Weathering test method and sample holder used therein

A method for carrying out a weathering test on a sample, comprising:

• providing a sample holder having a pair of fixed sample holding members spaced from each other for holding respective ends of a sample to be tested, a force applying member for applying a lateral bending force to the sample to be tested, a force applying member mounting means on which said force applying member is movably mounted, said force applying member mounting means extending outwardly at an angle to a plane extending between said sample holding members, and a force applying means made of a material which is expandable and contractable by a predetermined amount with variations in temperature over a predetermined range and which is engaged with said force applying member mounting means;
• mounting a sample in said holder by connecting respective ends of the sample to said sample holding members;
• positioning said holder in an environment under weather conditions corresponding to those for which the sample is to be tested and including repeatedly varying temperature varying in a range of temperatures in which said force applying means expands and contracts for exposing said sample to said weather conditions while applying varying bending force to said sample by the expansion and contraction of said force applying means in accordance with the variations in temperature;
• and
• evaluating the weather-fastness of the thus tested sample.

A sample holder for mounting a sample for a weather fastness test, comprising:

• a fixed sample holding member for holding one end of a sample to be tested;
• a movable sample holding member for holding the other end of the sample to be tested;
• a movable sample holding member mounting means on which said movable sample holding member is movably mounted for movement toward and away from said fixed sample holding member;
• and
• a force applying means made of a material which is expandable and contractable by a predetermined amount with a variation in temperature over a predetermined range, said force applying means being engaged with said movable sample holding member mounting means for moving said movable sample holding member to apply a force to the sample in accordance with the expansion and contraction of said force applying means as the temperature of the ambient environment in which said sample holder is present increases and decreases.

A sample holder for mounting a sample for a weather fastness test, comprising:

• a pair of fixed sample holding members spaced from each other for holding respective ends of a sample to be tested;
• a force applying member for applying a lateral bending force to the sample;
• a force applying member mounting means on which said force applying member is movably mounted, said force applying member mounting means having an end secured to said holder and extending outwardly at an angle to a plane extending between said sample holding members, said force applying member being movable along said force applying member mounting means for movement toward and away from said plane between said fixed sample holding members;
• and
• a force applying means made of a material which is expandable and contractable by a predetermined amount with a variation in temperature over a predetermined range, said force applying means being engaged with said force applying member for moving said force applying member along said force applying member mounting means to apply a lateral force to the sample in accordance with the expansion and contraction of said force applying means as the temperature of the ambient environment in which said sample holder is present increases and decreases.