ASTM G152 Carbon Arc Weathering Exposure Testing for Nonmetallic Materials
ASTM G152 provides guidelines for using open flame carbon-arc light and water apparatus to simulate the weathering effects that non-metallic materials undergo when exposed to sunlight.
TRUSTED BY
- Overview
- Scope, Applications, and Benefits
- Test Process
- Specifications
- Instrumentation
- Results and Deliverables
ASTM G152 Carbon Arc Weathering Test – Overview
ASTM G152 is a standardized accelerated weathering test method that evaluates the durability of nonmetallic materials under simulated environmental conditions using a carbon arc light source. It reproduces the effects of sunlight, heat, and moisture to assess material degradation over time.
The test is commonly applied to plastics, coatings, rubber, and other polymeric materials to study changes such as color fading, cracking, embrittlement, and surface deterioration. It helps predict long-term outdoor performance and supports material development and quality validation.
Scope, Applications, and Benefits
Scope
ASTM G152 defines a controlled laboratory procedure for exposing nonmetallic materials to carbon arc radiation combined with moisture cycles to simulate natural weathering conditions. It enables comparative evaluation of environmental durability.
The method supports analysis of photodegradation, oxidation, and moisture-induced damage under accelerated exposure conditions.
- Simulation of sunlight using carbon arc radiation
- Evaluation of UV-induced degradation in nonmetallic materials
- Assessment of moisture and heat effects on material properties
- Measurement of color change, cracking, and surface deterioration
- Comparative analysis of weathering resistance
- Standardized accelerated aging evaluation
Applications
- Plastic and polymer weathering evaluation
- Paints and coatings durability testing
- Rubber and elastomer aging studies
- Automotive and outdoor material testing
- Construction material performance assessment
- Product development for weather-resistant materials
- Quality control in material manufacturing
Benefits
- Accelerates long-term weathering effects in short time
- Helps predict outdoor material durability
- Supports formulation improvement and optimization
- Enables comparison of material weather resistance
- Reduces risk of premature material failure
- Assists in product qualification and certification
ASTM G152 Carbon Arc Weathering Test – Test Process
Sample Conditioning
Specimens are prepared and conditioned to ensure consistent initial properties before exposure.
1Exposure Setup
Samples are placed in a carbon arc weathering chamber with controlled irradiance, temperature, and moisture cycles.
2Accelerated Weathering
Materials are exposed to carbon arc light along with periodic water spray or humidity cycles to simulate environmental conditions.
3Evaluation
Samples are periodically inspected for color change, surface degradation, and mechanical property variation.
4ASTM G152 Carbon Arc Weathering Test – Technical Specification
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Standard | ASTM G152 carbon arc weathering exposure for nonmetallic materials |
| Method | Carbon arc lamp exposure with moisture cycling |
| Measurement Type | Weathering resistance, photodegradation, surface deterioration |
| Sample Type | Plastics, coatings, rubber, and nonmetallic materials |
| Loading Type | UV radiation, heat, and moisture exposure |
| Units | Exposure hours, ΔE (color change), qualitative degradation rating |
Instrumentation Used
- Carbon arc weathering chamber
- Carbon arc light source system
- Temperature and humidity control unit
- Water spray or moisture cycling system
- Sample mounting racks
- Spectrophotometer for color measurement
- Visual inspection and imaging tools
- Data acquisition system
Results and Deliverables
- Color change (ΔE) measurements
- Surface degradation assessment (cracking, chalking)
- Mechanical property variation data
- Exposure time vs degradation analysis
- Comparative weathering performance report
- ASTM-compliant test report
- Material durability evaluation
- Recommendations for material improvement
Partnering with Infinita Lab for Optimal Results
Infinita Lab addresses the most frustrating pain points in the ASTM G152 testing process: complexity, coordination, and confidentiality. Our platform is built for secure, simplified support, allowing engineering and R&D teams to focus on what matters most: innovation. From kickoff to final report, we orchestrate every detail—fast, seamlessly, and behind the scenes.
Looking for a trusted partner to achieve your research goals? Schedule a meeting with us, send us a request, or call us at (888) 878-3090 to learn more about our services and how we can support you. Request a Quote
Frequently Asked Questions
ASTM G152 uses a carbon arc light source to mimic solar radiation, combined with controlled heat and moisture cycles, reproducing key environmental stressors that cause degradation in nonmetallic materials during outdoor exposure.
Carbon arc produces intense UV radiation that accelerates photodegradation, making it effective for comparative testing, although its spectral distribution differs from natural sunlight compared to xenon arc systems.
The test evaluates photochemical degradation, oxidation, polymer chain scission, surface cracking, discoloration, and moisture-induced deterioration affecting material performance.
Moisture accelerates chemical reactions, promotes hydrolysis, and causes swelling or stress within materials, intensifying degradation when combined with UV exposure.
It allows long-term environmental effects to be simulated in a shorter time, enabling faster product development and durability assessment without waiting for natural exposure.
Request a Quote
Submit your material details and receive testing procedures, pricing, and turnaround time within 24 hours.
Quick Turnaround and Hasslefree process
Confidentiality Guarantee
Free, No-obligation Consultation
100% Customer Satisfaction
