4.1 The procedures outlined in this practice are designed to standardize the exposure of adhesive-bonded specimens for the purpose of studying the effects of ionizing radiation, but have been made flexible enough so that a large variety of conditions may be met within the scope of this one irradiation method. Because of this flexibility in the procedures, it is important that the experimenter have some idea of the kind of changes that will occur, and of the conditions that will affect these changes.

1.1 The purpose of this practice is to define conditions for the exposure of polymeric adhesives in bonded specimens to ionizing radiation prior to determination of radiation-induced changes in physical or chemical properties. This recommended practice specifically covers the following kinds of radiation: gamma or X-ray radiation, electron or beta radiation, neutrons, and mixtures of these such as reactor radiation.

1.2 This practice specifies only the conditions of irradiation but does not cover the preparation of test specimens, testing conditions, or the evaluation of test. These are covered in the various ASTM methods or specifications for specific materials.

1.3 This practice covers procedures for the following five types of exposure:

Procedure A—Exposure at ambient conditions.

Procedure B—Exposure at controlled temperature.

Procedure C—Exposure in a medium other than air.

Procedure D—Exposure under load.

Procedure E—Exposure combining two or more of the variables listed in Procedures A to D.

1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are provided for information purposes 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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.5.1 Electrical Hazard: Warning—The users of this practice must be aware that there are inherent dangers associated with the use of electrical instrumentation and that this practice cannot and will not substitute for a practical knowledge of the instrument used for a particular procedure.

1.5.2 Radio Frequency: Warning—Persons with pacemakers may be affected by the radio frequency.