BS DD Cen - TS 15534-1-2007

Licensed Copy: Gilbert Athens, University of Birmingham, 06/06/2008 18:42, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) BSI
DRAFT FOR DEVELOPMENT
DD CEN/TS
15534-1:2007
Incorporating
corrigendum no. 1
Wood-plastics
composites (WPC)
Part 1: Test methods for
characterisation of WPC materials and
products
ICS 79.060.01
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DD CEN/TS 15534-1:2007
National foreword
This Draft for Development is the UK implementation of
CEN/TS 15534-1:2007.
This publication is not to be regarded as a British Standard.
It is being issued in the Draft for Development series of publications and is of
a provisional nature. It should be applied on this provisional basis, so that
information and experience of its practical application can be obtained.
Comments arising from the use of this Draft for Development are requested so
that UK experience can be reported to the European organization responsible
for its conversion to a European standard. A review of this publication will be
initiated not later than 3 years after its publication by the European
organization so that a decision can be taken on its status. Notification of the
start of the review period will be made in an announcement in the appropriate
issue of Update Standards.
According to the replies received by the end of the review period, the
responsible BSI Committee will decide whether to support the conversion into
a European Standard, to extend the life of the Technical Specification or to
withdraw it. Comments should be sent to the Secretary of the responsible BSI
Technical Committee at British Standards House, 389 Chiswick High Road,
London W4 4AL.
The UK participation in its preparation was entrusted to Technical Committee
PRI/82, Thermoplastic materials.
A list of organizations represented on this committee can be obtained on
request to its secretary.
This publication does not purport to include all the necessary provisions of a
contract. Users are responsible for its correct application.
This Draft for Development

was published under the
authority of the Standards
Policy and Strategy Committee
on 29 June 2007
Amendments issued since publication

Amd. No.
Date
Comments
17306
31 August 2007
Implementation of CEN Correction Notice

July 2007: in Annex A, A.2, indent f), cross
reference to Figure B.1 modified to read
Figure A.1
Corrigendum No. 1
BSI 2007
ISBN 978 0 580 59570 7
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
CEN/TS 15534-1
SPCIFICATION TECHNIQUE
TECHNISCHE SPEZIFIKATION
May 2007
ICS 79.060.01
English Version
Wood-plastics composites (WPC) - Part 1: Test methods for

characterisation of WPC materials and products
Composites bois-plastiques (WPC) - Partie 1 : Mthodes
d'essai pour la caractrisation des matriaux WPC et des
produits en WPC
Holz-Polymer-Werkstoffe (WPC) - Teil 1: Prfverfahren fr

die Beschreibung von WPC-Werkstoffen und Erzeugnissen
This Technical Specification (CEN/TS) was approved by CEN on 29 December 2006 for provisional application.
The period of validity of this CEN/TS is limited initially to three years. After two years the members of CEN will be requested to submit their
comments, particularly on the question whether the CEN/TS can be converted into a European Standard.
CEN members are required to announce the existence of this CEN/TS in the same way as for an EN and to make the CEN/TS available
promptly at national level in an appropriate form. It is permissible to keep conflicting national standards in force (in parallel to the CEN/TS)
until the final decision about the possible conversion of the CEN/TS into an EN is reached.
CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland,
France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal,
Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom.
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION

COMIT EUROPEN DE NORMALISATION
EUROPISCHES KOMITEE FR NORMUNG
Management Centre: rue de Stassart, 36
2007 CEN
All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved

worldwide for CEN national Members.
B-1050 Brussels
Ref. No. CEN/TS 15534-1:2007: E
CEN/TS 15534-1:2007
Contents
Page
Foreword..............................................................................................................................................................4
Introduction .........................................................................................................................................................5
1
Scope ......................................................................................................................................................6
Normative references ............................................................................................................................6
Terms and definitions ...........................................................................................................................8
Test specimens ......................................................................................................................................8
Conditioning...........................................................................................................................................9
6
6.1
6.2
6.3
6.4
Physical properties................................................................................................................................9
Density ....................................................................................................................................................9
Moisture content ....................................................................................................................................9
Heat deflection temperature (HDT) ....................................................................................................10
Coefficient of friction...........................................................................................................................10
7
7.1
7.1.1
7.1.2
7.1.3
7.2
7.3
7.3.1
7.3.2
7.3.3
7.4
7.4.1
7.4.2
7.5
7.6
7.7
Mechanical properties .........................................................................................................................10

Impact resistance.................................................................................................................................10
Flexural impact.....................................................................................................................................10
Falling mass impact ............................................................................................................................10
Puncture impact...................................................................................................................................11
Tensile properties ................................................................................................................................11
Flexural properties...............................................................................................................................11
Materials ...............................................................................................................................................11
Non-load bearing products.................................................................................................................11
Load bearing products ........................................................................................................................11
Creep behaviour...................................................................................................................................12
Materials ...............................................................................................................................................12
Products ...............................................................................................................................................12
Resistance to indentation (Brinell hardness) ...................................................................................12
Nail and screw withdrawal ..................................................................................................................12
Pull through resistance .......................................................................................................................12
8
8.1
8.1.1
8.1.2
8.1.3
8.2
8.3
8.4
8.5
8.5.1
8.5.2
8.6
8.6.1
8.6.2
8.6.3
Durability ..............................................................................................................................................13
Resistance to artificial weathering.....................................................................................................13
Xenon-arc sources...............................................................................................................................13
Fluorescent UV lamps for coated WPC products.............................................................................14
Other test methods ..............................................................................................................................14
Resistance to natural ageing..............................................................................................................14
Swelling and water absorption...........................................................................................................14
Dimensional changes (changes in relative humidity of air) ............................................................14
Moisture resistance .............................................................................................................................15
Under cyclic conditions ......................................................................................................................15
Closed environment at elevated temperature...................................................................................15
Resistance against biological agents................................................................................................15
Ageing procedure ................................................................................................................................15
Resistance against termites ...............................................................................................................16
Resistance against wood decaying and staining fungi and micro-organisms .............................16
9
9.1
9.2
9.3
Thermal properties ..............................................................................................................................17

Linear thermal expansion ...................................................................................................................17
Heat reversion ......................................................................................................................................17
Heat build-up ........................................................................................................................................18
CEN/TS 15534-1:2007
10
10.1
10.2
10.2.1
10.2.2
10.2.3
Burning behaviour...............................................................................................................................18
Limit oxygen index (LOI).....................................................................................................................18
Reaction to fire ....................................................................................................................................18
Single flame source test .....................................................................................................................18
Single burning item (SBI) test ............................................................................................................18
Radiant heat source test (for floorings) ............................................................................................18
11
11.1
11.2
11.3
Other properties ..................................................................................................................................19

Degree of chalking ..............................................................................................................................19
Change of gloss...................................................................................................................................19
Peel strength resistance .....................................................................................................................19
12
Summary of the properties and relevant test methods...................................................................20
Bibliography......................................................................................................................................................41
CEN/TS 15534-1:2007
Foreword
This document (CEN/TS 15534-1:2007) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 249 Plastics,
the secretariat of which is held by NBN.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of patent
rights. CEN [and/or CENELEC] shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
CEN/TS 15534 consists of the following parts, under the general title Wood-plastics composites (WPC):
Part 1: Test methods for characterisation of WPC materials and products
Part 2: Characterisation of WPC materials
Part 3: Characterisation of WPC products.
According to the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organizations of the following
countries are bound to announce this Technical Specification: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech
Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia,
Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain,
Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.
CEN/TS 15534-1:2007
Introduction
The denomination wood-plastics composites, WPC, is usually used to designate materials or products made
of one or more natural fibres or flours and a polymer or a mixture of polymers. Natural fibres and flours come
from different vegetable sources (e.g. wood, hemp, sisal, jute, kenaf, rice) and all kind of polymers (virgin or
recycled) can be used but currently the most common ones are poly(vinyl chloride) PVC, polypropylene (PP)
and polyethylene (PE).
WPC materials can be considered neither as filled plastics nor as a special kind of wood. They should be
considered as a different material having their own characteristics.
The main applications of WPC products are at present decking, siding, cladding, panelling and fencing
furniture. WPC materials can be processed by different techniques, as extruding for profiles and pipes,
calendering for films and sheets or injection moulding. The contents of natural fibres and polymers depend on
the application and the processing techniques.
As the market of WPC materials and products is currently growing in Europe, there is a lack of harmonisation
for the test methods needed to characterise WPC materials and products and for the specifications they
should comply with. Up to now, each branch of industry has its own practice and used its own test methods. In
this context, a European Technical Specification seemed to be the best choice to increase the experience and
knowledge in order to guarantee that quality products in this new market. The status of Technical Specification
has also been chosen because the WPC materials and products and their characteristics are not sufficiently
known for the time being.
It consists of the following parts:
Part 1: to identify the test methods and their relevant parameters and test conditions to be used for the
determination of the characteristics of WPC materials and products;
Part 2: to identify the required and optional properties of WPC materials;
Part 3: to identify the required and optional properties of WPC products.
This Technical Specification may be transformed into a European Standard after several years when the state
of the art will be better known and stabilized.
CEN/TS 15534-1:2007
Scope
This Technical Specification specifies test methods and their relevant parameters and test conditions to be
used in determining selected properties of wood-plastics composites, usually called WPC, materials and
products. It is applicable to cellular or non-cellular WPC materials processed through plastics processing
techniques, as defined in Clause 3.
The properties have been selected from the test methods usually used in the plastics and wood fields.
These test methods are primarily intended to be used for the characterisation of WPC materials (see CEN/TS
[1]
[2]
15534-2 ) and WPC products (see CEN/TS 15534-3 ).
NOTE
This document may be revised when other parts of CEN/TS 15534 are being amended or added.
The purpose of this document is to provide test methods to assess a wide range of performance
characteristics for WPC materials and products. But, all the characteristics listed in this part of CEN/TS 15534
are not necessarily to be assessed for a given application.
This Technical Specification takes into account the current state of the art and is intended to be used by WPC
material suppliers and converters. No limitation has been introduced for the content of cellulosic materials.
Normative references
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document. For dated
references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced
document (including any amendments) applies.
EN 117:2005, Wood preservatives Determination of toxic values against Reticulitermes species (European
termites) (laboratory method)
EN 310, Wood based panels Determination of modulus of elasticity in bending and of bending strength
EN 317, Particleboards and fibreboards Determination of swelling in thickness after immersion in water
EN 318, Wood-based panels Determination of dimensional changes associated with changes in relative
humidity
EN 321, Wood based panels Determination of moisture resistance under cyclic test conditions
EN 477:1995, Unplasticized polyvinylchloride (PVC-U) profiles for the fabrication of windows and doors
Determination of the resistance to impact of main profiles by falling mass
EN 479, Unplasticized polyvinylchloride (PVC-U) profiles for the fabrication of windows and doors
Determination of heat reversion
EN 789:2004, Timber structures Test methods Determination of mechanical properties of wood based
panels
EN 927-6, Paints and varnishes Coating materials and coating systems for exterior wood Part 6:
Exposure of wood coatings to artificial weathering using fluorescent UV lamps and water
ENV 1156, Wood-based panels Determination of duration of load and creep factors
CEN/TS 15534-1:2007
EN 1383, Timber structures Test methods Pull through resistance of timber fasteners
EN 1534, Wood and parquet flooring Determination of resistance to indentation (Brinell) Test method
ENV 12038:2002, Durability of wood and wood-based products Wood-based panels Method of test for
determining the resistance against wood-destroying basidiomycetes
EN 13446, Wood-based panels Determination of withdrawal capacity of fasteners
EN 13823, Reaction to fire tests for building products Building products excluding floorings exposed to the
thermal attack by a single burning item
EN 13893, Resilient, laminate and textile floor coverings Measurement of dynamic coefficient of friction on
dry floor surfaces
CEN/TS 15083-2:2005, Durability of wood and wood-based products Determination of the natural durability
of solid wood against wood-destroying fungi, test methods Part 2: Soft rotting micro-fungi
prEN 15458, Paints and varnishes Laboratory method for testing the efficacy of film preservatives in a
coating against algae
EN 20105-A03, Textiles Tests for colour fastness Part A03: Grey scale for assessing staining (ISO 105A03:1993)
EN ISO 75-1, Plastics Determination of temperature of deflection under load Part 1: General testing
conditions (ISO 75-1:2004)
EN ISO 75-2, Plastics Determination of temperature of deflection under load Part 2: Plastics, ebonite
and long-fibre-reinforced composites (ISO 75-2:2004)
EN ISO 178, Plastics Determination of flexural properties (ISO 178:2001)
EN ISO 179-1, Plastics Determination of Charpy impact properties Part 1: Non-instrumented impact test
(ISO 179-1:2000)
EN ISO 291, Plastics Standard atmospheres for conditioning and testing (ISO 291:2005)
EN ISO 472:2001, Plastics Vocabulary (ISO 472:1999)
EN ISO 527-1, Plastics Determination of tensile properties Part 1: General principles (ISO 527-1:1993
including Corr 1:1994)
EN ISO 527-2, Plastics Determination of tensile properties Part 2: Test conditions for moulding and
extrusion plastics (ISO 527-2:1993 including Corr 1:1994)
EN ISO 877, Plastics Methods for exposure to direct weathering, to weathering using glass-filtered daylight,
and to intensified weathering by daylight using Fresnel mirrors (ISO 877:1994)
EN ISO 899-2, Plastics Determination of creep behaviour Part 2: Flexural creep by three-point loading
(ISO 899-2:2003)
EN ISO 1183-1, Plastics Methods for determining the density of non-cellular plastics Part 1: Immersion
method, liquid pyknometer method and titration method (ISO 1183-1:2004)
EN ISO 1183-3, Plastics Methods for determining the density of non-cellular plastics Part 3: Gas
pyknometer method (ISO 1183-3:1999)
CEN/TS 15534-1:2007
EN ISO 2813, Paints and varnishes -- Determination of specular gloss of non-metallic paint films at 20, 60
and 85 (ISO 2813:1994, including Technical Corrigendum 1:1997)
EN ISO 4589-2, Plastics Determination of burning behaviour by oxygen index Part 2: Ambienttemperature test (ISO 4589-2:1996)
EN ISO 4628-6, Paints and varnishes Evaluation of degradation of coatings Designation of quantity and
size of defects, and of intensity of uniform changes in appearance Part 6: Assessment of degree of
chalking by tape method (ISO 4628-6:2006)
EN ISO 4892-1, Plastics Methods of exposure to laboratory light sources Part 1: General guidance
(ISO 4892-1:1999)
EN ISO 4892-2, Plastics Methods of exposure to laboratory light sources Part 2: Xenon-arc lamps
(ISO 4892-2:2006)
EN ISO 6603-2, Plastics Determination of puncture impact behaviour of rigid plastics Part 2:
Instrumented puncture test (ISO 6603-2:2000)
EN ISO 9142:2003, Adhesives Guide to the selection of standard laboratory ageing conditions for testing
bonded joints (ISO 9142:2003)
EN ISO 9239-1, Reaction to fire tests for floorings Part 1: Determination of the burning behaviour using a
radiant heat source (ISO 9239-1:2002)
EN ISO 11925-2, Reaction to fire tests Ignitability of building products subjected to direct impingement of
flame Part 2: Single-flame source test (ISO 11925-2:2002)
ISO 7724-1, Paints and varnishes Colorimetry Part 1: Principles
ISO 7724-2, Paints and varnishes Colorimetry Part 2: Colour measurement
ISO 7724-3, Paints and varnishes Colorimetry Part 3: Calculation of colour differences
ISO 11359-2, Plastics Thermomechanical analysis (TMA) Part 2: Determination of coefficient of linear
thermal expansion and glass transition temperature
ISO 16869, Plastics Assessment of the effectiveness of fungistatic compounds in plastics formulations
ISO 16979:2003, Wood-based panels Determination of moisture content
Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions given in EN ISO 472:2001 and the
following apply.
3.1
wood-plastics composite, WPC
material or product made thereof being the result of the combination of one or several cellulosic materials with
one or several thermoplastics and being or to be processed through plastic processing techniques
Test specimens
Unless otherwise specified in the relevant test method, the test specimens shall be prepared by sawing,
milling or sanding (grade 120 or grade 240) on all surfaces and their finished dimensions shall be 50 mm x 50
mm x 4 mm.
CEN/TS 15534-1:2007
For cellular WPC products, the thickness of the test specimens shall be the actual thickness of the samples
from which they are prepared and shall be declared in the test report.
Conditioning
Unless otherwise specified in the relevant test method, the test specimens used for the determination of the
material and product characteristics shall be conditioned during at least 24 h in the standard atmosphere
23/50 (23 C, relative humidity 50 %) in accordance with EN ISO 291.
Physical properties
6.1
Density
The density of non-cellular WPC materials can be measured according to:
EN ISO 1183-1: This part of EN ISO 1183 specifies three methods for the determination of the density of
non-cellular plastics in the form of void-free moulded or extruded objects, as well as powders, flakes and
granules.
Method A: immersion method for solid plastics (except for powders) in void-free form. This method
consists of comparing the weight of the specimen in air and immerged in a liquid of specified density.
The density of the specimen is calculated using the Archimde principle.
Method B: liquid pyknometer method, for particles, powders, flakes, granules or small pieces of
finished parts. This method consists of comparing the weight of the pyknometer full of immersion
liquid and the pyknometer full with specimen and immersion liquid. The density of the specimen is
calculated using the Archimde principle.
Method C: titration method, for plastics in any void-free form. This method consists of mixing two
miscible liquids of different density, one lighter, the other heavier than specimen and to estimate the
density of the mixture where the specimen stays in suspension.
EN ISO 1183-3: Gas pyknometer method. The volume of a specimen of known apparent mass is
determined by measuring the change of gas volume within a pyknometer upon introducing the specimen.
The volume change may be obtained either directly by means of a movable piston or indirectly by
measuring the change of the pressure within the pyknometer and calculating the volume using
In order to avoid problems with liquid absorption by WPC materials, EN ISO 1183-3 is recommended.
Density for cellular WPC materials can be measured according to EN ISO 1183-3. This method consists of
measuring the volume and the mass of the sample and calculating the mass per unit volume of the sample.
6.2
Moisture content
ISO 16979 describes a test method for determining the moisture content of wood-based panels by weighing
the loss of mass of each test piece between its state at the time of sampling and its state after drying to
constant mass at (103 2) C, and calculation of this loss of mass as a percentage of the mass of the test
piece after drying.
Constant mass is considered to be reached when the results of two successive weighing operations, carried
out at a minimum interval of 24 h, do not differ by more than 0,1 % of the mass of the test pieces.
NOTE
[3]
ISO 16979:2003 is based on EN 322 .
CEN/TS 15534-1:2007
6.3
Heat deflection temperature (HDT)
EN ISO 75-1 gives a general test method for the determination of the temperature of deflection under load
(flexural stress under three-point loading) of plastics. In that method, a standard test specimen is subjected to
three-point bending under a constant load to produce stresses in the specimen. The temperature is raised at a
uniform rate, and the temperature at which the standard deflection occurs measured.
EN ISO 75-2 describes three methods using different test loads and two specimen positions, edgewise and
flatwise as follows:
Method A using a flexural stress of 1,80 MPa;
Method B using a flexural stress of 0,45 MPa;
Method C using a flexural stress of 8,00 MPa.
6.4
Coefficient of friction
EN 13893 specifies the method for the determination of the dynamic coefficient of friction on dry floor surfaces.
Skates made of a specified material and having a specified form are loaded in order to give a specified force
to the floor. The loaded skates are pulled parallel to the surface of the floor at a specified constant speed. The
horizontal force required for the pulling is registered over a certain distance. The horizontal force is divided by
the vertical force to calculate the dynamic coefficient of friction.
NOTE
Works are in progress in CEN/TC 339 for the preparation of test methods for the determination of the slip
resistance of pedestrian surfaces.
Mechanical properties
7.1
7.1.1
Impact resistance
Flexural impact
EN ISO 179-1 specifies a method for determining the Charpy impact strength of plastics under defined
conditions. A number of different types of methods are defined amongst which ISO 179-1/1fU is
recommended for the purpose of this Technical Specification. Method ISO 179-1/1fU refers to a flat wise
impacted unnotched specimen.
The method is used to investigate the behaviour of specified types of specimen under the impact conditions
defined and for estimating the brittleness or toughness of specimens within the limitations inherent in the test
conditions. It may also be used for the determination of comparative data from similar types of material.
The test specimen, supported near its ends as a horizontal beam, is impacted by a single blow of a striker,
with the line of impact midway between the supports, and bent at a high, nominally constant, velocity.
7.1.2
Falling mass impact
EN 477 describes a test method for determining the resistance to impact of profiles, subjected to a blow from
a known height on the sight surface at a point mid-way between two supporting webs at a given temperature.
EN 477 can be used to determine the resistance to impact of non-cellular WPC products. The energy level
used and the test temperature shall be declared in the test report.
However, EN 477 is not applicable for determining the resistance to impact of profiles made of cellular
materials. In this case the test method given in Annex A shall be used.
10
CEN/TS 15534-1:2007
7.1.3
Puncture impact
EN ISO 6603-2 which specifies a method for the determination of puncture impact properties of rigid plastics
in the form of flat specimens using instruments for measuring forces and deflection at a given temperature,
can be used for WPC products. The test atmosphere conditions shall be declared.
7.2
Tensile properties
EN ISO 527-1 specifies the general principles for determining the tensile properties of plastics and plastic
composites under defined conditions. The methods are used to investigate the tensile behaviour of the test
specimens and for determining the tensile strength, tensile modulus and other aspects of the tensile
stress/strain relationship. In these methods, the test specimen is extended along its major longitudinal axis at
constant speed until the specimen fractures or until the stress (load) or the strain (elongation) reaches some
predetermined value. The test conditions are specified in EN ISO 527-2.
The test specimen shall be dumb-bell-shaped 1B which is the shape preferred for machined specimens. Type
1A (directly-moulded multipurpose test specimens) is not recommended for WPC materials.
7.3
7.3.1
Flexural properties
Materials
EN ISO 178 specifies a test method for determining the flexural properties of rigid and semi-rigid plastics
under specified conditions. It also applies to fibre-reinforced compounds with fibre lengths 7,5 mm prior to
processing. A standard test specimen is defined (80 mm x 10 mm x 4 mm), but parameters are included for
alternative specimen sizes for use where appropriate. The test specimen, supported as a beam, is deflected
at a constant rate (2 0,5) mm/min, at the midspan until the specimen fractures or until the deformation
reaches some predetermined value.
7.3.2
Non-load bearing products
EN 310 specifies a method of determining the apparent modulus of elasticity in flat wise bending and bending
strength of wood-based panels of nominal thickness equal to or greater than 3 mm. The test method consists
of applying, at a given speed, a force by means of a loading edge in a transversal direction to the faces of the
test specimen, which is placed on two supporting positions.
The test specimen is a full size product, then cut in rectangular shape to length for testing. The full length of
the specimen is defined as being 20 times its thickness plus 50 mm.
NOTE
used.
If for technical reasons, the length as specified cannot be achieved, a specimen of a shorter length may be
The actual length of the specimen shall be declared in the test report.
The calculated value is the apparent modulus of elasticity, because of the shear forces induced in the
specimen. The bending strength is the maximum stress calculated from the maximum force recorded during
the bending procedure, at a constant rate of 10 mm/min.
7.3.3
Load bearing products
Clause 7 of EN 789:2004, which specifies a test method for determining bending properties of wood-based
panels, can be applied to WPC products intended to be used in load bearing structures.
11
CEN/TS 15534-1:2007
7.4
7.4.1
Creep behaviour
Materials
EN ISO 899-2 specifies a method for determining the flexural creep in the form of standard test specimen
under specified conditions. It applies only to a simple freely supported beam loaded at mid-span (three-pointloading test). The recommended test specimen dimensions are 80 mm x 10 mm x 4 mm. The method may be
unsuitable for certain fibre-reinforced materials due to differences in fibre orientation.
The applied stress shall be 25 % of the flexural strength determined according to EN ISO 178.
7.4.2
Products
ENV 1156 specifies a method of determining in a constant climate both a duration of load factor and a creep
factor for wood-based panels stressed in flatwise bending with and without a shear component.
The load duration factor (loss in strength with time under load) and the creep factor (ratio of increase in
deflection with time to the initial elastic deflection) in bending are determined in a constant climate by applying
and sustaining a constant moment over the central region of a test piece; both the time to failure, and the
increase in deflection with time are measured.
The width and thickness of test specimens are equal to the actual dimensions of the product.
The applied stress shall be 25 % of the flexural strength determined according to EN 310.
7.5
Resistance to indentation (Brinell hardness)
According to EN 1534, initially developed for wood and parquet flooring, the resistance to indentation is
determined by applying a loaded indenter (10 mm iron ball) onto the surface of the test specimen. For cellular
(or foamed) WPC material the load applied to the test specimen is 1 kN, and for solid (or non-cellular) WPC
material the load applied is 3 kN. The diameter of the residual indentation is used to evaluate the resistance to
indentation of the test specimen. The latter may be a representative element of the product or a sample,
preferably not smaller than a 50 mm x 50 mm square.
7.6
Nail and screw withdrawal
The determination of the withdrawal capacity of nails, screws and staples inserted into WPC products can be
determined according to EN 13446. This test method initially developed for wood-based panels can be used
for any combination of fastener type and WPC products. The specimens should preferentially be 50 mm x
50 mm square. They shall be conditioned in an atmosphere with a specified relative humidity to obtain a
constant weight before testing.
7.7
Pull through resistance
EN 1383 specifies a test method for determining the resistance of timber to the head pull through of timber
fasteners.
12
CEN/TS 15534-1:2007
Durability
8.1
Resistance to artificial weathering
8.1.1
Xenon-arc sources
EN ISO 4892-2 specifies methods for exposing specimens to xenon-arc light and water apparatus to
reproduce the weathering effects that occur when materials are exposed in actual end use environments to
daylight (Method A), or to daylight through window glass (Method B).
The specimens are exposed to filtered xenon-arc light under controlled environmental conditions
(temperature, humidity and/or moisture). Different types of xenon-arc light sources and different filter
combinations may be used to meet all requirements.
EN ISO 4892-1 gives general guidance relevant to the operation of the method specified in EN ISO 4892-2
and describes general performance requirements for devices used for exposing plastics to laboratory light
sources.
For external use, Method A of EN ISO 4892-2 is used with the following test conditions:
black-standard temperature: (60 3) C;
spray cycle:
duration of spraying: 18 min;
dry interval between spraying: 102 min.
relative humidity : (65 5) %
For internal use, Method B of EN ISO 4892-2 is used with the following test conditions:
black-standard temperature: (60 3) C;
without spraying;
relative humidity : (65 5) %.
NOTE
A calculation method for the determination of the irradiance and exposure time to be used for artificial
weathering according to EN ISO 4892-2 is given in Annex B.
The ageing of the WPC products may be assessed by:
the variation of the Charpy impact strength according to 7.1.1;
the degree of chalking according to 11.1;
the difference of colour determined in terms of the grey scale conforming to EN 20105-A03 or the
difference of colour, L*, a*, b*, E* determined according to ISO 7724-1, ISO 7724-2 and ISO 7724-3,
the change of gloss according to 11.2, and/or
the peel strength resistance according to 11.3.
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CEN/TS 15534-1:2007
8.1.2
Fluorescent UV lamps for coated WPC products
EN 927-6 specifies a method for determining the resistance of wood coatings to artificial weathering in
apparatus equipped with fluorescent UV lamps, condensation and water spray.
The properties of the exposed coatings are compared with those of unexposed coatings, prepared from the
same coating materials under identical conditions, or with coatings whose degradation properties are known.
The results obtained by the use of this method do not necessarily related directly to the results obtained under
natural exposure conditions. The relationship between these results needs to be established before the
method can be used to predict performance.
The exposure cycle of one week consists of a condensation period followed by a sub-cycle of water spray and
UV A- 340 irradiation. The complete cycle lasts for 168 h (= 1 week). The cycle shall be repeated 12 times
resulting in the total test exposure of 2016 h (= 12 weeks).
The panels are assessed for the following properties: flaking, cracking, blistering, chalking, adhesion, gloss,
colour and general appearance. Details of the corresponding test methods are given in Annex A of EN 927-6.
8.1.3
Other test methods
Other test methods may be used to evaluate the resistance to artificial weathering provided they are
standardized or publicly available.
8.2
Resistance to natural ageing
EN ISO 877 specifies methods of exposing plastics to solar radiation by direct exposure to natural weathering
(Method A).
The ageing of the WPC products may be assessed by:
the variation of the Charpy impact strength according to 7.1.1;
the slip resistance according to 6.4;
the degree of chalking according to 11.1;
the difference of colour determined in terms of the grey scale conforming to EN 20105-A03 or the
difference of colour, L*, a*, b*, E*, determined in according to ISO 7724-1, ISO 7724-2 and ISO
7724-3,
the change of gloss according to 11.2, and/or
The peel strength resistance according to 11.3.
8.3
Swelling and water absorption
EN 317 specifies a test method for determining the swelling in thickness of panels. The thickness of the
specimens is measured after a total immersion into water at a temperature of (20 2) C during 28 days.
The water absorption is calculated by differential weighing of the test specimens.
8.4
Dimensional changes (changes in relative humidity of air)
EN 318, which specifies a test method for determining the dimensional changes in wood-based panels due to
changes in the relative humidity of the air, can be used for WPC products.
14
CEN/TS 15534-1:2007
Because variations in relative humidity affect the moisture content and result in dimensional changes of WPC
products, test pieces are measured after conditioning to different levels of relative humidity.
In order to obtain the true dimensional changes, this is measured between 65 % relative humidity and 85 %
relative humidity in adsorption and between 65 % relative humidity and 30 % relative humidity in desorption.
All tests are performed at (20 2) C.
The width of test pieces shall be the actual width of the products.
8.5
8.5.1
Moisture resistance
Under cyclic conditions
EN 321, which specifies a test method for determining the moisture resistance of wood-based panels under
cyclic test conditions, can be used for WPC products.
Test pieces are exposed to three cycles, each comprising immersion in water, freezing, and drying at elevated
temperature. After cyclic treatment, the test pieces are then reconditioned.
The swelling in thickness of the test pieces after the cyclic test shall be determined according to EN 317,
based on the original thickness of the test piece and on the thickness of the test piece exhibited after the
cyclic treatment.
The residual bending strength shall be determined according to 7.3.2.
Constant mass is considered to be reached when the results of two successive weighing operations, carried
out at an interval of 48 h, do not differ by more than 0,1 % of the mass of each test piece.
The width of test pieces shall be the actual width of the products.
8.5.2
Closed environment at elevated temperature
Clause E.2 of EN ISO 9142:2003 describes the exposure to water using a damp compress. The damp-surface
conditions are produced by wrapping the test specimens in cotton wool and placing them in a sealable bag.
After saturating the cotton wool with water and sealing the bag, the specimens are placed in a chamber at a
temperature of 70 C for a selected exposure period (7 days preferably). The specimens are then placed in a
cold chamber at - 20 C during 15 h before the assessment of the properties.
The swelling in thickness of the test pieces after the exposure to moisture shall be determined according to
EN 317, based on the original thickness of the test piece and on the thickness of the test piece exhibited after
the exposure to moisture.
The appearance of the specimen shall also be examined.
8.6
8.6.1
Resistance against biological agents

Ageing procedure
[4]
NOTE
EN 84 is a valuable tool to evaluate the effect of leaching on the efficacy of an active ingredient. However, in
case of WPC materials the dense structure of the material contributes considerably to its protection. Therefore, it is
recommended to subject one set of the WPC samples prior to biological testing to an ageing procedure which considers
the changes in structure occurring during use. Due to a lack of experience no concrete proposal can be made for the time
being.
[5]
Ageing procedures which might be used as guidance for such a purpose are described in EN 927-6 (see 8.1.2), EN 152 ,
EN 321 (see 8.5.1) or by Clemons, CM; Ibach, B 2004: Effects of processing method and moisture history on laboratory
fungal resistance of wood-HDPE composites. Forest products Journal 45 (4), 50 57.
15
CEN/TS 15534-1:2007
8.6.2
Resistance against termites
EN 117 specifies a method for determination of the toxic value of a wood preservative against the
Reticulitermes species of the European termites.
With the changes and amendments given in Annex C, the biological test method described in EN 117 can be
used to determine the resistance of WPC materials against a termite attack.
The test principle is a no choice test in which a piece of WPC material is exposed to a group of termites which
has to live of this piece of WPC material as single nutrient source for a defined period of time. In case of
testing a type of WPC containing an insecticide also samples of the same type of WPC without biocide (so
called blanco) shall be included in the test to determine the improvement in durability caused by the
insecticide.
The test is evaluated by:
a)
expressing the amount of WPC material consumed as percentage of the initial mass, and
b)
reporting the score given in a visual assessment which describes the nibbling marks.
8.6.3
8.6.3.1
Resistance against wood decaying and staining fungi and micro-organisms

Resistance against basidiomycetes
ENV 12038 specifies a method to determine the durability of wood-based panel products to attack by wooddestroying basidiomycete fungi growing in pure culture.
With the changes given in Annex D, the biological test method described in ENV 12038:2002 can be used to
determine the resistance of WPC materials against an attack by wood-destroying basidiomycetes.
The test principle is the exposure of a piece of WPC material to an attack of basidiomycetes which are
incubated in a malt agar system serving as water reservoir as well as an additional nutrient source. The
basidiomycetes are used in pure culture and depending on the species a vermiculite overlay is used to create
suitable moisture conditions. In case of testing a type of WPC material containing a fungicide also a samples
of the same type of WPC material without biocide (so called blanco) shall be included in the test to
determine the improvement in durability caused by the fungicide.
8.6.3.2
Resistance against soil inhabiting soft rotting micro-fungi
CEN/TS 15083-2:2005 specifies a method of test for determining the natural durability of timber against soft
rotting micro-fungi.
With the changes given in Annex E, the test method described in CEN/TS 15083-2 can be used to determine
the resistance of WPC materials against an attack by soft rotting micro-fungi.
The test principle is the exposure of a piece of WPC material in unsterile soil in which the presence and
virulence of soft rotting micro-fungi is proven. The soft rotting micro-fungi are used as naturally present in soil
and suitable moisture conditions and temperature is maintained during the whole test period. In case of testing
a type of WPC material containing a fungicide also a samples of the same type of WPC material without
biocide (so called blanco) shall be included in the test to determine the improvement in durability caused by
the fungicide.
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CEN/TS 15534-1:2007
8.6.3.3
Resistance against discoloration caused by micro-organisms
8.6.3.3.1
Resistance against discolouring micro-fungi
ISO 16869 specifies a method for determining the effectiveness of fungistatic compounds in protecting
susceptible ingredients in plastic formulations. The method demonstrates whether or not a plastic product is
actively protected against an attack by mould fungi.
The test principle is the exposure of a WPC sample to a spore suspension of mould fungi in a nutrient agar
system. The samples are embedded in the nutrient agar and the germination/growth of the moulds is
observed over a defined period of incubation. The efficacy is assessed by observation of the presence of
mould growth on top of the samples by determination of the inhibition zone around the samples. In case of
testing a type of WPC material containing a fungicide also a samples of the same type of WPC material
without biocide (so called blanco) shall be included in the test to determine the improvement in durability
caused by the fungicide.
This method can be applied to WPC materials without amendments or changes.
Use at least three test pieces of 20 mm x 20 mm cut from three test specimens as defined in Clause 4,
coming from three different batches of WPC materials.
8.6.3.3.2
Resistance against discolouring algae
prEN 15458 specifies a method for determining the effectiveness of algaecide compounds in paint films. This
method demonstrates whether or not a paint film is actively protected against a discoloration by algae.
The test principle is the exposure of a WPC sample to a algae culture in a nutrient salt agar system. The
samples are embedded in the agar and the growth of the algae is observed over a defined period of
incubation. The efficacy is assessed by observation of the presence of algae growth on top of the samples by
determination of the inhibition zone around the samples.
In case of testing a type of WPC containing an algaecide also a samples of the same type of WPC material
without biocide (so called blanco) shall be included in the test to determine the improvement in durability
caused by the fungicide.
This method can be applied to WPC with minor amendments and changes (use WPC samples instead of
painted filter paper, consider the thickness of the WPC samples by embedding the samples into the nutrient
agar.)
9
9.1
Thermal properties
Linear thermal expansion
ISO 11359-2 specifies a test method, using thermodilatometry, for the determination of the coefficient of linear
thermal expansion in a solid state by thermomechanical analysis (TMA).
The change in a dimension of a test specimen is measured as a function of temperature using a TMA
apparatus to generate a TMA curve from which the coefficient of linear thermal expansion can be calculated.
The temperature range for the measurements is -30 C to 80 C, with a relative humidity of (50 10) %.
9.2
Heat reversion
This test establishes a percentage of linear shrinkage of profiles at elevated temperature. Dimensional stability
is an excellent indicator of any internal or residual stresses in the profile that may have resulted from the
extrusion process. In use shrinkage can lead to distortion of profiles.
17
CEN/TS 15534-1:2007
The heat reversion at 100 C of the profile is measured in accordance with EN 479. It consists of placing a test
piece of a specified length in an oven at 100 C for 1 h. A marked length of this test piece is measured under
identical conditions, before and after heating in the oven.
The heat reversion is calculated as the percentage change of the final length relative to the initial length per
pair of marks.
9.3
Heat build-up
The temperature rise above ambient air temperature caused by absorption of the suns energy (heat build-up)
may have a significant effect on the dimensional stability of WPC products. It may lead to distortion problems
due to the difference of temperature between the exposed and the non exposed sides and the resulting
difference in shrinkage of the product. The heat build-up is also a major factor with regard to comfort, for
instance when walking barefoot on the deck or dock boards.
The heat build-up is affected by the colour, emittance, absorbance and reflectance of a product.
Annex F describes a test method to measure the temperature rise under specified conditions, relative to that
of a black reference surface, useful for predicting the heat build-up under solar exposure.
10 Burning behaviour
10.1 Limit oxygen index (LOI)
EN ISO 4589-2 specifies a test method for determining the minimum concentration of oxygen, in admixture
with nitrogen at ambient temperature, that will support combustion of small vertical test specimens up to 10,5
mm thick. The specimen is placed in a transparent chimney in which the oxygen/nitrogen mixture is flowing
upwards. The upper end of the specimen is ignited and the subsequent burning behaviour of the specimen is
observed. The minimum oxygen concentration necessary for sustaining combustion is defined as the oxygen
index value.
10.2 Reaction to fire

10.2.1 Single flame source test
EN ISO 11925-2 specifies a test method that determines the ignitability of construction products through direct
application of a small single-flame source to a small vertical specimen. The specimen is 250 mm long and
90 mm wide, with a maximum thickness of 60 mm. The test method is also suitable for non-planar product in
which case, a 250 mm long representative specimen of the product may be tested directly.
10.2.2 Single burning item (SBI) test
In EN 13823, a test specimen, consisting of two vertical wings forming a right-angled corner, is exposed to the
flames from a 30 kW burner placed at the bottom of the corner. The dimensions of test specimen are quite
large: 1.5 m x 1 m for one wing, 1.5 m x 0.5 m for the other wing. The test duration is 20 min but the
performance of the specimen is evaluated over the first 10 minutes of the test. The performance parameters
are: heat production, lateral flame spread, smoke production and falling flaming droplets and particles.
10.2.3 Radiant heat source test (for floorings)
EN ISO 9239-1 specifies a method for assessing the wind-opposed burning behaviour and spread of flame of
horizontally mounted floorings exposed to a heat flux radiant gradient in a test chamber, when ignited with
pilot flames.
EN ISO 9239-1 is applicable to the measurement and description of the properties of floorings in response to
heat and flame under controlled laboratory conditions. It should not be used alone to describe or appraise the
18
CEN/TS 15534-1:2007
fire hazard or fire risk of floorings under actual fire conditions. The test specimens shall be representative of
the flooring, in its end use.
At 10 min intervals from the start of the test and at the flame-out time, the distances between the flame front
and the zero point are measured. Any significant phenomena such as transitory flaming, melting, blistering,
time and location of glowing combustion after flameout, penetration of the flame through to the substrate are
observed and recorded.
11 Other properties
11.1 Degree of chalking
EN ISO 4628-6 provides pictorial reference standards for designating the degree of chalking of paint coatings.
It also describes a method by which the degree of chalking is rated. In using this method, it is essential that
care be taken to distinguish between true degradation products and adhering dirt, particularly when chalking is
slight.
The chalking is removed from the coating under test using an adhesive tape. The chalking adhering to the
tape is examined against a contrasting background (either black or white, whichever gives the greater
contrast) and the degree of chalking is assessed with reference to a rating scale.
11.2 Change of gloss

EN ISO 2813 describes a method for determining the specular gloss of paint films using reflectometer
geometry of 20, 60 or 85. This method can be used for WPC products and the 60 geometry is
recommended.
11.3 Peel strength resistance

Annex G specified a test method for the determination of the peel strength of a laminated foil by measuring
the force perpendicular to the profile surface at a room temperature.
19
20
Physical properties
Heat deflection temperature (HDT)
Coefficient of friction (floor surfaces)
6.3
6.4
EN 310
EN 789
Non-load bearing products

Load bearing products
EN ISO 527-2 (T.1B)
EN ISO 178
Flexural properties
7.3
External use
EN ISO 527-1
Materials
Tensile properties
7.2
EN ISO 6603-2
Annex A
Cellular materials
Instrumented puncture impact
EN 477
EN ISO 179-1/1fU
EN 13893
EN ISO 75-2
EN ISO 75-1
ISO 16979
EN ISO 1183-1
EN ISO 1183-3
Test methods
Solid (non-cellular) materials
Falling mass impact (profiles)
Flexural impact
Impact resistance
Moisture content
6.2
7.1
Density
6.1
Characteristics
Table 1 Properties and relevant test methods
A summary of the properties and relevant test methods is given in Table 1.
12 Summary of the properties and relevant test methods
Internal use
CEN/TS 15534-1:2007
Durability
8.1.2
ISO 7724
EN ISO 4628-6
EN ISO 2813
Annex G
- Changes in colour
- Degree of chalking
- Change of gloss
- Peel strength resistance
-Test method and assessment
EN 927-6
EN ISO 179-1/1fU
- Charpy impact strength
Fluorescent UV lamps for coated WPC products
EN ISO 4892-2
Xenon-arc sources
8.1.1
EN 1383
EN 13446
- Test method
Resistance to artificial weathering
Pull through resistance
7.7
8.1
Nail and screw withdrawal
7.6
EN 1534
ENV 1156
- creep factor in flatwise bending
Resistance to indentation (Brinell hardness)
EN ISO 899-2
Test methods
- Flexural creep
Creep behaviour
7.5
7.4
Characteristics
Table 1 Properties and relevant test methods (continued)
X
X
Internal use
External use
CEN/TS 15534-1:2007
21
22
Durability (end)
EN 13893
- Slip resistance
ISO 16869
prEN 15458
Resistance against soil inhabiting soft rotting microfungi

Resistance to discolouring micro-fungi
Resistance against discolouring algae
8.6.3.2
8.6.3.3
CEN/TS 15083-2 and

Annex E
ENV 12038 and Annex

D
Resistance against basidiomycetes
8.6.3.1
EN 117 and Annex C
Resistance against termites
EN ISO 9142:2003 - E2
- Closed environment at elevated temperature
8.6.2
EN 321
EN 318
- Under cyclic test conditions
Moisture resistance
Annex G
- Peel strength resistance
8.5
EN ISO 2813
- Change of gloss
Dimensional changes (changes in RH of air)
EN ISO 4628-6
- Degree of chalking
8.4
ISO 7724
- Changes in colour
EN 317
EN ISO 179-1/1fU
- Charpy impact strength
Swelling and water absorption
EN ISO 877
Test methods
- Test method
Resistance to natural ageing
8.3
8.2
Characteristics
Table 1 Properties and relevant test methods (continued)
External use
Internal use
CEN/TS 15534-1:2007
Others properties
Burning behaviour
Thermal properties
Change of gloss
Peel strength resistance
11.2
11.3
Annex G
EN ISO 2813
EN ISO 4628-6
EN ISO 9239-1
- Radiant heat source (floorings)
Degree of chalking
EN ISO 11925-2
- Single flame source test
11.1
EN 13823
ISO 4589-2
Annex F
EN 479
ISO 11359-2
Test methods
- Single burning item (SBI) test
Reaction to fire
10.2
Heat build-up (building products)
9.3
Limit oxygen index (LOI)
Heat reversion (profiles)
9.2
10.1
Linear thermal expansion
9.1
Characteristics
Table 1 Properties and relevant test methods (finished)
External use
Internal use
CEN/TS 15534-1:2007
23
CEN/TS 15534-1:2007
Annex A
(normative)
Impact resistance of cellular material profiles
A.1 Principle
The impact resistance of cellular material profiles is measured at 23 C by striking the profile, completely
supported by a plate, with a mass falling vertically from a known height onto the exposed surface.
The energy levels are classified according to the results of a series of impact tests with a striker of specified
mass.
A.2 Apparatus
The impact resistance test is carried out with an impact testing machine, as described in EN 477,
incorporating the following equipment:
a)
a main frame, rigidly fixed in the vertical position ;
b)
guide rails or a guiding tube, rigidly fixed to the main frame to guide the striker and release it to fall
vertically and freely ;
c)
a rigid specimen support, comprising two rounded off steel supports (200 1) mm apart according to EN
477:1995, rigidly fixed to a solid foundation or to a table having a mass of more than 50 kg ;
d)
a release mechanism such that the striker can fall from a height which can be adjusted up to 1500 mm,
as measured from the top surface of the specimen ;
e)
a striker, with a smooth hemispherical striking surface of (25 0,5) mm radius; the total mass of the
striker shall be adjustable with relevant additional masses to the following masses: (100 1) g, (200 1)
g, (300 2) g, (400 2) g, (500 2) g, (1000 5) g, (1500 5) g, (2000 5) g or (m x 100 5) g where
m is an integer;
f)
a flat wooden plate (e.g. plywood of a minimum 32 mm thickness ) adjusted to the geometry of the profile
to support it completely when tested. Possible voids between back side of the profile and the support
plate can be filled up with a soft material such as cellular rubber filler. Figure A.1 gives examples of
profiles and corresponding plates.
A.3 Test specimens

Cut ten specimens, (300 10) mm long, from profiles selected at random from a batch.
In the case of profiles with webs, choose the impact point approximately at the mid point between the
supporting webs on the surface of the profile normally exposed, if applicable.
If the geometry of the profile clearly does not allow the impact point to be determined, the impact point and the
method of installation of the specimen shall be recorded.
24
CEN/TS 15534-1:2007
If the exposed and unexposed faces of the profile are identical, mark each face and submit ten specimens to
the impact resistance test on the external face.
A.1.a
A.1.b
A.1.c
A.1.d
Figure A.1 Examples of profiles and corresponding plates
25
CEN/TS 15534-1:2007
A.4 Conditioning
The specimens shall be conditioned at (23 2) C for at least 1 h before testing.
A.5 Procedure
Submit each specimen to the following test:
set down the specimen on the supports with the extrusion direction of the test specimen perpendicular to
the two rounded steel supports and the determined impact point positioned vertically to the striker ;
set up the falling height at (1 000 5) mm from the top surface of the specimen ;
release the striker.
Examine the specimen and record the result as "pass" or "fail". Failure occurs when the impacted surface of
the specimen splits or cracks. An unbroken dent of the impacted surface does not constitute failure.
In the case of a profile with a top layer/coating (laminated foil, lacquer-coating, co-extruded layer),
delamination of the top layer shall also be considered as a failure.
A.6 Expression of results

The energy levels for the impact resistance according to the striker total mass are given in Table A.1.
The value of the impact resistance shall be coded according to Table A.1.
For each energy level, the number of failures shall not be more than 1 out of 10 when the profile is tested
using the striker in accordance with Table A.1.
Table A.1 Energy levels and codes according to the striker total mass
Striker total mass
Energy level
100
01
(23,01)
200
02
(23,02)
300
03
(23,03)
400
04
(23,04)
500
05
(23,05)
1 000
10
(23,10)
1 500
15
(23,15)
2 000
20
(23,20)
m x 500 a
5xm
(23,5xm)
a m is an integer.
26
Code
CEN/TS 15534-1:2007
Annex B
(informative)
Irradiance level and exposure time to be used for artificial weathering
B.1 General
[6]
This Annex, based on EN 12608 describes a procedure to calculate the duration of the exposure needed to
assess the resistance to moderate (M) and severe (S) climates to be used for artificial weathering.
B.2 Classification by climatic zones

Two different climatic zones M (moderate climate) and S (severe climate) for Europe are given in Table B.1.
Table B.1 Classification of climatic zones in Europe
Annual total solar energy a on horizontal surface < 5 GJ/m

Average of the daily maximum temperature
warmest month per year
a
of the
Moderate climate
Severe climate
surface < 5 GJ/m
5 GJ/m
and
or
< 22 C
22 C
Values measured according the specifications of the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO).
B.3 Calculation
B.3.1 The climatic zones are classified in terms of the annual solar energy falling on a horizontal surface
and the average of the daily maximum temperature of the warmest month per year (see Table B.1).
B.3.2
For the purpose of this calculation the following assumption is made on the annual solar energy:
2
for moderate climate the amount of solar energy is estimated at 4 GJ/m /year;
for severe climate the amount of solar energy is estimated at 6 GJ/m /year.
B.3.3 In order to compare these figures with the usual practice in artificial weathering, it is necessary to
consider not the total solar radiation energy as in B.3.2, but that part falling in the ultraviolet and visible
regions between 300 nm to 800 nm. This is about 60 % of the total solar radiation energy. A further correction
factor of 67 % is applied to allow for the fact, that not all this radiation is acting at higher summer temperatures
and so will be less damaging to the effected surfaces.
The recommended irradiance levels corresponding to the range between 300 nm to 800 nm are given in Table
B.2.
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CEN/TS 15534-1:2007
Table B.2 Recommended irradiance levels

Radiation
Irradiance
GJ/m
Moderate climate (M)
Severe climate (S)
1 year's equivalent
1,6
2,4
5 years' equivalent
8,0
12,0
B.3.4 The exposure times are given in Table B.3 for an artificial weathering apparatus having a time-averaged
2
irradiance of IR W/m in the range 300 nm to 800 nm.
Table B.3 Recommended exposure times
Radiation
Exposure time
h
Moderate climate (M)
Severe climate (S)
6,6 x 10 /IR
3,3 x 10 /IR
1 year's equivalent
4,4 x 10 /IR
5 years' equivalent
2,2 x 10 /IR
5
6
Where IR = 550 W/m , for a 5 years' equivalent radiation, the following exposure time are needed:
for a moderate climate (M): an exposure time of 4 000 h;
for a severe climate (S): an exposure time of 6 000 h.
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CEN/TS 15534-1:2007
Annex C
(normative)
Resistance of WPC materials against a termite attack
C.1 General
The test method described in EN 117 can be used to determine the resistance of WPC materials against a
termite attack with the changes given in C.2 to C.7.
C.2 Change and amendments necessary to adapt EN 117

Neglect the following subclauses of EN 117:2005 which define the conditions for the treatment of solid timber:
5.2.4; 5.3.3; 5.3.5; 5.3.6; 5.3.8; 5.3.9; 5.3.10; 6; 8.1.
C.3 Change in 7.3 of EN 117:2005

Use specimens made of WPC materials as defined in Clause 4 of this document.
The test specimens shall originate from at least three production samples coming from three different batches
of WPC materials.
The kind of production process shall be mentioned in the test report.
For the untreated control specimen of solid wood (see 7.5) the given requirements for the wood quality are
valid, but, the samples shall have a cross cut section of 50 mm x thickness of the WPC sample (preferably 4
mm) and a length of 50 mm.
C.4 Change in 7.4 of EN 117:2005

The dimension of the test specimen of WPC shall be 50 ( 0.5) mm x 50 ( 0.5) mm x 4 50 ( 0.5) mm.
C.5 Change in 7.5 of EN 117: 2005

a)
WPC specimens subject to attack by Reticulitermes; use at least 3 test specimens for each type of WPC
material tested.
b)
As it is in EN 117.
c)
is not applicable.
C.6 Change in Clause 9 of EN 117:2005

Report the results of the visual examination for each type of WPC material.
Also record the survival rate of the workers and the presence, if any, of soldiers and/or nymphs at the end of
test.
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CEN/TS 15534-1:2007
C.7 Change in Clause 10 of EN 117:2005

Adapt the test report according to the changes as given in this annex.
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CEN/TS 15534-1:2007
Annex D
(normative)
Resistance of WPC materials against an attack by wood-destroying
basidiomycetes
D.1 General
The test method described in ENV 12038 can be used to determine the resistance of WPC materials against
an attack by wood-destroying basidiomycetes with the changes given in D.2 to D.9.
D.2 Change in 7.1.1 of ENV 12038:2002

The type of production process shall be mentioned in the test report.
D.3 Change in 8.1 of ENV 12038:2002

Neglect 8.1.
D.4 Change in 8.2.1 of ENV 12038:2002

The time for conditioning of the WPC samples prior to the determination of the initial dry mass can be reduced
to one week irrespective the samples have reached equilibrium moisture content or not. After conditioning
determine the weight of all samples at the same time as described in ENV 12038.
Prolong the drying time (oven drying at 103 C) of the moisture control blocks to at least 72 h and determine
the oven dry weight (m1) as described in ENV 12038.
NOTE
Depending on the type of WPC material and the dimension of the samples used an equilibrium moisture
content will be achieved only within several weeks to several months. Therefore in many cases the weight changes over
time will be very small (< 0.05 g/24h), as it is not satisfactory to wait several months until the samples have reached the
equilibrium moisture content.
D.5 Change in 8.3 of ENV 12038:2002

Sterilize also the samples foreseen to determine the water uptake (see 7.1.3 of ENV 12038:2002).
NOTE
Gamma radiation can strongly affect the structure of polymers. Check carefully if the polymer of the WPC
material tested is suited for gamma radiation.
D.6 Change in 8.6.3 of ENV 12038:2002

Store the moisture control samples as described, but expose the samples to determine the water uptake (see
7.1.3 of ENV 12038:2002) in sterile culture vessels containing nutrient/nutrient and vermiculite.
31
CEN/TS 15534-1:2007
D.7 Change in 8.8.2 of ENV 12038:2002

Prolong the time of the oven drying at 103 C to at least 72 h and determine the final dry mass (m3) as
described in ENV 12038.
D.8 Change in 8.8.3 of ENV 12038:2002

Change the text as follows:
Validity of test results and moisture content
Each sample contaminated by mould shall be rejected.
Record for each type of WPC material the initial moisture content Fi determined according to 8.2.1 (of ENV
12038:2002) as well as the mean moisture content of the test samples as well as of the sterile water uptake
control samples (7.1.3 of ENV 12038:2002) at the end of test determined according to 8.8.2 (of ENV
12038:2002). Record also for each WPC sample the moisture content at the end of test.
Express the moisture content of the WPC samples in relation to the dry wood content (data provided by the
WPC material producer) (mcw) by the following equation:
mcw =
m2 m3
10000
m3 (% dry wood content WPC )
Express the mass loss of the WPC samples in relation to the dry wood content (data provided by the WPC
producer) (mlw) by the following equation:
ml w =
m0 m3
10000
In case of mass losses < 3 % and a moisture content mcw < 25 % of the WPC material test specimens the
results shall not be used to determine the durability against an attack by wood decaying basidiomycetes.
NOTE
The case of mass losses < 3% and a moisture content mcw < 25 % of the WPC test specimens prove a high
resistance of the WPC material against wetting. This property provides protection against decay by wood destroying
basidiomycetes as long it is maintained.
D.9 Change in Clause 11 of ENV 12038:2002

Adapt the report accordingly
32
CEN/TS 15534-1:2007
Annex E
(normative)
Resistance of WPC materials against an attack by soft rotting microfungi
E.1 General
The test method described in CEN/TS 15083-2:2005 can be used to determine the resistance of WPC
materials against an attack by soft rotting micro-fungi with the changes given in E.2 to E.7.
E.2 Change in Clause 6 of CEN/TS 15083-2:2005

Neglect 6.1 to 6.3.
E.3 Change in 6.4 of CEN/TS 15083-2:2005

The test specimens shall be prepared from the WPC material as defined in Clause 4 of this document.
The samples shall be sawn, milled or sanded (grade 120 to grade 240) at all faces.
The kind of production process shall be mentioned in the test report.

The WPC material test specimens are divided into:
e1
Test specimens:
These are the test specimens of the WPC material tested subjected to attack by the soft rotting micro-fungi.
Use at least six specimens obtained from a minimum of three batches.
e2
Moisture content test specimens:
These are the test specimens to determine the moisture content of the WPC tested prior to biological testing.
Use at least six specimens from at least three batches.
E.5 Change in 7.1.2 of CEN/TS 15083-2:2005

Place the specimens (e1) and (e2) in a conditioning room. The time for conditioning of the WPC material
samples prior to the determination of the initial dry mass can be reduced to one week irrespective the samples
have reached equilibrium moisture content or not. After conditioning determine the weight of all samples at the
same time as described in CEN/TS 15083-2.
Prolong the drying time (oven drying at 103 C) of the moisture control blocks to at least 72 h and determine
the oven dry weight (m1) as described in CEN/TS 15083-2.
33
CEN/TS 15534-1:2007
NOTE
Depending on the type of WPC material and the dimension of the samples used an equilibrium moisture
content will be achieved only within several weeks to several months. Therefore in many cases the weight changes over
time are very small (< 0.05g/24h) and it is not suitable to wait several months until the samples reached the equilibrium
moisture content.

Follow the instructions given for hardwoods given in 7.5.1 and 7.6.1 of CEN/TS 15083-2:2005.
NOTE
The determination of the loss of MOE might provide very valuable information, however, due to the lack of
knowledge on the influence of the moisture content on the MOE of WPC the method described in CEN/TS 15083-2 for
softwoods seems not to be applicable. The increase of the moisture content to a level above 30 % would require
unacceptable long immersion periods in case of WPC material.
E.7 Change in 7.6.1 of CEN/TS 15083-2:2005

Prolong the drying time to at least 72 h.
Record for each type of WPC material the initial moisture content determined according to 7.1.2 of CEN/TS
15083-2:2005 as well as the mean moisture content of the test specimens (e1) at the end of test.
Record also for each WPC material sample the moisture content at the end of test.
Express the moisture content of the WPC material samples in relation to the dry wood content (data provided
by the WPC material producer) (mcw) by the following equation:
mcw =
m2 m3
10000
Express the mass loss of the WPC material samples in relation to the dry wood content (data provided by the
WPC producer) (mlw) by the following equation:
ml w =
m0 m3
10000
NOTE
The case of mass losses < 3 % and a moisture content mcw < 25 % of the WPC test specimens prove a high
resistance of the WPC material against wetting. This property provide protection against decay by wood destroying
basidiomycetes as long this high resistance against wetting is maintained.
34
CEN/TS 15534-1:2007
Annex F
(normative)
Predicting heat build-up in WPC products
F.1 Scope
This test method covers prediction of the increase in temperature above that of ambient air due to the amount
of energy absorbed by a specimen from the sun, relatively to a black reference. It is applicable to specimens
taken from WPC products as well as to specimens prepared from WPC materials.
F.2 Principle
A specimen cut from a WPC product or prepared from a WPC material is heated under an infrared reflective
heat lamp in specified conditions. The rise in temperature measured on the unexposed surface of the
specimen is compared to the one measured under the same conditions on a black control specimen of similar
shape. The predicted maximum heat build-up is calculated by multiplying an experimental reference
temperature rise under real solar exposure by the ratio calculated according to the method described in this
annex.
NOTE
This test method gives a relative heat build-up compared to black under defined conditions and does not
predict actual application temperature of the product in real situations.
F.3 Apparatus
The apparatus comprises a heat lamp placed above an open box. The temperature is measured with a
thermocouple and recorded during the test duration. The elements of the testing device are:
An internally thermally insulated box with the following approximate inner dimensions:
length : 500 mm
width : 300 mm
height : 300 mm
The box will be open on two faces: the top face and one small lateral face. The box will be equipped with
any means allowing the vertical alignment of the test specimen with the heat lamp.
A white infrared heat lamp having a nominal power of approx. but not less than 250 W. The distance
between the lowest part of the downward oriented lamp and the bottom of the box will be 400 mm.
A thermocouple to place under the test specimen, inserted through a small hole in the bottom of the box
above which the specimen is placed. The thermocouple shall be intimately contacting the unexposed
lower surface of the test or control specimen.
A temperature recorder device
35
CEN/TS 15534-1:2007
F.4 Test specimen

The test specimen, taken from a WPC product or on purpose made of a WPC material by any suitable
preparation process will have the following approximate dimensions:
length : 75 mm
width : between 50 mm and 75 mm
thickness : 2,5 mm
NOTE
In case of a specimen taken from a WPC product, machining, if any, will not be applied to the surface to be
exposed to the lamp.
-1
A similar size control specimen shall be prepared from any WPC material containing at least 25 g.kg furnace
type carbon black, well dispersed and without any other pigmentation.
The dimensions of the test specimens and the control specimen shall not differ by more than 5 % for length
and width and 0,5 mm for the thickness.
F.5 Procedure
Ensure that the ambient air temperature of the laboratory will be maintained within 2 C range and record
the mean value.
Place the test specimen underneath the lamp so as to vertically align their respective centres. Fixing means
such as tapes may be used between the specimen, the box and the thermocouple to ensure an efficient
contact between the thermocouple and the specimen.
Record the temperature of the specimen, before starting the test. It shall be as close as possible to the
ambient air temperature and shall not differ by more than 3 C.
Switch on the lamp and record the temperature. The test duration shall be at least one hour or more in case a
constant equilibrium temperature is not observed.
Record the equilibrium temperature and the time to reach it. Switch off the lamp and prepare the box for the
next measurement, notably lowering back the box temperature to the ambient air one.
Any further calculation will be based on the average of three measurements, preferably on at least three
different test specimens.
Two control tests will be performed in the same conditions, one before and the other one at the end of a series
of tests that shall not be more than nine measurements.
F.6 Expression of results

The temperature rise is given by the following formula:
Texp ( j ) = TM Ti
where:
Texp ( j )
is the temperature rise above ambient temperature in the laboratory under the heat lamp,
with j = s for test specimen and j = c for control specimen,
36
CEN/TS 15534-1:2007
TM
is the maximum temperature of the specimen,
Ti
is the ambient air temperature in the laboratory.
The heat build-up is given by the following formula:
T =
Texp ( s )
Texp (c)
.Tr
where:
is the predicted heat build-up of the specimen due to heating by the sun,
Tr
is the experimental heat build-up for a black control specimen under sun exposure,
equalling 50 C for horizontal position (e.g. decking) or 41 C for vertical position (e.g.
vertical siding).
All variables are expressed in C.
F.7 Test report

The test report shall include the following information:
a) complete identification of the specimen tested;
b) ambient air temperature;
c) average temperature rise above ambient air temperature for the black control specimen;
d) average time to reach the equilibrium temperature for the black control specimen;
e) average temperature rise above ambient air temperature for the specimen tested;
f)
average time to reach the equilibrium temperature for the specimen tested;
g) predicted heat build-up for horizontal position;

h) predicted heat build-up for vertical position;
i)
identification of the laboratory or the operator;
j)
date of testing.
37
CEN/TS 15534-1:2007
Annex G
(normative)
Determination of the peel strength
G.1 Principle
The peel strength of the laminated foil is measured perpendicular to the profile surface at a room temperature.
G.2 Apparatus
Peel strength apparatus as shown in Figure G.1.
Key
1
2
profile sample
laminated foil
Figure G.1 Peel strength apparatus
38
CEN/TS 15534-1:2007
G.3 Test samples

Four samples (20 1) mm wide and at least 100 mm long are cut from the surface of the laminated profile.
Notching along the cut edge shall be avoided. Laminated foil (for clamping purposes) of approximately 50 mm
long is separated from the substrate (profile) in a suitable procedure. The same may be achieved during
lamination by using contact blocking material (e.g. polyethylene foil) between the profile and the laminated foil.
If only finished profiles are available, prepare samples as follows:
a) Cut the sight surface of the profile from the core over the entire width of the profile. Cut the separated
sight surface into 200 mm long test pieces.
b) Place a (200 2) mm x (20 1) mm metal template lengthways on the sight surface of the sample,
midway between the sides.
c) Using a blade, cut through the laminated foil along the long sides of the template.
d) Mill away the back wall of the profile surface to a thickness of 0,5 mm along a line midway between the
sample short sides and side at right angle to its longitudinal axis. Be careful not to cut into the product too
deep so as to avoid damaging the laminated foil. Next mill away (also to a thickness of 0,5 mm) the entire
back wall of the sample along the two lines cut in the laminated foil from one end of the sample as far as
the transverse line. Break off the material on either of the 100 mm x 20 mm milled by gently bending the
sample.
G.4 Conditioning and test temperature

Condition the samples during 72 h after lamination at normal conditions.
G.5 Procedure
The sample produced is placed in the testing machine as shown in Figure G.1.
In the foils breaks before peeling, the tensile strength at break of the foil shall be reported.
The same method shall be used for testing samples after weathering.
The peel test may be performed 72 h after the profile has been laminated.
Results shall be expressed in N/mm.
G.6 Test report

The test report shall include the following information:
a)
reference to Annex G of CEN/TS 15534-1; all details necessary for complete identification of the test
sample;
b)
number of test samples;
c)
width of the samples in millimetres (mm);
d)
type of separation of the laminated foil;
e)
peeled length in millimetres (mm);
39
CEN/TS 15534-1:2007
f)
individual peel strength values in N/mm;
g)
if the foil breaks, the tensile strength at break of the foil in newtons (N);
h)
any factors which may have affected the results, such as any incidents or any operating details not
specified in this annex;
i)
the date of the test.
40
CEN/TS 15534-1:2007
Bibliography
[1]
CEN/TS 15534-2, Wood-plastics composites (WPC) Part 2: Characterisation of WPC materials
[2]
CEN/TS 15534-3, Wood-plastics composites (WPC) Part 3: Characterisation of WPC products
[3]
EN 322, Wood-based panels Determination of moisture content
[4]
EN 84, Wood preservatives Accelerated ageing of treated wood prior to biological testing
Leaching procedure
[5]
EN 152 (all parts), Test methods for wood preservatives Laboratory method for determining the
protective effectiveness of a preservative treatment against blue stain in service
[6]
EN 12608, Unplasticized polyvinylchloride (PVC-U) profiles for the fabrication of windows and doors
Classification, requirements and test methods
41
DD CEN/TS
15534-1:2007
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Licensed Copy: Gilbert Athens, University of Birmingham, 06/06/2008 18:42, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) BSI

DRAFT FOR DEVELOPMENT

This Draft for Development

Amendments issued since publication

Implementation of CEN Correction Notice

ISBN 978 0 580 59570 7

Wood-plastics composites (WPC) - Part 1: Test methods for

Holz-Polymer-Werkstoffe (WPC) - Teil 1: Prfverfahren fr

EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION

Management Centre: rue de Stassart, 36

All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved

Ref. No. CEN/TS 15534-1:2007: E

Normative references ............................................................................................................................6

Terms and definitions ...........................................................................................................................8

Test specimens ......................................................................................................................................8

Mechanical properties .........................................................................................................................10

Thermal properties ..............................................................................................................................17

Other properties ..................................................................................................................................19

Summary of the properties and relevant test methods...................................................................20

Part 1: Test methods for characterisation of WPC materials and products

Part 2: Characterisation of WPC materials

Part 3: Characterisation of WPC products.

Part 2: to identify the required and optional properties of WPC materials;

Part 3: to identify the required and optional properties of WPC products.

Terms and definitions

The density of non-cellular WPC materials can be measured according to:

ISO 16979:2003 is based on EN 322 .

Heat deflection temperature (HDT)

Method A using a flexural stress of 1,80 MPa;

Method B using a flexural stress of 0,45 MPa;

Method C using a flexural stress of 8,00 MPa.

Falling mass impact

Non-load bearing products

Load bearing products

Resistance to indentation (Brinell hardness)

Nail and screw withdrawal

Pull through resistance

Resistance to artificial weathering

black-standard temperature: (60 3) C;

duration of spraying: 18 min;

dry interval between spraying: 102 min.

relative humidity : (65 5) %

black-standard temperature: (60 3) C;

relative humidity : (65 5) %.

The ageing of the WPC products may be assessed by:

the variation of the Charpy impact strength according to 7.1.1;

the degree of chalking according to 11.1;

the change of gloss according to 11.2, and/or

the peel strength resistance according to 11.3.

Fluorescent UV lamps for coated WPC products

Other test methods

Resistance to natural ageing

the variation of the Charpy impact strength according to 7.1.1;

the slip resistance according to 6.4;

the degree of chalking according to 11.1;

the change of gloss according to 11.2, and/or

The peel strength resistance according to 11.3.

Swelling and water absorption

Dimensional changes (changes in relative humidity of air)

Closed environment at elevated temperature

Resistance against biological agents

Resistance against termites

Resistance against wood decaying and staining fungi and micro-organisms