Carbon arc aging chamber is mainly used to simulate the destructive effects of ultraviolet rays, temperature, humidity and other factors in natural climate on materials, and accelerate the aging process of materials through the radiation generated by carbon arc lamps. It is often used in industries such as plastics, rubber, and coatings to help evaluate the aging resistance of materials in order to improve product quality and extend service life.
FAQ1：What is a carbon arc lamp aging tester?
A carbon arc lamp aging tester is a testing device independently developed and manufactured by Standard International Group (HK) Limited. It uses alternating current to ignite a carbon rod, generating an electric arc that emits light. The light source, after passing through a filter, has a higher irradiance than sunlight, thus accelerating the aging of the sample surface. Simultaneously, equipped with a spray device, it can simulate not only sunlight exposure but also rain, effectively testing the weather resistance of samples using an accelerated method.
FAQ2：What is photoaging testing?
Photoaging testing refers to accelerating the aging process of materials in a laboratory environment by simulating natural light exposure, thereby assessing the physical and chemical changes that may occur when materials are exposed to sunlight for extended periods.
This type of testing typically uses specialized equipment, mainly including xenon lamp aging testers, ultraviolet (UV) aging testers, and carbon arc lamp aging devices:
UV aging testers: Primarily use ultraviolet fluorescent lamps to simulate the ultraviolet radiation in sunlight, commonly used to evaluate the UV resistance of materials.
Xenon lamp aging test chamber: Uses a xenon arc lamp to simulate the full spectrum of sunlight, including ultraviolet, visible, and infrared light. It can realistically reproduce the effects of natural light on materials and is one of the most commonly used aging test devices.
Carbon arc lamp aging device: Uses a carbon arc lamp as a light source, which can produce strong ultraviolet and visible light. It was once widely used for photoaging tests, but due to the significant difference between its spectral distribution and actual sunlight, it is now gradually being replaced by xenon lamps and ultraviolet lamps.
FAQ3：What are the test procedures for a carbon arc lamp aging test chamber?
Sample Fixation
Fix the sample onto the sample holder in a stress-free state, making easily identifiable marks on the non-test surfaces. If necessary, when conducting color and appearance change tests, to facilitate monitoring of the test progress, a portion of each sample can be covered with an opaque material to compare the differences in change between the covered and exposed surfaces. However, the test results should be based on a comparison between the exposed surface of the sample and a control sample stored in the dark.
Exposure
Before placing the sample into the test chamber, adjust and stabilize the equipment under the selected test conditions, maintaining this stability during the test.
Fix the sample on the rotating drum, positioned above and below the horizontal line of the radiation source center. To ensure that each sample surface receives radiation as uniformly as possible, the vertical position of the sample should be changed in a specific order.
When the test duration does not exceed 24 hours, the distance between each sample and the light source should be the same; when the test duration does not exceed 100 hours, it is recommended to change the sample position every 24 hours. Other methods of changing the sample position may also be used after consultation between the relevant parties.
Clean the filters regularly with a clean, non-abrasive cloth or towel, following the equipment manufacturer's recommended schedule. Detergent may also be used if necessary. The lifespan of the filters is 2000 hours. Replace them immediately if discoloration, blurring, or cracking occurs.
To maintain consistent light transmittance over a long period, it is recommended to replace the pair of oldest filters with a new pair every 500 hours. Therefore, mark the usage time and location of each filter for sequential replacement.
FAQ4：What national standards must the carbon arc aging test comply with?
1. GB/T 16422.4-2022: "Laboratory Light Source Exposure Test Methods for Plastics - Part 4: Open-type Carbon Arc Lamp," which specifies the method for exposing plastic materials to an open-type carbon arc lamp light source, including test equipment, test conditions, test procedures, and result evaluation. It is applicable to weather resistance testing of plastics and related materials.
2. GB/T 15255-2015: "Artificial Weathering Test Method for Vulcanized Rubber - Carbon Arc Lamp". This standard details the test methods for vulcanized rubber under artificial weathering conditions using a carbon arc lamp, which is of great significance for evaluating the aging performance of rubber materials.
FAQ5：What are the steps in a carbon arc aging test?
Sample Preparation: Cut or prepare samples according to the standard, ensuring that the thickness, surface condition, etc., meet the requirements. For example, the thickness of plastic samples is usually required to be ≥3mm.
Pretreatment: Clean and dry the samples (e.g., wipe with anhydrous ethanol). Sometimes, it is also necessary to simulate actual use conditions (e.g., apply tensile stress to the rubber sample).
Parameter Settings: Set the irradiance (e.g., 0.35-1.5 W/m² at 340nm wavelength), temperature (e.g., blackboard temperature 63±3℃), humidity (e.g., 90-95% RH), and spray or condensation cycle.
Exposure Test: Place the sample in the test chamber and perform cyclic exposure according to the set program.
Performance evaluation: After the test, the samples are inspected for appearance (color difference ΔE, chalking grade), mechanical properties (tensile strength, elongation at break) and chemical analysis (such as FTIR detection of oxidation degree).
FAQ6：How to maintain a carbon arc aging test machine?
1. Regularly calibrate the black panel thermometer to ensure accurate test data. Perform calibration every three months and a factory calibration annually.
2. Replace the upper and lower carbon arc lamps every 60 hours to ensure accurate test quality.
3. Replace the glass filter every 2000 hours and clean used glass filters.
4. Replace the humidifying cloth immediately if it becomes noticeably sticky, heavily soiled, or lacks absorbency.
5. Regularly clean the carbon arc aging test machine, including removing dust and oil. Use a clean, soft-bristled brush and vacuum cleaner to avoid damaging the equipment.
6. The equipment should be kept in a dry environment and should not be used in damp or high-temperature/high-humidity environments.
7. Regularly check the electrical components for proper functioning. Replace or repair any abnormalities promptly. Also check the fasteners, guide rails, cables, etc., for looseness or wear, and lubricate as necessary.
8. Regularly calibrate the equipment to ensure the accuracy of test data. Calibration must be performed according to the methods in the equipment manual to ensure reliable calibration results.
9. Before use, check whether the equipment is operating normally, including whether the power supply, switches, control panel, etc., are working properly.
In summary, the carbon arc lamp aging test chamber is a key piece of equipment for evaluating the weather resistance of materials. The standardization of its operation and the precision of its maintenance directly affect the reliability of the test results. From sample preparation to parameter setting, from periodic exposure to multi-dimensional performance evaluation, every step must strictly follow standard procedures. Regular equipment calibration, timely replacement of light sources and filters, environmental control, and electrical system maintenance are the foundation for ensuring the long-term stable operation of the test. Through scientific and standardized operation and systematic maintenance management, the service life of the equipment can be effectively extended, the accuracy of test data can be improved, and a solid technical support can be provided for material research and development and quality control.
在线客服