Description:

The ultraviolet aging test refers to a test method in which the aging test samples of polymer materials are placed in an ultraviolet light field and exposed to obtain the aging behavior and laws of polymer materials. UV aging simulates the destructive effects of sunlight through UV radiation but does not replicate the full-spectrum solar radiation. It uses fluorescent tubes to mainly emit radiation in the UV range of the solar spectrum.

The experimental equipment utilizes fluorescent UV lamps as light sources to simulate sunlight UV radiation, and it can also simulate the effects of dew and rainwater through condensation or spray methods. The samples are subjected to the simulated solar UV light environment in a laboratory UV aging test chamber for tens of hours or even days, which replicates the damage that may occur over several months or years outdoors. UV aging testing reproduces aging effects, including fading, discoloration, decreased brightness, chalking, cracking, blurring, embrittlement, decreased strength, and oxidation, caused by UV exposure.

Purpose: UV aging testing is to provide reliable data for accurate prediction of a product’s weather resistance (anti-aging) and assist in material and formula selection and optimization.

 Scope of Application:

Applicable to industries such as automotive and motorcycle, construction materials, textiles, furniture, leather, etc.

Three Aging Modes:

1.Illumination:

Simulates the daylight illumination duration in natural environments (usually between 0.35W/m2 and 1.35W/m2, with the solar radiation intensity around 0.55W/m2 at noon in summer) and test temperatures (50°C to 85°C) to simulate various product usage environments and meet the testing requirements of different regions and industries.

2.Condensation:

Simulates the surface fogging phenomenon that occurs on samples during nighttime. During the condensation phase, the fluorescent UV lamps are turned off (in darkness), and only the test temperature (40°C to 60°C) is controlled, while the surface humidity of the sample is maintained at 95% to 100% RH.

3.Spray:

Simulates the process of rainfall by continuously spraying water onto the sample’s surface. Due to the more severe conditions of artificial UV accelerated aging tests compared to natural environments, it can replicate aging damage that would take months or years to occur outdoors within a few days or weeks.

Image of UV Aging Testing Equipment:

UV Aging Lamps:

UVA-340: Primarily used to simulate the mid-short wavelength range of UV radiation in the partial solar UV spectrum, commonly used for outdoor product aging testing.

UVA-351: Primarily used to simulate the mid-short wavelength range of UV radiation filtered by window glass in the partial solar UV spectrum, typically used for indoor products.

UVB-313: Emits considerable irradiation below 300nm, which is the nominal cutoff wavelength for solar radiation. This can induce aging phenomena that do not occur outdoors. Not recommended for simulating sunlight. This test is commonly used for durability testing and qualitative comparison of two or more materials.