Overview
ISO 17223:2026, Plastics - Determination of yellowness index and change in yellowness index is an internationally recognized standard developed by ISO. This standard outlines an instrumental method for evaluating the yellowness index and changes in the yellowness index in clear, translucent, or opaque plastics. The standard is particularly valuable for assessing how environmental factors, such as heat and UV exposure, impact the colour stability of plastic materials. Adhering to ISO 17223:2026 helps manufacturers and laboratories ensure consistent, reliable, and comparable results when measuring and reporting color changes in plastics.
Key Topics
- Yellowness Index Measurement
Provides a systematic approach for quantifying the yellowness index (YI), defining the deviation of a plastic specimen’s color from pure whiteness toward yellow.
- Change in Yellowness Index
Introduces the procedure for determining the difference in yellowness index before and after exposure to specific environmental conditions, enabling evaluation of color stability.
- Applicable Sample Types
Suitable for clear, translucent, and opaque plastics, including various sample shapes such as sheets, films, moulded plaques, discs, powders, and pellets.
- Instrumental Methodologies
Includes guidance for using transmission and reflection measurement techniques, supported by specific optical geometries (e.g., di:8, de:8, 0:0) to ensure accurate evaluation for varying sample types.
- Measurement and Conditioning Environments
Describes sample conditioning in standardized atmospheres and environmental controls to ensure test consistency.
- Test Reporting Requirements
Specifies detailed information to be included in test reports for traceability and standardization, including sample identification, test conditions, and instrument details.
Applications
ISO 17223:2026 is essential for quality assurance, research, and product development across industries where plastic appearance and color stability are critical. Key applications include:
- Plastics Manufacturing
Ensures production consistency and helps detect pigment or additive degradation over time.
- Environmental Resistance Testing
Assesses the impact of environmental stressors like heat, light, and UV exposure on plastic coloration, supporting weathering and aging studies.
- Quality Control in Polymer Processing
Monitors batch-to-batch color uniformity and evaluates changes during storage or processing.
- Material Selection and Certification
Provides reliable data to support material approval processes and compliance with regulatory or industry requirements.
- R&D and Comparative Studies
Facilitates the benchmarking of different formulations or processing methods with quantifiable yellowness index data.
Related Standards
When implementing or referencing ISO 17223:2026, several other international standards are relevant for plastics testing and color measurement:
- ISO 291 - Plastics - Standard atmospheres for conditioning and testing
Specifies the controlled conditions for preparing and testing plastic specimens.
- ISO 1043-1 - Plastics - Symbols and abbreviated terms - Part 1: Basic polymers and their special characteristics
Facilitates standardized material identification and reporting.
- ISO 5725-2 - Accuracy (trueness and precision) of measurement methods and results - Part 2
Provides methodologies for evaluating repeatability and reproducibility in measurement methods.
- ASTM E313 - Standard Practice for Calculating Yellowness and Whiteness Indices from Instrumentally Measured Color Coordinates
Offers foundational calculation methods referenced in ISO 17223:2026.
- CIE 15 - Colorimetry
Defines optical geometry and colorimetric methods critical to objective color evaluations.
By following ISO 17223:2026, organizations can standardize their testing protocols, improve product reliability, and enhance customer confidence in plastic products by ensuring consistent and accurate measurement of colour changes.