ASTM D5437-93

1.1 This practice covers the experimental conditions for exposure of plastics to marine environments. Although intended particularly for marine exposure, the methodology might be used with outdoor brackish water and fresh-water exposures as well. This practice is specifically intended for plastic materials of specific gravities lower than that of seawater that are therefore positively buoyant in seawater. Plastic products such as sections of fishing gear and packaging materials, as well as film or laminate samples of plastics, might be tested by this practice.

1.2 The exposure methodology in this practice is particularly applicable to enhanced-degradable plastics (or controlled-lifetime plastics) in which the environmental degradation under marine-floating exposure is expected to be accelerated relative to that of regular plastic materials.

1.3 This practice is limited to a description of the method by which the exposure and sampling is conducted and the general precautions to be observed in conducting such exposures. Depending on the objective of the exposure study and the end-use of the plastic material in question, suitable means for evaluating the extent of degradation must be selected.

1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard.

1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety problems, 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.