessed reliably, supporting informed decisions in material selection, product design, and environmental stewardship.
Keywords: outdoor exposure testing, photodegradable plastics, ASTM D5272, ultraviolet radiation, weathering, plastic degradation, solar UV, environmental testing, materials comparison
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Frequently Asked Questions
ASTM D5272-08(2021) is a standard published by ASTM International. Its full title is "Standard Practice for Outdoor Exposure Testing of Photodegradable Plastics". This standard covers: SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 4.1 When discarded as litter, articles made using photodegradable plastics are subject to attack by daylight (particularly solar-ultraviolet radiation), oxygen, heat, and water. The 5° exposure angle used in this practice represents typical conditions for degradation experienced by litter. 4.2 This practice requires characterization of the duration of exposure in terms of solar-ultraviolet radiation. Solar-ultraviolet radiation varies considerably as a function of location and time of year. This can cause dramatic differences in the time required to produce a specified level of degradation in a polymer. Daro4 has shown that when the same lot of polyethylene containing an iron-salt prodegradant is exposed at various times of the year in a single location, the time required to produce an average of two chain scissions per molecule varied by over 130 %. Daro, and Zerlaut and Anderson5 have shown that this variability can be significantly reduced when total solar or solar-ultraviolet radiation, or both, is used to characterize the exposure increments. 4.3 In addition to variations in level of daylight and solar-ultraviolet radiation, there are significant differences in temperature, and moisture stresses between different locations, and between different years, or periods within a single year, at a single location. Because of this variability, results from this test cannot be used to predict the absolute rate at which photodegradable plastics degrade. Results from this test can be used to compare relative rates of degradation for materials exposed at the same time in the same location. Results from multiple exposures of a common lot of material (during different seasons over several years) at different sites can be used to compare the relative rates at which a particular photodegradable plastic will degrade in each location. Note 2: An inherent limitation in solar-radiation measurements is that they do not reflect the effects of variations in temperature and moi... SCOPE 1.1 This practice defines test conditions applicable when Practices D1435 and G7/G7M are employed for the outdoor exposure testing of photodegradable plastics. 1.2 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. Note 1: There is no known ISO equivalent to this standard. 1.3 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 4.1 When discarded as litter, articles made using photodegradable plastics are subject to attack by daylight (particularly solar-ultraviolet radiation), oxygen, heat, and water. The 5° exposure angle used in this practice represents typical conditions for degradation experienced by litter. 4.2 This practice requires characterization of the duration of exposure in terms of solar-ultraviolet radiation. Solar-ultraviolet radiation varies considerably as a function of location and time of year. This can cause dramatic differences in the time required to produce a specified level of degradation in a polymer. Daro4 has shown that when the same lot of polyethylene containing an iron-salt prodegradant is exposed at various times of the year in a single location, the time required to produce an average of two chain scissions per molecule varied by over 130 %. Daro, and Zerlaut and Anderson5 have shown that this variability can be significantly reduced when total solar or solar-ultraviolet radiation, or both, is used to characterize the exposure increments. 4.3 In addition to variations in level of daylight and solar-ultraviolet radiation, there are significant differences in temperature, and moisture stresses between different locations, and between different years, or periods within a single year, at a single location. Because of this variability, results from this test cannot be used to predict the absolute rate at which photodegradable plastics degrade. Results from this test can be used to compare relative rates of degradation for materials exposed at the same time in the same location. Results from multiple exposures of a common lot of material (during different seasons over several years) at different sites can be used to compare the relative rates at which a particular photodegradable plastic will degrade in each location. Note 2: An inherent limitation in solar-radiation measurements is that they do not reflect the effects of variations in temperature and moi... SCOPE 1.1 This practice defines test conditions applicable when Practices D1435 and G7/G7M are employed for the outdoor exposure testing of photodegradable plastics. 1.2 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. Note 1: There is no known ISO equivalent to this standard. 1.3 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
ASTM D5272-08(2021) is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 83.040.01 - Raw materials for rubber and plastics in general. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
ASTM D5272-08(2021) has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ASTM D883-24, ASTM D883-23, ASTM D883-20, ASTM D883-19c, ASTM D883-19a, ASTM D883-19, ASTM D883-18a, ASTM D3826-18, ASTM D883-18, ASTM D883-17, ASTM E772-13, ASTM D3826-98(2013), ASTM D883-12e1, ASTM E772-11, ASTM G7/G7M-11. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
ASTM D5272-08(2021) is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
Standards Content (Sample)
This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: D5272 − 08 (Reapproved 2021)
Standard Practice for
Outdoor Exposure Testing of Photodegradable Plastics
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D5272; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision.Anumber in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope G169Guide for Application of Basic Statistical Methods to
Weathering Tests
1.1 This practice defines test conditions applicable when
G183Practice for Field Use of Pyranometers, Pyrheliom-
Practices D1435 and G7/G7M are employed for the outdoor
eters and UV Radiometers
exposure testing of photodegradable plastics.
1.2 This standard does not purport to address all of the
3. Terminology
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
3.1 The terminology given in Terminology E772 and Ter-
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
minology D883 is applicable to this practice.
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
4. Significance and Use
NOTE 1—There is no known ISO equivalent to this standard.
4.1 When discarded as litter, articles made using photode-
gradable plastics are subject to attack by daylight (particularly
1.3 This international standard was developed in accor-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard- solar-ultraviolet radiation), oxygen, heat, and water. The 5°
exposure angle used in this practice represents typical condi-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom- tions for degradation experienced by litter.
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
4.2 Thispracticerequirescharacterizationofthedurationof
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
exposure in terms of solar-ultraviolet radiation. Solar-
ultraviolet radiation varies considerably as a function of
2. Referenced Documents
location and time of year. This can cause dramatic differences
2.1 ASTM Standards: inthetimerequiredtoproduceaspecifiedlevelofdegradation
D882Test Method for Tensile Properties of Thin Plastic
in a polymer. Daro has shown that when the same lot of
Sheeting
polyethylenecontaininganiron-saltprodegradantisexposedat
D883Terminology Relating to Plastics
various times of the year in a single location, the time required
D1435Practice for Outdoor Weathering of Plastics
to produce an average of two chain scissions per molecule
D3593Test Method for Molecular WeightAverages/ Distri-
varied by over 130%. Daro, and Zerlaut and Anderson have
bution of Certain Polymers by Liquid Size-Exclusion
shown that this variability can be significantly reduced when
Chromatography (Gel Permeation Chromatography GPC)
total solar or solar-ultraviolet radiation, or both, is used to
Using Universal Calibration (Withdrawn 1993)
characterize the exposure increments.
D3826Practice for Determining Degradation End Point in
4.3 In addition to variations in level of daylight and solar-
DegradablePolyethyleneandPolypropyleneUsingaTen-
ultraviolet radiation, there are significant differences in
sile Test
temperature, and moisture stresses between different locations,
E772Terminology of Solar Energy Conversion
and between different years, or periods within a single year, at
G7/G7MPractice for Natural Weathering of Materials
a single location. Because of this variability, results from this
test cannot be used to predict the absolute rate at which
photodegradableplasticsdegrade.Resultsfromthistestcanbe
ThispracticeisunderthejurisdictionofASTMCommitteeD20onPlasticsand
used to compare relative rates of degradation for materials
is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D20.50 on Durability of Plastics.
exposed at the same time in the same location. Results from
Current edition approved Dec. 1, 2021. Published December 2021. Originally
approved in 1992. Last previous edition approved in 2013 as D5272-08(2013).
DOI: 10.1520/D5272-08R21.
2 4
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or Daro,A.,etal,“DegradationofPolymerBlendsIV,NaturalWeatheringofLow
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM DensityandLinearLowDensityPolyethylene,”EuropeanPolymerJournal,Vol26,
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on No. 1, 1990, pp. 47–52.
the ASTM website. Zerlaut, G. L., and Anderson, T. A., “Ultraviolet Radiation as a Timing
The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on TechniqueforOutdoorWeatheringofMaterials,”SocietyofAutomotiveEngineers,
www.astm.org. SAE Technical Paper Number 850348 , 1985.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D5272 − 08 (2021)
multiple exposures of a common lot of material (during 5.2.1 Exposure Rack A—Positionable mounting bars used
different seasons over several years) at different sites can be for attaching specimens shall be arrayed over a regular mesh
used to compare the relative rates at which a particular
expanded-metal (aluminum or stainless steel) sheet backing.
photodegradable plastic will degrade in each location.
Use 16–18 gage metal with approximately 0.5-in. openings. It
isrecommendedthatthesurfaceareaoftheexpandedmetalbe
NOTE 2—An inherent limitation in solar-radiation measurements is that
60to70%open.Useanoncorrodingmaterialforthemounting
they do not reflect the effects of variations in temperature and moisture
exposure, which often can be as important as solar radiation. The same
bars. 6061T6 aluminum or untreated wood are typical materi-
solar-ultraviolet radiation increment will not necessarily give the same
als used for the mounting bars. Fig. 1 is a top view showing
changes in properties of the test specimen in different exposure sites.
typical rack construction.
Results from this practice must be regarded as giving only a general
indication of the degree of degradability and should always be considered 5.2.2 Exposure Rack B—Unpainted exterior-grade plywood
in terms of characteristics of the exposure site as well.
forms the rack surface to which specimens are directly at-
4.4 Where measurement of total solar-ultraviolet radiation tached. Replace the plywood when there is any evidence of
is not possible, exposure duration can be determined by the delamination or fiber separation which could produce sharp
numberofdays,weeks,ormonthsexposed.Whenthispractice edges and damage exposed specimens. Medium-density over-
isused,areferencematerialwhosedegradationpropertieshave
lay (MDO) or high-density overlay (HDO) plywood are
been well established must be exposed at the same time as the
satisfactory substrates and will require less frequent replace-
other materials being tested. The reference material used must
ment than plywood with no overlay.
be agreed upon by all interested parties.The time to produce a
NOTE 4—There is less air circulation around the specimens when Rack
specified level of degradation for each material in this simul-
Bexposuresareused.DegradationratesfromexposuresusingRackBwill
taneousexposureisthencompared.Itisalsoagoodpracticeto
be somewhat faster than those using Rack A because specimen tempera-
usereferencematerialswhenexposurelengthisdeterminedby
tures will be higher. Comparisons between materials should only be made
total solar or solar UV radiant exposure.
with exposures conducted at the same time and using the same rack type.
NOTE 3—Areference material can be a single lot of material which has
5.3 Solar Radiometers:
shown consistent results after a number of exposures. It is not necessary
5.3.1 Ultraviolet Radiometer—Unless otherwise specified,
that the composition or properties of the reference material be character-
use a total UV radiometer that measures ultraviolet radiation
ized and certified by a recognized standards agency or group.
from 295 to 385 mm. Operate the radiometer in accordance
5. Apparatus
with Practice G183. Narrow band radiometers (for example,
5.1 Use exposure racks constructed i
...
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