BS EN 263-2002 pdf download.Crosslinked cast acrylic sheets for baths and shower trays for domestic purposes.
3.5 Thermal stability
When tested by the method given in 4.2 the acrylic sheet shall show no evidence of blistering.
3.6 Colour fastness
3.6.1 Resistance to UV light
When tested according to ISO 4892-2 with an irradiance of 0.5 GJ/m2 in the wavelength range of 290 nm to 800 nm, the colour change noted in the acrylic sheet shall be recorded in terms of the grey scale for assessing colour change specified in ISO 1051A02. The fastness rating shall be not less than grade
3.
3.6.2 Resistance to hot water
When tested in accordance with the requirements of 4.3. the colour change noted in the acrylic sheet shall be recorded in terms of the grey scale for assessing colour change specified in ISO 105/A02. The fastness rating shall be not less than grade 3.
3.7 Resistance to chemicals and stains
When tested in accordance with the requirements of 4.4 the acrylic sheet shall show no permanent staining or deterioration.
3.8 ResIstance to wet and dry cycling
When tested in accordance with the requirements of 4.5 the acrylic sheet shall not show any adverse changes in appearance such as blisters, crazes. cracls and discoloration.
4 Test methods
4.1 DeterminatIon of tensile strength
The test specimen shall be of type 18 according to ISO/R 527-2-1993. The thickness of the test specimen shall be that of the sheet from which it is cut.
The test shall be carried out at a temperature of (23 ± 2)°C and the test specimens shall be conditioned to this temperature for at least two days before testing.
The speed of testing shall be (5 ± 1) mm/min.
The mean of five determinations shall be recorded as the tensile strength of the material but if a test specimen breaks in the grips the result shall be disregarded and a further determination made. The tensile strength shall be calculated by dividing the breaking load by the cross-sectional area of the specimen before testing.
4.2 Determination of thermal stability
Hang two sheets 300 mm square. taken from the acrylic sheet, in a circulating oven at (200 ± 5)°C for 20 mm when this nominal temperature is reached. Remove the sheets from the oven, allow them to cool to room temperature while hanging vertically and visually examine them for the presence of blisters. If blistering occurs, repeat the test using two new specimens which have been preconditionned at(80±2)°C for 16h.
4.3 Determination of colour fastness to hot water
Cut a test specimen 100 mm x 25 mm froni the acrylic sheet and fix in a suitable carrier. Immerse the test specimen in a water bath maintained at (60 ± 2)°C for 30 mm, remove and allow to drain and dry in air for 30 mm.
Repeat the cycle 100 times without interruption.
Allow 48 h for the test specimen to dry out before it is compared with a sample of the sheet from which it was cut,
The colour fastness of the material shall be recorded in terms of the grey scale for assessing colour change specified in ISO 1 OSJAO2.
4.4 DetermInation of resistance to chemicals and stains
4.4.1. Reagents
The list of reagents is given in Table 2. Each aqueous solution shall be prepared immediately before application. The reagents shall be made up and applied at (23 ± 5) °C.
4.4.4 Results
Note whether or not the reagent causes a stain or deterioration. wether or not such stain or deterioration is removed and if so with water or water with abrasive agent. lithe stain is not removed by the water with abrasive agent record as permanently stained.
4.5 Determination of resistance to wet and dry cycling
4.5.1 Test specimens
The specimens to be tested shall be (100 ± 2) mm square. Prior to commencing the test examine the show faces of the samples and mark any surface defects
4.5.2 Procedure
Place a maximum of 10 specimens to be tested vertically in a suitable carrier and place the carrier in a suitable open container. The carrier shall be arranged to avoid contact of one test specimen with another.
Pour 2 I of boiling water into the container, Test specimens must be covered.
Leave the test specimens in the water for (8 ± 0.25) h whilst allowing cooling to room temperature.
Remove the test specimens from the water, wipe the surfaces with a soft dampened cloth and place the test specimens for drying into an oven for (16 ± 0,5) h at a temperature of (50 ± 2) °C. When placing the test specimens in the oven ensure they do not touch the oven walls or each other.
Repeat this cycle 20 times using the same test specimens. In the event of an interruption of the test procedure, e.g. over the weekend. leave the test specimens in the oven at a temperature of
(50 ± 2)°C.
After 20 cycles brush over the show face of each test specimen with a solution of eosine (bOg/I in water) to which is added 1 cm3/1 of liquid detergent using a soft sponge or a paint brush. Leave the solution for (5± 1) mm, then remove from the surface by wiping with a clean soft dampened cloth.
4.5.3 Results
Verify and record any adverse changes in appearance (blisters, crazing. cracks etc.) by visual examination and by the presence of traces of eosine.
When making the visual inspection ignore the 3 mm width along each side to exclude any influence caused by the cut edges.
4.6 Verification of crosslinking
Cut a sample approximately (30 ± 5) mm x (20 ± 5) mm from the sheet under test. Place this in a sealed glass container with 100 ml of meth methacrylate or chloroform. Leave for at least 16 h (methyl methacrytate) or 2 h (chloroform) at (23 + 5) °C. After immersion check if the specimen is dissolved or sticks to the walls of the container. When touched with a glass rod or a spatula. check if the sample sticks to it or shows signs of stringing as the rod or spatula is removed.BS EN 263-2002 pdf download.