scope:

The purpose of this part of the standard is to specify the controls which must be maintained over the exposure conditions during and following the irradiation of insulating materials with ionizing radiation prior to the determination of radiation-induced changes in physical or chemical properties. This is especially necessary for organic materials (plastics, elastomers and fluids) because, in general, the changes are influenced considerably by variations in the environmental conditions surrounding the material during the radiation. No specific environmental conditions are recommended herein, but some possible and significant ambient conditions are described and the control of parameters which can influence the radiation-induced reactions at these conditions are specified as far as necessary to obtain reproducible radiation effects. Thereby the effect of radiation on any property may be determined by the use of the appropriate specimens, exposure conditions and test methods as described in Part 3. Performing measurements during irradiation is not within the scope of this standard.