Overview
ISO 877-3:2026, developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), specifies procedures for exposing plastics to concentrated solar radiation in order to accelerate weathering processes. By leveraging reflecting concentrators-often termed “Fresnel reflectors” for their resemblance to the cross-section of a Fresnel lens-this standard provides an effective method to evaluate the durability and performance changes of plastic materials after controlled exposure to intensified solar radiation. This accelerated weathering testing is crucial for understanding long-term material performance in a significantly reduced timeframe, enabling manufacturers, researchers, and quality control professionals to make data-driven decisions regarding materials selection and product design.
Key Topics
- Concentrated Solar Radiation: ISO 877-3 describes the use of reflecting concentrators to focus natural sunlight onto test specimens, which intensifies exposure and speeds up degradation studies.
- Exposure Methods: The standard outlines apparatus setup, mounting of test specimens, climate monitoring, and control of key parameters such as temperature and irradiance.
- Test Conditions: Guidance is provided for optimal locations (e.g., high-sunshine, low-humidity environments), mirror orientation, and temperature management, ensuring consistent and reproducible results.
- Measurement and Reporting: The document explains how to select exposure stages based on total solar and UV radiant exposure, monitor environmental factors, and accurately report test results for comparative analysis.
- Water Spray Cycles: Several cycles are defined to simulate environmental moisture, an important factor in real-world weathering.
Applications
ISO 877-3:2026 is essential for industries and laboratories concerned with accelerated weathering and solar durability testing of plastics. Applications include:
- Material Development: Manufacturers use this standard to compare the weathering resistance of different polymers, additives, and colorants.
- Product Testing: Automotive, construction, and consumer goods industries rely on accelerated solar exposure to predict product lifespan and ensure long-term quality.
- Quality Assurance: By simulating extended outdoor use conditions, the method allows for rapid screening of plastics for outdoor applications such as siding, piping, automotive components, and protective coatings.
- Research and Standards Compliance: Scientists and quality control labs employ ISO 877-3 to investigate degradation phenomena, support claims of weather resistance, and fulfill regulatory or customer requirements.
- Design Optimization: Engineers can refine product design and material selection by understanding how various plastics perform under intense UV and solar exposure.
Related Standards
ISO 877-3:2026 is part of the broader ISO 877 series, which provides comprehensive methods for exposing plastics to solar radiation:
- ISO 877-1 - General guidance for solar exposure of plastics
- ISO 877-2 - Direct weathering and exposure behind window glass
- ISO 4892-1 - Laboratory light source exposure methods for plastics
- ASTM G90 - Accelerated outdoor weathering using concentrated sunlight
- ASTM G179 - Specification for panel temperature devices in weathering tests
- ISO 4582 - Determination of changes in color and properties after exposure
Together, these standards compose a robust framework for weathering tests, helping organizations ensure their products meet global expectations for outdoor durability, UV resistance, and material stability under solar exposure. Compliance with ISO 877-3:2026 supports product reliability, customer satisfaction, and successful market entry in regions where sunlight is a critical environmental factor.
Open preview (PDF)Plastics — Methods of exposure to solar radiation — Part 3: Intensified weathering using concentrated solar radiation