4.1?The procedures outlined in this practice are designed to standardize the exposure of adhesive-bonded specimens for the purpose of studying the effects of ionizing radiation, but have been made flexible enough so that a large variety of conditions may be met within the scope of this one irradiation method. Because of this flexibility in the procedures, it is important that the experimenter have some idea of the kind of changes that will occur, and of the conditions that will affect these changes.

1.1?The purpose of this practice is to define conditions for the exposure of polymeric adhesives in bonded specimens to ionizing radiation prior to determination of radiation-induced changes in physical or chemical properties. This recommended practice specifically covers the following kinds of radiation: gamma or X-ray radiation, electron or beta radiation, neutrons, and mixtures of these such as reactor radiation.

1.2?This practice specifies only the conditions of irradiation but does not cover the preparation of test specimens, testing conditions, or the evaluation of test. These are covered in the various ASTM methods or specifications for specific materials.

1.3?This practice covers procedures for the following five types of exposure:

ProcedureAExposure at ambient conditions.

ProcedureBExposure at controlled temperature.

ProcedureCExposure in a medium other than air.

ProcedureDExposure under load.

ProcedureEExposure combining two or more of the variables listed in Procedures A to D.

1.4?The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are provided for information purposes only.

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

1.6?This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.