Overview
EN ISO 29664:2017 (ISO 29664:2010) - "Plastics - Artificial weathering including acidic deposition" defines laboratory methods to reproduce the combined effects of UV, heat, humidity, wetting and acidic deposition on plastics intended for use in heavily polluted outdoor environments. The standard provides two exposure methods tailored to product form and degradation mechanism. It explicitly states that test results cannot be used to predict real-world service life.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Two exposure methods
- Method A - for products where surface degradation dominates. Uses a strong acid spray (pH 1.5) applied once per day; includes two procedures to simulate very humid (tropical/subtropical) and more moderate climates.
- Method B - for products that require deep penetration of acidic deposition (e.g., geotextiles). Uses a weaker acid spray (pH 3.5) applied over extended periods integrated into the rain phase.
- Acid solution preparation
- pH 1.5 solution (reference): mix per 10 L deionized water - 10.6 g H2SO4, 3.18 g HNO3, 1.80 g HCl (adjust for reagent concentration). Dilute 1:10 for pH 2.5 or 1:100 for pH 3.5; verify pH within ±0.3 before test.
- Apparatus & light sources
- Test chambers and procedures follow ISO 4892-1 (general), ISO 4892-2 (xenon-arc) and ISO 4892-3 (fluorescent UV).
- Allowed irradiance guidance (examples from the standard):
- Fluorescent UV Type 1A: 0.76 W·m−2·nm−1 at 340 nm or 45 W·m−2 (290–400 nm).
- Xenon arc (daylight filters): 0.51 W·m−2·nm−1 at 340 nm or 60 W·m−2 (300–400 nm).
- Chambers, holders and mounting devices must be acid- and UV-resistant; radiometers and black standard thermometers per ISO 4892-1.
- Test controls & reporting
- Control of irradiance, temperature, humidity, black standard temperature (BST), and water spray required.
- Use of stable reference materials is recommended to monitor repeatability and consistency.
- Scope limits
- Not intended to evaluate effects of special chemicals such as agrochemicals.
- Results are for comparative/qualification purposes, not lifetime prediction.
Applications and who uses it
- Engineers and materials scientists evaluating plastics, coatings, geotextiles and outdoor polymer components expected to face acid rain and heavy industrial pollution.
- R&D teams and QA labs performing artificial weathering tests, product validation, comparative durability screening and formulation optimization.
- Manufacturers and specifiers wanting standardized, repeatable tests for regulatory compliance, procurement specifications, or accelerated performance comparison in polluted-environment scenarios.
Related standards
Keywords: EN ISO 29664:2017, ISO 29664, artificial weathering, acidic deposition, plastics testing, xenon arc, fluorescent UV, acid spray pH 1.5, pH 3.5, laboratory weathering test.
