Influence of Laboratory Ageing on the Preservation of Anti-graffiti Properties for Paint Systems Used in Rolling Stock

Abstract

The article describes and presents the influence of selected ageing mechanisms of paint systems currently used in railways in Poland in the context of maintaining their original protective properties against graffiti. Six paint systems with different types of finish, which had anti-graffiti properties, were tested, and the characteristics of the surface of the paint system, such as gloss and colour, were determined after a series of painting and cleaning of graffiti (markers and sprays). The tested objects were subjected to artificial simulated ageing using laboratory solar radiation in a synergistic combination of temperature and humidity in accordance with PN-EN ISO 16474-2 and in accordance with the proprietary methodology described in DN 001/08/A2/16 section 4.1.8 using the UV-C radiation source (discrete spectrum). The tested samples were also subjected to a different type of ageing mechanism under strong corrosive conditions in the form of neutral salt spray according to the methodology described in PN-EN ISO 9227. Keywords: ageing tests, xenon-arc radiation, UV-C radiation, neutral salt spray, paint systems, xenotest, gloss, colour, anti-graffiti protection, rolling stock