5.1 The surface of white or light-colored vulcanized rubber articles, or vulcanized rubber covered with an organic finish, may discolor when exposed to conditions of humidity, or moisture, heat, and sunlight. This change in color of light-colored rubber surfaces is objectionable to the consumer.

5.2 Results obtained should be treated only as indicating the effect of irradiance from the specified source (either fluorescent UV or xenon arc) and not as equivalent to the result of any natural exposure, unless the degree of quantitative correlation has been empirically established for the material in question.

5.3 Because of differences in the relative spectral irradiance of the exposure sources (fluorescent UV and xenon arc), as well as other conditions used in the two different weathering exposures (including temperature, type and amount of moisture, and temperatures), these two procedures may not result in the same performance rankings or types of discoloration. Further, comparison should not be made of the relative discoloration performance of specimens exposed in different types of apparatus.

5.4 This test method may be used for producer-consumer acceptance, referee purposes, and research and development work.

1.1 This test method covers techniques to evaluate the surface discoloration of white or light-colored vulcanized rubber that may occur when subjected to accelerated weathering exposures in fluorescent UV and xenon arc apparatus.

1.2 This test method also describes how to qualitatively evaluate the degree of discoloration produced under such conditions.

1.3 The term “discoloration” applies to a color change of the rubber sample, as distinguished from staining (see Note 1), that refers to a color change of a metal finish in contact with or adjacent to the rubber specimen.

Note 1: Tests for staining are covered by Test Methods D925.

1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.

1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.6 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.