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AAFES TEST METHOD
A-4: Colorfastness to Light
| Issue Date: 30 Apr 1993 |
Revision
Date:
08/18/2004 |
- PURPOSE AND SCOPE:
To determine resistance to color change due to exposure to sunlight.
- PRINCIPLE:
A specimen is exposed to simulated sunlight for a specified period of time and any
change In color is noted.
- REFERENCE:
AATCC Test Method 16-2003, Colorfastness to Light.
- APPARATUS AND MATERIALS:
4.1 Test Masks made of material approaching zero light transmittance, and suitable for
multiple exposure levels, such as 10, 20, 30 and 40.
4.2 White cardboard space fillers.
4.3 Weatherometer, Model Ci65 or Fade-O-Meter, Model Ci25.
4.4 AATCC Gray Scale for Color Change.
- PROCEDURE:
5.1 Cut specimen approximately 70 x 120 mm (2.75 x 4.7 in.) with longer dimension
running lengthwise and making sure that all colors within the fabric pattern are contained
within the area to be exposed to light.
5.2 Place specimen inside cover. Be sure cover makes close contact with the specimen in
order to give a sharp line of demarcation between the exposed and unexposed area.
5.3 Place specimen and holder on the rack, then fill any empty spaces on the rack with
holders containing blank white cardboard. This helps disseminate the radiation more
evenly.
5.4 Check water level in lamp cooling reservoir. If low, fill up to full mark on
reservoir wall with ionized water from the iron filter tank faucet on the Weatherometer.
5.5 Program the Weatherometer automatic timer for the length of operating time and
weather conditioning requirements.
5.6 Adjust the black panel, dry bulb temperatures, and relative humidity controls to
the specifications required for the test.
5.7 Start Weatherometer, using the off/cycle/on sequence, and operate continuously
until the programmed cycle time is completed. Any interruptions of the continuous
Operating cycle may cause undesirable test results.
- EVALUATION:
Using the specimen cover control tabs, compare the exposed area with the unexposed
area. Determine any loss of color, contrast or texture changes.
- REPORT
Report color change by comparing the Gray Scale for Color Change. Record lowest Rating
observed for each specimen in accordance with the following scale:
| COLORFASTNESS RATING |
|
GRAY SCALE |
| Grade 5 |
Equivalent to |
Step 5 |
| Grade 4.5 |
Equivalent to |
Step 4.5 |
| Grade 4 |
Equivalent to |
Step 4 |
| Grade 3.5 |
Equivalent to |
Step 3.5 |
| Grade 3 |
Equivalent to |
Step 3 |
| Grade 2.5 |
Equivalent to |
Step 2.5 |
| Grade 2 |
Equivalent to |
Step 2 |
| Grade 1.5 |
Equivalent to |
Step 1.5 |
| Grade 1 |
Equivalent to |
Step 1 |
- NOTES:
8.1 Test masks are available from Atlas Electric Devices Co., 4114 N. Ravenswood Ave.,
Chicago, IL 60613; tel: 773-327-4520; fax: 773-327-5787.
8.2 Test apparatus types and materials are available from Atlas Electric Devices Co.,
4114 N. Ravenswood Ave., Chicago, IL 60613; tel: 773-327-4520; fax: 773-327-5787 and Suga
Test Instrument Co., 4-14 Shinjuku, 5-Chome, Tokyo 160, Japan; tel: (3) 354-5248 or
William Harrison Co., 4594 E. 10th Ct., Hialeah, FL 33013; tel: 305-681-8381.
8.3 The Gray Scale for Color Change is available from AATCC, P.O. Box 12215, Research
Triangle Park, NC 27709; tel: 919-549-8141; fax: 919-549-8933; e-mail; orders@aatcc.org.
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