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AS 2001.4.B02 Textile Colorfastness to Artificial Light (Xenon Arc Fading Lamp) Test
Category:
Colorfastness
AS 2001.4.B02 Standard Description
AS 2001.4.B02 Methods of test for textiles - Colourfastness tests - Colourfastness to artificial light: Xenon arc fading lamp test
AS 2001.4.B02 Standard Introduction
AS 2001.4.B02 is an important Australian standard method for evaluating the colorfastness of textiles under artificial light exposure. This method uses a xenon arc lamp to simulate full-spectrum daylight and performs accelerated fading tests under controlled conditions, enabling accurate evaluation of color changes and durability degradation caused by light exposure during actual use or display.AS 2001.4.B02 helps manufacturers ensure that textile products maintain their appearance and performance after prolonged exposure to light, thereby reducing quality issues and economic losses caused by fading.
AS 2001.4.B02 Scope of Application
AS 2001.4.B02 is applicable to all types of textile materials, including various forms and compositions of textiles.
AS 2001.4.B02 Test Method
According to AS 2001.4.B02, the textile specimen and a set of blue wool reference standards are exposed simultaneously under a xenon arc lamp according to specified test conditions. After exposure, the lightfastness rating of the textile is determined by comparing the color change of the specimen with the corresponding changes of the blue wool reference standards.
Note: For white textiles, including products treated with bleaching agents or optical brighteners, the evaluation is based on the difference in whiteness change between the specimen and the reference standard to determine the lightfastness rating.
AS 2001.4.B02 Five modes of exposure
Before testing, the humidity chamber conditions shall be checked and adjusted. The test specimen and blue wool reference standards are mounted together and exposed under controlled conditions (temperature: 50 ± 2°C, relative humidity: 85 ± 5%). The specimen holder shall ensure that the specimen is securely mounted without bending or deformation, and the exposed surface shall face upward during mounting.
Method 1(Suitable for dispute testing or situations requiring accurate grading.)
The test specimen and blue wool reference standards are mounted on the specimen holder and covered with an opaque cover. The middle one-third section (AB) is covered.The specimens are exposed under a xenon arc lamp, and the cover is periodically removed for inspection. When the color difference between the exposed and unexposed portions of the specimen reaches Grade 4–5 on the gray scale, the number of the blue wool reference standard showing a similar degree of change is recorded.If the color difference of reference standard No. 7 or L7 reaches the gray scale Grade 4 first, the test is terminated.For white textiles (including bleached or optically brightened textiles), exposure continues until the color difference of the specimen reaches Grade 4 on the gray scale.
Method 2(Suitable for testing a large number of specimens simultaneously.)
The test specimen and reference standards are mounted on the specimen holder and covered with an opaque cover. One-quarter of the exposure area (AB) is covered.The reference standards are inspected periodically. When reference standard No. 3 or L2 reaches a color difference corresponding to Grade 4–6 on the gray scale, the lightfastness of the specimen is preliminarily assessed.Subsequently, additional covers are applied to sections CD and EF, and exposure continues until reference standard No. 7 or L7 reaches Grade 4 on the gray scale, or until the most light-resistant specimen reaches Grade 3 on the gray scaFor white textiles, the required rating is Grade 4.
Method 3(Used to verify whether the specimen meets specified performance requirements.)
The test specimen and two sets of reference standards are exposed until the minimum required reference standard reaches the corresponding gray scale ratings of Grade 4 and Grade 3.For white textiles, only Grade 4 is required.
Method 4(Used for comparison with a specified reference specimen.)
The test specimen and reference specimen are exposed simultaneously until the color difference of the reference specimen reaches Grade 4 and/or Grade 3 on the gray scale.For white textiles, the requirement is Grade 4.If the color change of the test specimen does not exceed that of the reference specimen, the result is classified as “Qualified.” Otherwise, it is classified as “Nonconforming.”
Method 5(Testing based on a predetermined radiant energy level.)
The test specimen and reference standard are exposed to the specified radiant energy level. After exposure, the specimens are removed and evaluated according to the standard requirements using a gray scale for color difference assessment.
SATISFY offers textile colorfastness testing services, including product evaluation, test follow-up, report interpretation, and improvement recommendations. Please contact SATISFY customer service for more information.
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