Overview
EN ISO 877-3:2026: Plastics – Methods of Exposure to Solar Radiation – Part 3: Intensified Weathering Using Concentrated Solar Radiation is a harmonized international standard developed by CEN in cooperation with ISO. This document specifies a precise method for assessing how plastics degrade when subjected to accelerated weathering with concentrated solar radiation. The standard utilizes reflecting concentrators-often called “Fresnel reflectors”-which use an array of mirrors to focus natural sunlight and intensify the exposure on test specimens. The main objective is to evaluate changes in the properties of plastics after they have undergone exposure stages under intensified solar radiation, thereby supporting quality assurance and product development for plastics intended for outdoor applications.
Key Topics
- Concentrated Solar Radiation: The method involves the use of mirror arrays (Fresnel reflectors) to amplify natural solar radiation, accelerating the weathering process compared to normal exposure.
- Exposure Conditions: Specifies requirements for site selection (such as high sunlight hours and low humidity), apparatus setup, mirror orientation, and temperature control to ensure reproducibility and relevance of results.
- Test Procedures:
- Detailed procedures for mounting and positioning test specimens to maximize effective exposure.
- Guidelines for including reference materials and controlling specimen temperature and irradiance.
- Water spray cycles to simulate realistic outdoor conditions, with options for different exposure requirements.
- Measurement and Reporting:
- Outlines the need for precise measurement of total solar and ultraviolet radiation using standardized instrumentation.
- Requires comprehensive recording and reporting of climate conditions, exposure parameters, and specimen changes enable reliable comparison.
- Data Interpretation: Recommends using recognized ISO and ASTM methods for quantifying property changes like color, gloss, and mechanical degradation.
Applications
- Material Durability Assessment: Enables manufacturers and researchers to evaluate and compare the outdoor weathering stability of plastics rapidly, essential for product validation and compliance.
- Quality Control and R&D: Supports development of UV-stable and weather-resistant plastic formulations for applications such as automotive parts, construction materials, solar panel components, agricultural films, and outdoor consumer goods.
- Regulatory and Certification Testing: Useful for complying with customer specifications and regulatory requirements that reference accelerated weathering or UV resistance tests.
- Design Optimization: Helps engineers predict product lifespan and make informed material selections for enhanced durability in sunny, arid regions or other harsh climates.
Related Standards
- ISO 877-1: Plastics – Methods of exposure to solar radiation – Part 1: General guidance. Provides the foundational methodology for all parts of the ISO 877 series.
- ISO 877-2: Plastics – Methods of exposure to solar radiation – Part 2: Direct weathering and exposure behind window glass.
- ISO 4892-1: Plastics – Methods of exposure to laboratory light sources – Part 1: General guidance and requirements.
- ASTM G90: Standard Practice for Performing Accelerated Outdoor Weathering of Nonmetallic Materials Using Concentrated Natural Sunlight.
- ASTM G179: Specification for Metal Black Panel and White Panel Temperature Devices for Natural Weathering Tests.
- ISO 4582: Plastics – Determination of changes in colour and variations in properties after exposure.
EN ISO 877-3:2026 is a benchmark standard for accelerated outdoor weathering testing. By following its rigorous and repeatable methodology, laboratories and manufacturers gain actionable insights into the aging behaviour of plastics, ensuring safety, performance, and product longevity in real-world solar environments. Using keywords like "accelerated weathering," "plastics durability," "solar radiation," and "Fresnel reflector testing" will help improve the searchability and relevance of information related to this standard.
