ASTM D1879-06 (2023) PDF

Full title and description

ASTM D1879-06(2023) — Standard Practice for Exposure of Adhesive Specimens to Ionizing Radiation. This practice defines conditions for exposing polymeric adhesives and adhesive-bonded specimens to ionizing (high-energy) radiation prior to determination of radiation-induced changes in physical or chemical properties. It covers gamma/X-ray, electron/beta, neutron, and mixed (reactor) radiation and provides procedural options for ambient, controlled-temperature, non-air media, loaded, and combined exposures.

Abstract

This practice standardizes irradiation conditions and reporting for studies of adhesive performance after exposure to ionizing radiation. It specifies exposure procedures (A–E), conditioning and specimen handling recommendations, dosimetry/reporting expectations (dose and dose rate), and safety/conditioning considerations. Preparation of specimens, detailed test methods and property evaluations are outside this practice and are to be taken from the appropriate ASTM test methods or specifications.

General information

• Status: Active — reapproved 2023 (D1879-06R23).
• Publication date: January 2023 (reapproval; last revision 2006).
• Publisher: ASTM International (American Society for Testing and Materials).
• ICS / categories: 83.180 — Adhesives.
• Edition / version: Designation D1879 − 06 (Reapproved 2023) — often shown as D1879-06R23.
• Number of pages: 5 pages.

Scope

The practice defines irradiation conditions for polymeric adhesives in bonded specimens to permit study of radiation-induced changes in mechanical, chemical or other properties. It applies to gamma/X-ray, electron/beta and neutron exposures and to reactor-type mixed fields. The practice covers only irradiation conditions and specimen handling before and after exposure; specimen preparation, mechanical or chemical testing and property evaluation are covered by other ASTM methods.

Key topics and requirements

• Procedures A–E for exposure: ambient (A), controlled temperature (B), non-air medium (C), exposure under load (D), and combined variables (E).
• Specification and reporting of total absorbed dose and dose rate (use grays/kilograys and indicate rad conversions if used).
• Guidance on specimen selection, thickness effects and use of irradiated and non‑irradiated control specimens.
• Conditioning recommendations before and after exposure (standard laboratory atmosphere, times, and special handling for specimens exposed in non‑air media).
• Dosimetry and calibration guidance — call out to relevant dosimetry guides and ISO/ASTM dosimetry practices.
• Reporting requirements: type of radiation, environment (air/inert/medium), temperature, dose, dose rate, specimen geometry, and any post‑irradiation storage.
• Safety and practical cautions (electrical instrumentation hazards, radiofrequency cautions, and general radiation safety responsibilities are user obligations).

Typical use and users

Used by adhesive/materials researchers, aerospace and space‑systems engineers, nuclear/reactor materials laboratories, radiation processing facilities, quality/assurance laboratories evaluating radiation-induced ageing or radiation hardness, and manufacturers of adhesives and bonded assemblies that must perform in ionizing radiation environments.

Related standards

Commonly referenced standards and guides include ASTM D618 (conditioning plastics), ASTM D907 (adhesive terminology), ASTM E170 (radiation dosimetry terminology), ISO/ASTM dosimetry practices (e.g., ISO/ASTM 51261, ISO/ASTM 51649), and various ASTM test methods for measuring specific adhesive properties and strengths. The practice sits under ASTM Committee D14 (Adhesives) and Subcommittee D14.80.

Keywords

ionizing radiation; adhesive; adhesives; exposure; radiation hardness; dosimetry; gamma; X‑ray; electron; beta; neutron; durability; conditioning; radiation-induced ageing; adhesive specimens.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM D1879-06(2023) is a practice that specifies procedures and reporting for exposing adhesive specimens and adhesive-bonded assemblies to ionizing (high‑energy) radiation to study radiation-induced changes in properties.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers irradiation conditions (types of radiation, dose and dose rate reporting), five exposure procedures (ambient, controlled temperature, non‑air medium, under load, and combined exposures), specimen conditioning and handling, and guidance on dosimetry and reporting. It does not prescribe preparation of specimens or the post‑exposure test methods used to measure properties.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Researchers, test laboratories, materials and adhesive manufacturers, aerospace and nuclear engineers, and anyone evaluating adhesive performance or degradation after ionizing radiation exposure.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The practice was originally approved in 1961, last revised in 2006 and reapproved/maintained in 2023 (designation shown as D1879-06R23). As of the 2023 reapproval it is current; users should confirm the latest status with ASTM if required.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is part of the body of adhesive standards maintained by ASTM Committee D14 (Adhesives) and is intended to be used with specific ASTM test methods for property measurements and with ISO/ASTM dosimetry guides. It appears in the Book of Standards under the adhesives volume.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Ionizing radiation, adhesive, dosimetry, gamma, X‑ray, electron, neutron, durability, exposure, conditioning, radiation-induced degradation.