Packaging Material UV-Aging Chamber ASTM D5208 Plastic Film Yellowing and Brittleness Test

Product Description

Standard Features:

The UV-Aging Test Chamber for Plastics is a precision-engineered system designed to evaluate the photodegradation of plastic films, sheets, and packaging materials under controlled ultraviolet (UV) exposure. Specifically compliant with ASTM D5208 standards, this chamber simulates accelerated aging to assess yellowing, brittleness, and loss of mechanical integrity in plastics exposed to sunlight and environmental stressors. Tailored for Indias packaging and polymer industries, it ensures product reliability while meeting global and local regulatory requirements.

Technical Specifications

1. UV Light Source & Spectral Control

   • UVA-340 Lamps: Simulate critical solar UV wavelengths (295365 nm), focusing on 340 nm peak for accelerated polymer degradation.

   • Irradiance Control: Adjustable from 0.51.2 W/m @ 340 nm, calibrated to ASTM D5208 and ISO 4892-3 protocols.

2. Environmental Parameters

   • Temperature Range:

     • Ambient: 10C to 80C (1C accuracy).

     • Black Panel Temperature (BPT): 30C to 110C (1.5C), replicating extreme outdoor heat.

   • Humidity Control: 10%95% RH (3% stability) with cyclic condensation to mimic monsoon humidity.

3. Chamber Design

   • Sample Capacity: Benchtop (50L) to industrial (300L), accommodating plastic films up to 1m x 0.5m.

   • Material: Stainless steel interior with corrosion-resistant coatings, UV-transparent quartz windows.

   • Safety Features: Over-temperature shutdown, water leakage sensors, and emergency stop.

4. Automation & Data Management

   • Programmable Test Cycles: Pre-set ASTM D5208 profiles for yellowing and brittleness testing.

   • Touchscreen Interface: Real-time monitoring of UV intensity, temperature, and humidity.

   • Data Export: Generate compliance reports (CSV/PDF) with colorimetry data (E, YI) and tensile strength metrics.

Key Applications

1. Plastic Film Testing:

   • Evaluate UV-induced yellowing, haze, and brittleness in LDPE, HDPE, PVC, and BOPP films.

2. Packaging Materials:

   • Validate UV stability of food packaging, shrink wraps, and labels under prolonged sunlight exposure.

3. Polymer Degradation:

   • Test mechanical property loss (tensile strength, elongation) in recycled and virgin plastics.

4. Agricultural Films:

   • Assess durability of greenhouse and mulch films under tropical UV/humidity conditions.

Compliance & Certifications

• ASTM D5208: Standard Practice for Fluorescent UV Exposure of Photodegradable Plastics.

• Additional Standards: ISO 4892-3, IS 16046 (Indian Standard for Polymer Testing).

• Certifications: CE, RoHS, ISO 9001:2015.

Advantages for Indian Packaging & Polymer Industries

1. Climate-Specific Testing:

   • Pre-programmed cycles replicate Indias high UV index (e.g., Gujarat, Rajasthan) and monsoon humidity.

2. Cost Efficiency:

   • Energy-saving LED UV arrays reduce power consumption by 30% versus conventional systems.

3. Localized Support:

   • Service centers in Mumbai, Delhi, and Ahmedabad offer calibration, maintenance, and operator training.

4. Scalability:

   • Modular upgrades for combined UV/thermal cycling or ozone exposure testing.

FAQs (UV-Aging Test Chamber for Plastics)

Q1: How does ASTM D5208 testing benefit plastic manufacturers?
A: It identifies UV-induced failures (yellowing, brittleness) early, ensuring packaging meets shelf-life and durability requirements.

Q2: Can the chamber test biodegradable plastics?
A: Yescustom profiles simulate degradation pathways for PLA, PHA, and other eco-friendly polymers.

Q3: What is the typical test duration for ASTM D5208 compliance?
A: Ranges from 2001,000 hours, depending on material and irradiance settings.

Q4: How to maintain UV lamp consistency?
A: Automated irradiance calibration and quarterly lamp rotation ensure 2% spectral accuracy.

Q5: Is the chamber compatible with BIS standards?
A: Yescustomizable settings align with IS 16046 and other BIS protocols.