Weight loss during different weathering tests of industrial thermoplastic elastomer polyurethane-coated fabrics

Abstract

Measurement of weight loss may be used to follow weathering of industrial thermoplastic elastomer polyurethane (TPU)-coated fabrics. We compared artificial weathering of three TPU-coated fabrics in a Weatherometer test with and without water spray with natural weathering carried out in Florida. The loss of weight with time was found to be a sensitive measure of the degradation due to weathering. In common with other weathering tests, the ageing process was continuous and practically linear with a relatively short initial period of increase in degradation rate. Only the artificial weathering with water was found to be representative of natural exposure. An acceleration factor between 8 and 10 was calculated for the Weatherometer with water cycle test relative to outdoor exposure in Florida.