Abstract
As a joint study of the Polymer Subcommittee in the Industrial Technology Cooperative Promotion Committee, in which members are Japanese local governmental research institutes and National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST, Japan), carried out from 2010 to 2012, polyethylene reference sample (PE-RS) pieces and six types of polypropylene (PP) were subjected to accelerated weathering tests and outdoor exposure tests, resulting in the following findings. (1) The PE-RS was subjected to eight 100 h exposure tests in the same test machine. The accelerated weathering test machines of the participating institutes had high reproducibility. (2) The PE-RS CI values were greater when the temperature in the chamber was greater during accelerated weathering tests, and there was a high correlation with the average temperature in the outdoor exposure tests at 20 places in Japan. (3) By comparing the change in PP strength by normalizing the degradation environment using the PE-RS CI values, the accelerated weathering test with results showing the highest correlation with the outdoor exposure test results was the one with the xenon arc lamp at an irradiance of 60 W/m2 and a BPT of 63°C.
Highlights
Because plastics have lower specific gravities and are more moldable compared to metals and ceramics, their applications as device components have expanded, allowing components to become lighter and leading to cost reductions
(2) The polyethylene reference sample (PE-RS) carbonyl index (CI) values were greater when the temperature in the chamber was greater during accelerated weathering tests, and there was a high correlation with the average temperature in the outdoor exposure tests at 20 places in Japan
(3) By comparing the change in PP strength by normalizing the degradation environment using the PE-RS CI values, the accelerated weathering test with results showing the highest correlation with the outdoor exposure test results was the one with the xenon arc lamp at an irradiance of 60 W/m2 and a black panel temperature (BPT) of 63∘C
Summary
Because plastics have lower specific gravities and are more moldable compared to metals and ceramics, their applications as device components have expanded, allowing components to become lighter and leading to cost reductions. As weight and cost reductions continue, the opportunities for plastics to be used in harsh environments will multiply. Materials used in outdoor locations are placed under harsh conditions, being exposed to sunlight and temperature changes. Evaluating the weather resistance of these materials is extremely important for their safe use. Outdoor exposure tests are the most useful for observing the changes that occur in plastics when exposed to real environmental conditions. Rapid product development is often desired, so accelerated weathering tests using accelerated weathering test machines are required
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
