Accelerated Weathering Conditions Research Articles

Environmental aging effects on mechanical behavior of an hemp based biocomposite material for structural strengthening

Biocomposites are innovative materials usually made of natural fibers embedded in a natural matrix. The mechanical behavior of such materials when exposed to the environmental agents (i.e. UV radiations, high/low temperature, variable humidity conditions) is a crucial issue. This paper is aimed to investigate an hemp based biocomposite for structural strengthening, addressing a gap in the existing literature concerning the mechanical characterization of the composite constituents (i.e. hemp ropes and natural matrices) under accelerated weathering conditions. In particular, this research involves the mechanical behavior assessment of hemp ropes, four distinct types of matrices (i.e. two organic binder based matrices and two mortar based matrices) and the hemp/matrix interface. Tensile tests, three point bending tests, uniaxial compression tests and pull-out tests are carried out to characterize these components. To simulate accelerated weathering, samples of the biocomposite constituents are subjected to cycles of hygrothermal stress and UV radiation using an accelerated weathering testing apparatus. Subsequently, experimental mechanical tests are performed on the aged biocomposite components, and their mechanical properties are assessed and compared to those of the non-aged materials. The results reveal that aging leads to a significant reduction in the mechanical properties of the hemp ropes, and varying effects on the mechanical properties of matrices depending on their nature (organic binder-based or mortar-based matrices).

Evaluation of weathering resistance of cross-laminated timber blocks surface-treated with TiO2 nanoparticles by liquid-precursor flame spray pyrolysis

Wood is a versatile and renewable resource utilized in a wide range of applications, including tools, furniture, construction, and advanced engineering structures. However, certain inherent properties of wood, such as moisture and ultraviolet (UV) degradation, impose limitations on its long-term durability and dimensional stability for outdoor applications. This research investigates the weathering durability of cross-laminated timber (CLT) blocks surface-treated with titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles synthesized via liquid-precursor flame spray pyrolysis (FSP), directly deposited onto the surface of CLT blocks, and thereby resulting in a porous TiO2 coating. This coating endows the CLT surface with superhydrophobic properties evidenced by a water contact angle of ≥150°. Results from scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction show the coating to be comprised of crystalline, sub-100 nm individual and aggregated TiO2 particles with significant porosity. Even after an 8-week accelerated weathering test, a portion of the crystalline TiO2 particles remains on the CLT surface. The TiO2-treated CLT demonstrates enhanced resistance to discoloration and gloss change over 8-weeks of accelerated weathering conditions, which are evidenced by a total color difference (ΔE) that is 3–4 times lower than that of the untreated CLT in the initial two weeks, and 58% lower after 8 weeks of weathering. Furthermore, the TiO2-treated CLT exhibits fewer weathering defects, such as splits and cracks, than the untreated CLT. The enhanced weathering durability of the TiO2-treated CLT is attributed to reduced lignin degradation, which is supported by the Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy analysis. The findings of this study suggest that the TiO2 coating by FSP offers a viable and cost-effective method for modifying engineered wood products for improving hydrophobicity and protecting against the deteriorating effects of UV irradiation and moisture exposure.

Effect of accelerated weathering on the properties of poly(lactic acid)/poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) blend and composite containing wood flour and wollastonite

The objective of the present work was to explore the effects of accelerated weathering test on properties of poly(lactic acid) (PLA)/poly(butylene adipate- co-terephthalate) (PBAT) blend and PLA)/PBAT/wood flour (WF)/wollastonite (WT) composite. The 70/30 (wt%/wt%) PLA/PBAT blend and its composite with 25 phr WF and 5 phr WT were prepared on a twin screw extruder and injection molding machine. Resulted blend and hybrid composite were exposed to accelerated weathering conditions of UV-irradiation and moisture cycles at 63°C in a laboratory Xenon Weather-Ometer chamber for various periods (250, 500, 750, and 1000 h). The alterations in the surface quality (color change), chemical structure, surface morphology, tensile properties, thermal behaviors, and thermal stability of the specimens were evaluated by spectrocolorimetry, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), universal testing machine, differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis, respectively. The photo- and hydrolytic degradations were found to occur during the weathering exposure time. Both blend and composite showed a continuous increase in the total color change with prolonged exposure time, which was mainly due to the degradation of PLA and wood components, especially lignin. The SEM images also confirmed their degradations by illustrating roughness, voids, and cavities on the specimen surfaces after accelerated weathering. Meanwhile, the tensile and thermal properties of both blend and composite were found to decrease. Thus, this study can be used for quality control and material certification.

The Effect of a Hydrophobic Coating on the Photodegradation of Dyed Nylon 6 Yarns

Nylon 6 is one of the most widely used polymers in the world. For some nylon products, hydrophobic coatings are used for impregnation. However, it has been suggested in the literature that coating could accelerate aging. Therefore, in this paper, we focused on the degradation process of dyed nylon yarns with and without perfluorinated coating under accelerated weathering conditions. To monitor the degradation process, we used methods such as tensile test, molecular weight analysis, ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, energy dispersive X-ray analysis, and scanning electron microscopy. We found that the hydrophobic coating is unlikely to have a negative effect on the degradation process. However, the coating decomposes during weathering, and its concentration on the fiber's surface decreases. The type of dye used was identified as the most significant factor influencing the degradation rate. This was explained by the screening effect of dyes in the UVA region of the light spectrum. Manufacturers of nylon products, which require a pleasant appearance and safety, should, therefore, consider a careful selection of dyes.

Long-term performance of basalt fibre-reinforced marine geopolymer concrete in harsh environment

The current study reports on the long-term structural performance of novel reinforced marine geopolymer concrete beams under accelerated weathering conditions. The study covers the flexural performance of 40 geopolymer concrete beams reinforced with basalt fibre-reinforced polymer (BFRP) bars, including 12 beams under sustained loading when exposed to 3, 6 and 12 months of accelerated marine environment consisting of tidal cycles of seawater at a temperature of 50°C. The experimental results revealed that the novel marine geopolymer concrete reinforced with BFRP bars reported minimal micro- and macro-mechanical degradation compared to geopolymer concrete or ordinary concrete beams under the same exposure environment, with and without sustained loading. The BFRP-reinforced self-compacting geopolymer concrete (SCGC) beams reported 87% residual ultimate load after 12 months of exposure to marine environments, while the sustained loaded BFRP-SCGC beams reported a residual strength of 79%. In addition, microstructural assessment using scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis revealed that after 12 months of exposure there was a trace of chloride salts, indicating the chemical ingress over time; however, the impact on structural properties is not distinct.

Insights into the abiotic fragmentation of biodegradable mulches under accelerated weathering conditions

Biodegradable mulches (BMs) can be tilled into soils to mitigate disposal and environmental problems. However, the content of biodegradable microplastics (BMPs) would increase with the addition of biodegradable macroplastics (BMaPs). The fragmented particles have a strong affinity to soil pollutants, having the potential to transfer via the terrestrial food web in an agroecosystem. Based on the spectral analysis and particle size analysis, this study explored the physicochemical characteristics of weathered BMaPs and BMP-derived dissolved organic matter (DOMBMP). Ultraviolet (UV) irradiation reduced the mechanical strength of BMaPs and induced oxygenated functional groups, thus increasing surface roughness and hydrophilicity. This promoted the adsorption of aromatic compounds and heavy metals from soils to BMPs. After entering the water environment, the pH of the solution with DOMBMP decreased, whereas the concentration of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) increased. Compared with paper mulch, bioplastic mulch contributed a higher amount of DOMBMP, such as aromatic structure-containing chemicals and carboxylic acids, to the water environment but released fewer and smaller plastic particles. The findings from this study can help manage environmental risks and determine disposal strategies after the use of mulching.

Exploring the self-cleaning and antimicrobial efficiency of the magnesium oxychloride cement composites

Composites of magnesium oxychloride cement (MOC) functionalized with TiO2 nanoparticles are proposed here as an alternative technology to maintain clean building surfaces from airborne pollutants and microorganisms. The MOC composites were characterized by different techniques such as XRD, FTIR, SEM, EDS, UV–Vis, compressive strength, and nanoindentation tests. According to the results, phase 3 (3 Mg(OH)2.MgCl2.8H2O) with needle-like morphology was the primary crystallized hydration product for the MOC composites. Also, the samples exhibited good mechanical properties and good light absorption, allowing them to activate under solar light irradiation. The self-cleaning efficiency of the MOC composites was evaluated by measuring the removal of three types of pollutants: methylene blue (MB), rhodamine B (RhB), and reactive black 5 (RB5), under two scenarios: natural sunlight and accelerated weathering conditions. The self-cleaning tests revealed outstanding efficiencies of the composites to remove MB (82%), RhB (88%), and RB5 (91%) under solar light and accelerated weathering tests. On the other hand, the antimicrobial activity was evaluated against E. coli (gram-negative) and S. aureus (gram-positive) under irradiation. The zone of inhibition (ZOI) showed diameters higher than 21 mm to E. coli for samples with 5% of TiO2 or superior, revealing a high microbial inhibition of the gram-negative bacteria. Also, the structural and morphological stability of the MOC composites was confirmed after several cycles for the accelerating weathering tests, demonstrating their potential to be used outdoors to reduce environmental pollution.

Degradation characteristics of SBS polymer and its contribution to weathering aging of modified asphalt

Under the weathering environment, the aging behavior of SBS-modified asphalt (SBSMA) is complex, including oxidation of matrix asphalt, degradation of SBS, and disruption of SBS-asphalt interaction. However, most studies on the weathering mechanism of SBS-modified asphalt have mainly been considered from its overall perspective and based on environmental variables. In order to investigate the aging mechanism of SBSMA more clearly, the paper proposes a novel method of SBS-independent weathering to determine the aging behavior of SBS under accelerated weathering conditions and its effect on the performance of modified asphalt. Finally, by correlating its samples (M1) with the behavior of different fresh SBSMA(M2) and weathering aged SBSMA(M3), the SBS effective content equation under weathering conditions and the conversion coefficient between different aging methods were determined. Furthermore, by analyzing the physicochemical properties of SBS polymers before and after weathering and comparing them with the calculated results of SBS effective content within modified asphalt, it is discussed that the swelling effect of SBS under this method differs due to different aging levels, which affects the complete separation of matrix asphalt oxidation and SBS degradation. The macroscopic rheological behavior of samples was evaluated by dynamic shear rheology experiments (DSR), the variation of their chemical component and molecular weight were analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and gel permeation chromatography (GPC), and the microscopic network was observed by fluorescence microscopy (FM). The results illustrate that the degradation pattern of weathering SBS follows a single exponential decay function. The SBS effective content decreases to 66.7 %, 50 %, and 33.3 % after accelerated weathering for 5.8 h, 10.5 h, and 14.5 h, respectively. In addition, the conversion relationship between the effective content of SBS under two modes of SBS independent weathering aging and SBSMA weathering aging was established. The effective content of SBS within SBSMA at different service stages and its remaining modification capacity can be reasonably predicted by simple SBS weathering tests.

Brick Masonry Components Exposed to Aggressive Environment: Mechanical Behavior and Properties - An Experimental Investigation

Deterioration of porous materials lead to severe damage in buildings. Salt weathering being the most common deterioration mechanism in porous materials which is related with the growth of crystal and pressure inside the pores of the materials associated with masonry. However the study on effect of salts on behavior of masonry as a whole unit and their individual components have not been elucidated for Indian conditions and only limited knowledge is available on deterioration of mortars which is the binder of brick masonry. This paper presents primary investigational study on components of masonry made of burnt clay bricks and cement mortar at joints in order to assess the damage induced by salts (sulphate and chloride). With this as aim, specimens were prepared in laboratory and were subjected to accelerated weathering conditions of different durations in sodium chloride and magnesium sulphate solutions which are the most common salts of attack in brick masonries when the environmental ambiance is strongly aggressive, either acidic or alkaline or in presence of sulphate and chloride produces physicochemical external attack and alterations in their integrity. Relevant studies have also been performed in the field by other authors, but in the study, conventional mortar mixes are manufactured and their behavior in aggressive environments. Certain mortar properties related to their behavior such as density, compressive strength, water absorption and porosity are analyzed for their disruptive effects. The paper presents the results obtained by the exposure of brick masonry and its components for a total duration of 14 weeks exposed to aggressive environment. Variation in mechanical properties of brick and its components were observed as the concentration of salts increased in the simulated environment created artificially in laboratory.

Advances and Development in Hybrid Polymer Composite: The Way Forward

This paper presents the unique and outstanding properties of hybrid polymer composite (HPC).  The various classification of HPC based on the combination of matrices, fibres and fillers in use are brought to bear. The different techniques/methods employed in the production of hybrid polymer composites, ranging from hot press to cold press are being discussed. It is paramount to note that the production process of HPC from start to finish is not without some inherent and external challenges, such as agglomeration of fibre, fillers and weak interfacial adhesion between fillers and matrices. Chemical modification of fibre was identified as one of the ways of proffering solution to this drawback. This study also presents a wide range of the application of HPC as enumerated in this work. The degradation of HPC as a result of natural and accelerated weathering conditions such as ultra violet (UV) rays, heat caused by high temperature, rain and humidity was also discussed. The durability and lifespan of these HPC can be strengthened and prolonged through the use of intumescents and other additives. All of these can help in improving the resistance of HPC to adverse weathering conditions.

Weathering resistance (UV-shielding) improvement of a polyurethane automotive clear-coating applying metal-organic framework (MOF) modified GO nano-flakes (GO-ZIF-7)

In this research, ZIF-7 particles were synthesized over graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets and characterized through various techniques. Then, the influence of the fabricated GO-ZIF-7 nano-hybrids on the weathering resistance and physical-mechanical performance of the PU coatings were investigated. The weathering resistance of PU/GO-ZIF-7, PU/GO, and control PU was examined with the aid of QUV accelerated weathering conditions via several methods such as recording gloss retention and contact angle changes, FTIR, colorimetric, FE-SEM, and AFM analysis. For the PU/GO-ZIF-7 nanocomposite coating exposed to accelerated weathering condition, the changes in carbonyl group relate peak and urethane linkage were less than the changes of these parameters for the control PU sample. The change in the color component (Δb*) decreased to 56.9% of PU/GO-ZIF-7 compared to control PU (70.9%). The change of root mean square (RMS) roughness value of PU/GO-ZIF-7 was less than that of control PU (from 9.44 to 8.04 nm vs. from 14.89 to 8.02 nm). As a result, after a long weathering exposure (UV-A), the fewer changes in aesthetic properties, chemical structure, and topology of the PU/GO-ZIF-7 coating led to less surface degradation and better weathering stability performance. The GO-ZIF-7 nano-hybrids revealed that they are capable of improving the photo-stability of PU coatings by the mixed mechanisms of absorbing UV rays and free radical scavengers. The physical-mechanical characteristics of the nanocomposites were analyzed using dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA) and tensile tests. The addition of GO-ZIF-7 to PU led to an above 70% and 85% increase of elongation at break and toughness concerning the control PU, respectively.

Effect of weathering conditions on wood surface roughness: Optimal parameters determined via Taguchi analysis

Wood when exposed to accelerated weathering conditions is deteriorated as a result of factors such as UV rays, temperature, and relative humidity changes. The surface roughness of wood also undergoes substantial changes. In this study, the effect of accelerated weathering conditions on surface roughness changes on Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) and poplar (Populus x euroamericana) wood surfaces were investigated using the Taguchi method. The parameters most affecting the surface roughness were radial direction, 0.5 W/m2 UV, 4 h conditioning time, and 45 min water for Scots pine, and tangential direction, 0.5 W/m2 UV, 2 h conditioning, and 15 min water for poplar wood. The variables that most affected the surface roughness were conditioning with 38% in Scots pine wood and wavelength with 31% in poplar wood.

Influence of accelerated weathering on the properties of flax reinforced PLA biocomposites

The aim of the present study is to investigate the influence of accelerated weathering conditions (temperature and humidity) on the mechanical and physical properties of the flax fibre reinforced poly lactic acid (PLA) biocomposites. Two different types of biocomposites namely New Non-woven (NNW) and Conventional Non-woven (CNW) were developed for this study. After 500 h of exposure to humid environment with 95% relative humidity at 30 and 60 °C temperatures, the mechanical (tensile and flexural) and physical (surface roughness and hardness) behaviours were evaluated and compared with that of the dry specimens. Tensile and flexural properties were found to decrease significantly upon 500 h of exposure to accelerated weathering. The tensile strength of the biocomposite specimens exposed to 30 °C temperature and 95% RH demonstrated noteworthy improvement. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray micro CT images of fractured surfaces showed delamination, plasticization of matrix and fibre debonding due to exposure to various environmental conditions.

Tuning up sol-gel process to achieve highly durable superhydrophobic coating

Considering practical application of hydrophobic coatings, their durability is a matter of issue. Existing routes for mitigating the problem might not be applicable due to suggesting expensive facilities and non-eco-friendly materials. This paper introduces a robust, scalable cost-effective sol-gel route to obtain a durable superhydrophobic coating. Main component of the sol included Tetraethyl orthosilicate and Methyltriethoxysilane as sol matrix, Triethoxyoctylsilane as a low surface energy precursor, and fumed silica nanoparticles for roughness formation. A coating with a contact angle of 160° and very low sliding angle (<1°) was fabricated. The robustness of the coating was highly improved by incorporating sols with different pH values and spraying them alternately on glass substrate. As a result, the longevity of superhydrophobic behavior doubled under accelerated weathering conditions and reached 1500 h, which could be considered as a promising weathering durability. The coating retained its hydrophobicity after three runs of peeling tape test and 26 min continuous slurry erosion. Regarding sol-gel technique, the research demonstrated how to boost the durability of a superhydrophobic coating by only utilizing chemical characteristics of the sols and incorporating available facilities with non-fluoro based materials. The reaction mechanisms during the sol-gel process and the effect of each component on final properties were thoroughly discussed and fundamentally correlated to the obtained results.

Degradation of pollutants in solid and gas states using waterborne acrylic nanocomposite paints

In this study, TiO2/SiO2 nanoparticles were synthesized using titanium tetraisopropoxide and tetraethoxysilane in a two-step sol-gel route. FTIR, XRD, UV–Vis, and XPS techniques were used to characterize the synthesized nanoparticles. Fe-SEM was utilized to evaluate the particle size of the synthesized nanoparticles (30.35 ± 4.52 nm). Photo-degradation of rhodamine B (Rh.B) as a solid pollutant model and NO2 as a typical gaseous pollutant was assessed on the surface of the waterborne-acrylic coatings containing TiO2/SiO2 nanoparticles (TSC.La) under direct sunlight irradiation and accelerated weathering conditions and the results were compared with a P25–TiO2 nanoparticle (UT.La) embedded coating samples.To evaluate the degradation of Rh.B, color coordinates (L*a*b*) were measured, while the degradation of NO2 was determined in a batch-designed photocatalytic reactor by measuring the reduction in gas concentration. For the TSC.La-sample exposed to accelerated weathering conditions, the changes in a* parameter (Δa*) were about 60%, which was 44 times greater than the changes in this parameter for the sample exposed to sunlight. The surface morphology of the exposed samples to the accelerated weathering conditions was evaluated using AFM and BET measurements. The AFM results indicated that TiO2/SiO2 nanoparticles lead to less surface degradation of the paints compared to the commercial TiO2 nanoparticles. NO2 concentration decreased steadily in the reactor from 30 to 27 ppm, at an RH%<20 in the presence of UT.La or TSC.La-samples after 45 and 60 min of UV exposure. This reduction in gas concentration is equivalent to photocatalytic power of 6 and 8 mLm−2h−1, for the two samples, respectively.

Nano-ceria and nano-zirconia reinforced polyurethane nanocomposite-based coated textiles with enhanced weather resistance

This work reports the effect of nano-ceria or cerium oxide (CeO2) nanoparticles and nano-zirconia or zirconium oxide (ZrO2) nanoparticles on the weather resistance property of polyurethane (PU) based coatings. The concentrations of ceria and zirconia nanoparticles (NPs) were varied in the PU coating formulation to obtain optimum weather resistance property. The prepared PU/ceria and PU/zirconia nanocomposite-based formulations were coated on a high strength polyester fabric by a knife coater. Coated fabrics were exposed in a weather-o-meter up to 300 h, in accelerated weathering conditions by controlling UV irradiance, humidity, temperature and dry/wet state. The weather resistance performance was analyzed by studying the UV protection factor (UPF) and the change in tensile properties (tensile strength and breaking extension). The chemical change after UV exposure was analyzed by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). The surface morphology was investigated before and after exposure by observing the tropology of the coated surface under SEM. Both the nanoparticles (ceria and zirconia) showed a great potential in enhancing the weather resistance property of PU-coated fabrics, while the weather resistance improved gradually with increasing the concentration of nanoparticles up to a certain percentage (5 wt%). After 300 h UV exposure, the change in carbonyl index (CI) was 25%, 8.6% and 12.8% for the fabrics coated with neat PU, PU/ceria (5 wt%) nanocomposite and PU/zirconia (5 wt%) nanocomposite, respectively. The photooxidative index (PI) of PU/ceria nanocomposite was also much lower than the PU/zirconia nanocomposites, especially at higher concentration of nanoparticles (5 wt% and 10 wt%). In case of PU/ceria nanocomposites, this significantly low CI and PI values indicated their better weather resistance potential compared to the PU/zirconia nanocomposites. As a consequence, after 300 h UV exposure, the percentage retention in tensile strength was significantly high for the fabric coated with PU/ceria nanocomposite (72%) in comparison to the neat PU (only 30%) and PU/zirconia nanocomposite (48%) coated fabric.

Laboratory Degradation of a Reinforcement PET-PP Geocomposite Under Accelerated Weathering Conditions

Laboratory Degradation of a Reinforcement PET-PP Geocomposite Under Accelerated Weathering Conditions

Accelerated weathering effects on mechanical, thermal and viscoelastic properties of kenaf/pineapple biocomposite laminates for load bearing structural applications

AbstractNatural fibers are exceptional renewable resources to develop biocomposite materials for reducing the negative effects on the environment and producing economical and lightweight materials for load bearing semi‐structural applications. The present study is an attempt to develop kenaf/pineapple reinforced bio‐epoxy biocomposite and investigates thermo‐mechanical and viscoelastic properties under accelerated weathering conditions. The compression molding technique is used to develop biocomposite with four different arrangements of kenaf/pineapple laminates. To perform accelerated weathering, laminates are exposed to ultraviolet radiation and humidity conditions with extreme temperature in weathering tester machine. The tensile, flexural, impact, thermogravimetric analysis, thermal conductivity, viscoelastic properties, and water absorption tests are performed before and after accelerated weathering. The results revealed that the hybridization of kenaf/pineapple laminates showed better interfacial strength and stiffness while reducing the moisture sensitivity under accelerated weathering conditions. The morphology and fracture behavior of biocomposites are examined with scanning electron microscopy.

Mechanical and fracture properties of poly(ethylene terephthalate) with glycol/carbon nanotube nanocomposite films under accelerated weathering conditions

Mechanical and fracture properties of poly(ethylene terephthalate) with glycol/carbon nanotube nanocomposite films under accelerated weathering conditions

Electrodeposition of cobalt-manganese oxide selective coatings for solar-thermal applications

Solar absorber coatings are the heart of solar-thermal power systems and their desired properties intimately depend on the operational temperature. Specifically for medium to high temperature applications, the systems require a thermally-stable selective coating with optimal optical properties. Black metal mixed oxides with the spinel crystal structure are interesting prospects as a new family of selective absorber materials. In this work we report on the indirect electrodeposition of a spinel black oxide of the type MnxCo3-xO4, using a nitrate solution; the electrochemical reduction of nitrate results in the formation of surface hydroxide leading to the co-precipitation of Co and Mn hydroxides, and the resulting mainly amorphous film is subsequently converted to the spinel material by sintering. The optimal precursor chemistry and electrodeposition conditions were obtained using a combinatorial method employing the Hull cell. After optimization and thermal annealing, spinel MnxCo3-xO4 films (x ≈ 0.7) with solar absorptance of α = 89.5% and thermal emittance of ε = 14.9% (at 100 °C) were obtained, illustrating their promising optical properties. The thermal stability of the coatings at medium and high temperatures (250 °C and 560 °C), as well as under harsh accelerated weathering conditions, was found to be excellent. The scalability of the electrodeposition method was confirmed by deposition onto a stainless steel tube.