TESTING | WEATHERING
Right: Impact Solutions offers an accelerated weathering testing service to SAE J2527 for exterior automotive materials
light exposure technologies. These techniques provide the opportunity to accelerate the testing beyond traditional rates of exposure, though care must be taken to verify that the level of correlation to the traditional methods and real-world ageing is maintained,” he adds. “A key aspect to material durability evaluation is performing real time outdoor exposures. Although this can be a time-consuming process that takes years to complete, it is the most valuable and representative data for understanding real world material performance. There are technologies available that combine outdoor weathering with accelerated testing by means of solar tracking devices and mirrors to concentrate the natural sunlight on the sample to increase the rate of exposure. This provides exposure to actual sunlight and real life conditions in an accelerated manner, but the results may still vary from the real time exposures based on long term differences in temperature and moisture cycles.” Alesandro says that Avery Dennison develops
products with the customer’s requirements in mind and so includes performance criteria such as ease of application and adhesion to complex geometry, and film removability for non-permanent applica- tions in addition to long-term weathering resist- ance and colour retention. Sustainability is also part of new product development. When studying product durability, it is essential to understand the material sensitivities and types of failure modes a material will exhibit, the company says. In order to achieve this, various case studies have been investigated to characterise product performance in many climates. This data highlights the effect of environmental conditions such as light exposure, temperature and moisture on the physical properties and colour retention of these films. Moreover, these studies show the importance of understanding the details of the specific applica- tions. Factors such as angle of application and compass orientation play a critical role in determin- ing the amount of light exposure and temperature range a product will see, and ultimately, its durabil- ity. Further, the level of care, such as frequency of washing, and even the types of cleaners used, also plays a role in the product durability. Innovative product development will continue to be the focus moving forward with key initiatives around advancing UV stability and weathering resistance. “Customers continue to demand higher durability in all regions, including those with challenging environmental conditions,” says Alessandro. “Along with performance enhance- ments, sustainable product offerings and launching
50 COMPOUNDING WORLD | December 2019
new colours and specialised appearances will continue. In parallel, advancements to accelerated weathering methods are being developed to allow for more advanced evaluations of new products by statistical-based approaches combined with a deeper understanding of polymer degradation mechanisms. This is driving faster and more accurate durability modelling techniques along with enhanced R&D efficiency.”
Testing options Independent testing laboratory Impact Solutions has developed an accelerated weathering testing service to standard SAE J2527 for exterior automo- tive materials. The UK-based company says it operates several Q-Lab Q-Sun xenon arc weathering chambers within its accelerated weathering labora- tory, carrying out test programmes conforming to a range of accelerated weathering standards. Speci- mens are prepared for the xenon arc chambers and placed on a tray where they undergo specifically designed programmes to mimic weathering conditions. Distance from the light source is a major factor in the amount of irradiance received and the surface temperature of the sample. Impact Solutions says that SAE J2527 is particu- larly specific as to what test conditions are used, recreating the effects of direct sunlight, temperature and/or moisture. Temperature, humidity, spray, light and dark cycles are also used to simulate outdoor weathering conditions under SAE J2527. The test programme has a duration of 3000 and 6000 hours.
CLICK ON THE LINKS FOR MORE INFORMATION: �
www.atlas-mts.com �
www.q-lab.com �
www.averydennison.com �
www.impact-solutions.co.uk
www.compoundingworld.com
IMAGE: IMPACT SOLUTIONS
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