Designation: G 113 – 03

Standard Terminology
Relating to Natural and Artificial Weathering Tests of
Nonmetallic Materials1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation G 113; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

1. Scope 2.3 ANSI Standards:10

1.1 This terminology standard covers terms that relate to the ANSI/NCSL Z540-2-1997 American National Standard for
durability testing of Nonmetallic Materials using natural and Expressing Uncertainty—U.S. Guide to the Expression of
artificial weathering exposure techniques. Uncertainty in Measurement
1.2 It is the intent of this terminology standard to include
3. Significance and Use
those weathering terms in wide use in ASTM for which
standard definitions appear desirable. 3.1 This terminology is not intended to supersede the
requirements of similar definitions in certain other documents,
2. Referenced Documents but is intended to provide a listing of terms that are in current
2.1 ASTM Standards: widespread usage, and their context in relation to weathering.
D 9 Terminology Relating to Wood2
4. Terminology
E 41 Terminology Relating to Conditioning3
E 284 Terminology of Appearance4 4.1 Definitions:
E 349 Definitions of Terms Relating to Space Simulation5 accelerated outdoor weathering, n—outdoor weathering us-
E 456 Terminology Relating to Quality and Statistics6 ing the sun as the source of irradiance, and where the rate of
E 772 Terminology Relating to Solar Energy Conversion7 deterioration is accelerated over that of the in-service expo-
E 973M Practice for the Determination of the Spectral sure position increasing one or more of the influencing
Mismatch Parameter between a Photovoltaic Device and a parameters.
Photovoltaic Reference Cell [Metric]7 actinic radiation, n—the spectral region(s) of a light source
G 84 Practice for Measurement of Time-of-Wetness on responsible for the photodegradation of a particular material.
Surfaces Exposed to Wetting Conditions as in Atmospheric ambient temperature, n—the existing temperature of the air
Corrosion Testing8 or of an object in thermal equilibrium with the surrounding
G 90 Practice for Performing Accelerated Outdoor Weath- atmosphere.
ering of Nonmetallic Materials Using Concentrated Natu- azimuth angle, n—an angle of a plane to the horizon mea-
ral Sunlight3 sured clockwise to the object.
2.2 AATCC Method:9 backed exposure, n—a technique of weathering in which the
16 Colorfastness to Light test specimens being exposed are mounted onto a solid
backing material, of sufficient strength to hold the specimen.
When the specimen and the backing are in direct contact the
backing material must be of a type that will not contaminate
the specimen. When two materials are intimately joined
1
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee G03 on Weathering together to form one composite, the materials below the top
and Durability and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee G03.92 on
Terminology. surface are not considered as a backing.
Current edition approved Feb. 10, 2003. Published May 2003. Originally
DISCUSSION—The backing is typically plywood which has the effect
approved in 1992. Last previous edition approved in 2002 as G 113 – 02.
2 of increasing specimen temperature and wet time during exposure,
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.10.
3
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 06.01. compared to exposure unbacked.
4
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 14.04.
5
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 15.03.
black box, n—a thin metal box painted flat black on the
6
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 14.02.
7
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 12.02.
8
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 03.02.
9 10
Available from American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists, P.O. Available from National Conference of Standards Laboratories, 1800 30th St.,
Box 12215, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709. Suite 305B, Boulder, CO 80301.

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.

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 G 113 – 03
outside only exclusive of the bottom surface with an open the test specimens are exposed to all prevailing elements of
top where the flat test specimens to be exposed constitute the the atmosphere.
top surface of the box; the box is equipped with mounting dry-bulb temperature, , n—the temperature of the ambient
strips to hold the test specimens firmly in place; the top air; for example, the temperature that is measured by the
surface of the box must be completely filled at all times; any dry-bulb thermometer of a psychrometer. D 4023
blank spaces on the top surface must be occupied by flat durability, , n—in weathering, a measure of the retention of
black “dummy” panels to maintain correct operating condi- original condition and function of a material after exposure
tion. to a specified set of conditions.
black box under glass, n—a glass covered enclosure or enclosed carbon arc, , n—a light source in which an arc is
cabinet of any convenient size. It shall be constructed of produced across a pair of carbon rods by a high energy
corrosion resistant metal and be enclosed to prevent ambient electrical source, such that a high intensity light is emitted.
air from circulating over the samples. Exterior non-glass The carbons are enclosed in an inverted glass dome which
surfaces shall be painted black. The interior shall remain acts to prolong the life of the carbons, and to modify the
unpainted. spectral power distribution received by the specimens.
black panel thermometer, n—a temperature measuring de- exposure, , n—the act of subjecting the test specimen to the
vice consisting of a metal panel, having a black coating test conditions.
which absorbs all wavelengths uniformly, with a thermal exposure angle , n—the tilt from horizontal of the test
sensitive element firmly attached to the center of the exposed specimen or any other exposed material, or both.
surface. The black panel thermometer is used to control an fading unit (AATCC) , n—a specific amount of exposure
artificial weathering device and to provide an estimate of the made under the conditions specified in various test methods
maximum temperature of samples exposed to a radiant where one Fading Unit is one-twentieth (1⁄20 th) of the
energy source. exposure required to produce a color change equal to Step
climatological types, n—major regions of significantly differ- No. 4 on the Gray Scale for Color Change or 1.7 6 0.3
ent recurring weather patterns. In weathering, several dis- CIELAB units of color difference on Blue Wool Lightfast-
tinct climatological types are used to evaluate the atmo- ness Standard L 4 or 20 6 1.7 CIELAB units of color
spheric durability of materials. Within any single difference on the Xenon Reference Fabric or combination
climatological variation, at a specific geographic location, thereof.
short term weather patterns may fluctuate significantly. This AATCC Technical Manual
may cause variability in short term exposures. Major cli- file specimen, n—portion of the material to be tested which is
matic variations that are used for the study of weathering are: stored under conditions in which it is stable, and is used for
warm, moist climate—subtropical climate distinguished as comparison between exposed and original state.
warm and humid year round, with frequent rain showers. fluorescent ultraviolet lamp, v—a lamp in which the irradi-
hot, dry climate—desert climate distinguished as sunny, hot, ance from a low pressure mercury arc is transformed to a
and dry year round, with rare scattered showers. longer wavelength UV radiation by a phosphor; the spectral
control, n—in weathering, the term control has three current power distribution of a fluorescent lamp is determined by the
widespread uses: emission spectrum of the mercury arc light source, the
1. A material which is of similar composition and construc- emission spectrum of the phosphor and the UV transmittance
tion to the test material used for comparison, exposed at the of the glass tube.
same time. fresnel-reflector system, n—flat mirrors arranged in an array
such that they reflect onto a target, the illuminated area of
DISCUSSION—A reference material can often be used as the control. which simulates the size and shape of the flat mirror. Such an
2. A portion of the material to be tested which is stored under array simulates the ray-tracing of a parabolic trough of the
conditions in which it is stable, and is used for comparison between
same aperture angle. G 90
exposed and original state.
gray scale, n—the scale consists of nine pairs of standard gray
DISCUSSION—This definition is deprecated in favor of “File Speci-
men.”
chips each pair representing a difference in color or contrast
(shade and strength) corresponding to a numerical fastness
3. A portion of the exposed specimen which is protected from light
exposure by masking. rating. The results of colorfastness tests are rated by visually
DISCUSSION—This definition is deprecated in favor of “Masked comparing the difference in color represented by the scale.
Area.” AATCC Technical Manual
irradiance, n—the radiant power per unit area incident on a
daylight , n—as used in weathering, the term equivalent to receiver, typically reported in watts per square metre, W m−2
“sunlight”. It refers to the full spectrum of solar irradiance, E 973
that is, ultraviolet through infrared, and includes both diffuse masked area, n—a portion of the exposed specimen which is
sky and direct solar irradiance. protected from light exposure by masking. (See also con-
trol.)
DISCUSSION—This definition differs from CIE (Commission Interna-
tionale de l’Eclairage) Publication No 17.4 which defines daylight as DISCUSSION—The mask area is not protected from heat and moisture.
“the visible par of global (sun plus sky) radiation.
natural weathering, n—outdoor exposure of materials to
direct weathering, , n—a technique of weathering in which unconcentrated sunlight, the purpose of which is to assess

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 G 113 – 03
the effects of environmental factors on various functional surface, having wavelengths between about 295 nm and
and decorative parameters of interest. 4050 nm (4.05 microns). E 772
open flame sunshine carbon arc, n—a light source in which solar irradiance, global E5(2p), n—solar irradiance received
an arc is produced across a pair of copper coated carbon rods on an upward facing horizontal surface directly transmitted
filled with rare earth elements intended to produce a specific from the solid angle of the sun’s disk or scattered in
spectral power distribution. The carbons are open to the traversing the atmosphere, measured in watts per square
atmosphere and may be surrounded by a glass lantern metre.
arrangement which acts to modify the spectral power distri- solar irradiance, infrared—as related to natural weathering
bution received by the specimens. of materials, terrestrial solar irradiance for which the wave-
operational control point, n—a set point for equilibrium lengths are longer than those for visible irradiance and
conditions measured at sensor location(s) in an exposure shorter than about 4.05 microns.
device.
operational control point tolerance, n—the permissible de- DISCUSSION—The limits of the spectral range of infrared radiation are
not well defined and may vary according to the user. Committee E-2.1.2
viation from the operational control point including permit-
of the CIE distinguishes in the spectral range between 780 nm and 1
ted random deviation during equilibrium conditions in an mm into IR-A, IR-B, and IR-C as shown below.
exposure device. IR-A 780 to 14 µm
IR-B 1.4 to 3 µm
DISCUSSION—It is assumed, as with all measurements, that the
IR-C 3 µm to 1 mm
measurement of tolerance has uncertainty of measurement.
solar irradiance, ultraviolet, n—as related to natural weath-
operational uniformity, n—the range around the operational ering of materials, terrestrial solar irradiance for which the
control point for measured parameters within the intended wavelengths are shorter than those for visible irradiance and
exposure area within the limits of intended operational longer than about 295 nm.
range.
DISCUSSION—The upper limit is not well defined because it is
DISCUSSION—It is assumed, as with all measurements, that the dependent on eye sensitivity. It has been identified as either 380 nm or
measurement of uniformity has uncertainty of measurement. 400 nm.CIE Committee E-2.1.2 of the CIE divides the spectral range
between 280 and 400 nm into UV-A and UV-B as shown below.
photodegradation, n—photochemically induced changes in
UV-A 315 to 400 nm
the condition of the material. UV-B 280 to 315 nm
pyranometer, n—a radiometer used to measure the total solar
radiant energy incident upon a surface per unit time per area. solar irradiance, visible, n—the portion of solar radiation
This energy includes the direct radiant energy, diffuse radiant capable of causing a visual sensation.
energy, and reflected radiant energy from the background. DISCUSSION—The limits of the spectral range of visible radiation are
E 772 not well defined and may vary according to the user. The shorter limit
pyrheliometer, n—a radiometer used to measure the direct or is generally taken between 380 and 400 nm and the longer limit
beam solar irradiance incident on a surface normal to the between 760 and 780 nm (1 nanometre, nm = 10−9 m).
sun’s rays. E 772
radiant exposure, n—time integral of irradiance, typically solarization, v—change in transmittance, reflectance, or ab-
reported in joules per square metre, J m−2 E 772 sorptance property of a material, such as glass, as a result of
radiometer, n—a general class of instruments designed to exposure to sunlight or other light sources.
detect and measure radiant energy. spectral power distribution, n—the absolute or relative
reference material, n—a material with known performance. radiant power emitted by a source, or incident upon a
reference specimen, n—a portion of the reference material receiver as a function of wavelength.
that is to be exposed. standard weathering reference material (SWRM), n—a
relative humidity, n—the ratio of the actual pressure of Weathering Reference Material (WRM) whose well docu-
existing water vapor to the maximum possible (saturation) mented weathering degradation properties have been certi-
pressure of water vapor in the atmosphere at the same fied by a recognized standards agency or group and which
temperature, expressed as a percentage. E 41 are identical when exposed to identical test conditions.
sample, n—a group of units or portion of material, taken from sunlight , n—as used in weathering, the term equivalent to
a larger collection of units or quantity of material, which “daylight”. It refers to the full spectrum of solar irradiancew,
serves to provide information that can be used as a basis for that is, ultraviolet through infrared, and includes both diffuse
action on the larger quantity. sky and direct solar irradiance.
DISCUSSION—Where sample is used as a term for the item to be DISCUSSION—This definition differs from CIE (Commission Interna-
exposed, the term is deprecated in favor of specimen. tionale de l’Eclairage) Publication No. 17.4, which defines sunlight as
the “visible part of direct solar irradiance.”
solar azimuth angle, n—the angular distance measured clock-
wise from due north to the projection of the beam radiation test specimen, n—a specific portion of the samples upon
on the horizontal plane (see Fig. 1). which the testing is to be performed.
solar irradiance, n—as related to natural weathering of tilt angle, v—the angle between the horizontal and the plane of
materials, the irradiance of the sun incident on the earth’s the test fixture, glass frame, or sensory instrumentation.

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 G 113 – 03

FIG. 1 Solar Azimuth Angle

time-of-wetness, n—the total amount of time that a surface is deviation (or a given multiple of it), or the half-width of an interval
wet. This is typically reported in hours. having a stated confidence level. (2) Uncertainty of measurement
comprises, in general, many components. Some of these components
DISCUSSION—At this time, the sensing element described in Practice may be evaluated from statistical distribution of the results of series of
G 84 is the only recognized device for the measurement of time-of- measurements and can be characterized by experimental standard
wetness. deviations. The other components, which can also be characterized by
total solar ultraviolet, adj—solar energy above the solar cut standard deviations, are evaluated from assumed probability distribu-
on and below the visible, when received after transmittance tions based on experience or other information. (3) It is understood that
the result of the measurement is the best estimate of the value of the
through the atmosphere.
measurand, and that all components of uncertainty, including those
DISCUSSION—The total UV radiometer commonly used has a sensi- arising from systematic effects, such as components associated with
tive range of 290 to 385 nm. corrections and reference standards, contribute to the dispersion.
transmittance, n—the ratio of transmitted flux to incident flux GUM 2.2.3
under specified geometric and spectral conditions, expressed
weathering behind glass, v—a technique of weathering in
either as a percentage or a decimal fraction.
which the test specimens are exposed in a glass covered
transmittance, spectral, n—the transmittance as a function of
frame constructed of wood, metal, or other satisfactory
wavelength.
unbacked exposure, n—a technique of weathering in which material which protects the specimen from the effects of rain
the test specimens are exposed such that the portion of the and weather. The frame shall be open at the back or sides to
specimen being evaluated is open to the effects of the allow ambient air to circulate over the specimens.
weather on all sides. weathering reference material (WRM), n—a reference ma-
uncertainty (of measurement), n—parameter, associated with terial having well documented and repeatable degradation
the result of a measurement, that characterizes the dispersion properties when exposed to identical test conditions.
of the values that could be reasonably attributed to the
DISCUSSION—A WRM is used to monitor exposures in order to
measurand.
establish consistency among tests run under nominally the same
DISCUSSION—(1) The parameter may be, for example, a standard conditions. Some WRMs, for example, blue wool, are also used to

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 G 113 – 03
define periods of exposure. A WRM is not used for performance visible, and IR radiation and is producd by passing a high
comparison with the test material. A control material is used for the intensity electric current through a quartz tube containing
latter purpose.
xenon gas.
wet-bulb temperature, n—the equilibrium temperature of a
DISCUSSION—For accelerated weathering, the spectral power distri-
liquid vaporising into a gas. With water and air, wet-bulb and
bution of the xenon-arc is typically modified by specific types of filters
dry-bulb temperatures can be used to calculate the relative in order to simulate terrestrial solar radiation or solar radiation
humidity. D9 transmitted through window or automotive glass.
xenon arc, n—an excited state xenon-plasma that emits UV,

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