UV Exposure Testing for Nonmetallic Materials
ASTM G154 is an internationally-recognized test practice for exposing materials to UV light using fluorescent lamps. The test simulates the same outdoor conditions materials see from damaging UV energy, elevated temperatures, and the high time of wetness from outdoor moisture. The practice is used globally by manufacturers and developers of materials such as organic coatings, plastics, textiles, rubber, and more. The results gained from performing testing in a QUV to ASTM G154 provide a critical directional decision-making tool for manufacturers to assist in optimizing formulas, assess product durability, and meet qualification standards.
Test Parameters
- Light Source
- Two different types of fluorescent UV lamps are defined in ASTM G154, both available for QUV accelerated weathering testers
- UVA-340: most closely represents the shortwave UV portion of noon summer sunlight, specified in ASTM G154 cycles 1, 4, 6, and 7
- UVB-313: a harsh spectrum that has a more high-energy UVB photons than experienced on earth's surface, including very short wavelengths not received at all. Specified in cycles 2, 3, 5, and 8.
- Control of the light intensity, or irradiance, is not required - though it is recommended and nearly universal in modern weathering testing. Control is accomplished by an onboard radiometer that meets the requirements of ASTM G151, such as the QUV's SOLAR EYE system.
- Two different types of fluorescent UV lamps are defined in ASTM G154, both available for QUV accelerated weathering testers
- Temperature
- Temperature is measured and controlled by a panel temperature sensor. Typically, this is an un-insulated black surface thermometer, often called a black panel, though it can be an insulated black panel or even a white panel. The typical temperature set point for a light step is 60 °C, with some cycles as high as 70 °C.
- Because fluorescent lamps are not full-spectrum, some color-based temperature differentials experienced outdoors are not reproduced in this test.
- Dark condensation exposures are set at 50 °C for all cycles.
- Moisture
- Condensation: The most common method for water delivery in ASTM G154 is hot condensation. Warm, saturated air is generated within the chamber. Because the samples form the chamber walls, cool laboratory air across the back side of the specimen will create a temperature differential. This causes condensation to form directly and reform continuously on the material's surface. This is the most efficient and realistic way for water delivery in accelerated weathering tests.
- Spray: A less common method for water delivery is through a spray cycle. This is called for in cycle 8, with a short 15-min spray right after the light step to simulate a thermal shock event or cause erosion of the material's top surface layer.
- Test cycles
- A prescribed list of historical test conditions and suggested light intensities, dependent on lamp type, is included in Annex X.2. Although these cycles are technically non-mandatory, most users specify the conditions presented there.
- Most cycles alternate between 4-hour or 8-hour periods of light and 4-hour periods of condensation, though there are some small changes in cycle 5 (20 h light) and cycle 7 (15 min spray).
Why Test to ASTM G154
ASTM G154 is a critical test method for evaluating the accelerated weathering of materials by simulating exposure to light, heat, and moisture. It helps manufacturers assess product durability, identify flaws, and ensure compliance with industry standards. This test is essential for selecting materials that can withstand environmental stressors, predicting product lifespan, and reducing the need for expensive, long-term field testing. Industries like automotive, construction, aerospace, electronics, and outdoor gear often need to use ASTM G154 to make sure their products stay reliable, look good, and perform well over time.
The QUV is the world's most widely-used accelerated weathering tester, and ASTM G154 is the most popular test worldwide for conducting weathering testing exposures using UV fluorescent lamps.
Pros and Cons of ASTM G154
- Simulates outdoor weathering forces: UV light, temperature, and moisture
- Provides the most realistic simulation of water delivery with hot condensation
- Offers a simple, highly-economical accelerated laboratory testing protocol
- Long history as an internationally-recognized testing method allows ready acceptance of test data
- Can test 2D and 3D specimen geometries
- Lack of full-spectrum light may miss some color fade phenomena
- May not accurately reproduce color temperature effects
How Q-Lab Can Help
QUV Accelerated Weathering Tester
Q-Lab’s QUV accelerated weathering tester fully complies with ASTM G154. It is the simplest, most reliable, and easiest-to-use weathering tester available. With thousands of testers in use worldwide, it is the world's most widely-used weathering tester.
Testing Services
If a new tester is not part of the budget, we offer contract testing at either of our two accelerated testing laboratories – Florida or Germany. Both labs are ISO 17025 accredited to perform ASTM G154, using the very same QUV test chambers built at our manufacturing plant. In addition to accelerated weathering testing, our accelerated laboratories are accredited and qualified to perform a suite of different evaluations, including color change, gloss retention, visual evaluations, and much more.
Q-PANEL Standard Test Substrates
Q‑PANEL paint test substrates are the world’s most recognizable and widely-used standard test panels. Q‑Lab manufactures millions of panels each year for a variety of industries, most available immediately from stock.
More ASTM G154 Resources
Standards Tool
Review setup and performance information on key international and OEM test standards from ASTM, ISO, SAE, JIS, GB, and more.
Document Library
Browse Q-Lab’s extensive library of weathering testing literature and technical content.
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