ASTM F1515 Xenon Arc Test for Resilient Flooring

ASTM F1515
Xenon Arc test for resilient flooring

ASTM F1515 Xenon Arc Test for Resilient Flooring

Method for Measuring Light Stability of Resilient Flooring by Color Change

ASTM F1515 is a Xenon Arc exposure test method that evaluates a resilient flooring product’s resistance to color change caused by exposure to sunlight, heat, and moisture. Capital Testing utilizes a Q-Lab Q-Sun Xe-3 Xenon Arc test machine for this method. This device can simulate months or years of sunlight exposure by using xenon arc lamps set behind different types of glass filters, while also controlling temperature and humidity. In ASTM F1515, “window” glass filters are used to mimic flooring’s indoor exposure to sunlight through windows. Other standards may call for the use of “daylight” filters to imitate outdoor sunlight exposure.

Which materials should to be tested in accordance with ASTM F1515?

ASTM F1515 is designed to evaluate resilient flooring, but can be used to test all kinds of flooring materials including:

• Engineered Wood Flooring

• Laminate Flooring

• Resilient Flooring (LVT, LVP, SPC, linoleum, etc.)

How is ASTM F1515 testing performed?

Initial color measurements (L*, a*, and b*) are taken on each flooring specimen using a handheld spectrophotometer with the following settings:

A minimum 0.25” diameter opening/aperture
Cool White Flourescent (CWF) or Daylight (D-65) light source
Color measured in CIE L*, a*, and b* using CIE 10° Standard Observer and specular included

The color measurement locations are carefully marked so that future color measurements can be made at the same exact location. Specimens are then placed in a Xenon Arc chamber programmed at the following settings:

Continuous light-on mode
No water spray
Irradiance = 0.30W/m² at 340nm
Black Panel Temperature = 145°F +/- 4°F (63°C +/- 2°C)
Relative humidity = 50 +/- 10%
"Window" glass filters

Specimens are exposed to the above conditions for 400 hours and are removed at each 100-hour interval to take color measurements. Specimens are removed after 400 hours and allowed to recondition at 73°F for a minimum of 1 hour before taking final measurements.

ASTM F1515 specimens in specimen holders

What data will be included in an ASTM F1515 report?

L*, a*, b*, and color change (∆E*) values for each specimen at each 100-hr interval
Average ∆E* value after 400 hours for all specimens
Xenon arc chamber settings and hours of exposure
Spectrophotometer specifications (aperture size, light source, illuminant/observant, etc.)

Interpreting ASTM F1515 Results

Several ASTM standard specifications for resilient and vinyl flooring products require a certain level of performance in ASTM F1515. The most common requirement is the product must exhibit a ΔE of ≤ 8 after 300 hours of exposure.

The following ASTM standard specifications include this requirement:

ASTM F1303 – Standard Specification for Sheet Vinyl Floor Covering with Backing

ASTM F1700 – Standard Specification for Solid Vinyl Floor Tile

ASTM F1861 – Standard Specification for Resilient Wall Base*

ASTM F1913 – Standard Specification for Vinyl Sheet Floor Covering Without Backing

ASTM F2034 – Standard Specification for Sheet Linoleum Floor Covering*

ASTM F2195 – Standard Specification for Linoleum Floor Tile*

ASTM F2982 – Standard Specification for Polyester Composition Floor Tile

ASTM F3009 – Standard Specification for Polyolefin Composition Floor Tile

ASTM F3261 – Standard Specification for Resilient Flooring in Modular Format with Rigid Polymeric Core

*These specifications require ΔE ≤ 8 after 200 hours of exposure

ASTM F1515 Test Specimen Preparation

Specimen should be flat and of uniform thickness. 2” x 4” or 3” x 6” specimens are recommended, but custom-sized specimens can be accommodated.

Is Capital Testing an accredited ASTM F1515 laboratory?

Capital Testing and Certification Services is ISO/IEC 17025-accredited to conduct ASTM F1515 testing. Click here for Capital Testing’s full ISO/IEC 17025 scope of accreditation.