Ultraviolet rays are not only harmful to the human body, but the harm to products cannot be underestimated! During the processing, storage or use of materials or products, due to the influence of external factors such as heat, light, oxygen, mechanical stress, ozone, harmful metal ions, radiation, etc., physical or chemical changes occur inside the material, and the performance deteriorates. Gradually lose use value.
The types of damage caused by ultraviolet rays include fading, gloss loss, powdering, cracking, cracking, blurring, blistering, embrittlement, strength reduction and oxidation.
The product fields involved are also very wide, such as: rubber, plastic and their products, coatings, paints, dyes, fabrics, printing and packaging, adhesives, metals, electronics, electroplating, cosmetics, etc.
Ultraviolet rays in sunlight are the main cause of photodegradation and photoaging of products. This is because the shorter the wavelength, the higher the energy and the stronger the penetration ability. In the solar spectrum (as shown below), ultraviolet rays have shorter wavelengths. At this time, the life of the product can often be evaluated through ultraviolet aging tests to ensure the quality of the product.
Ultraviolet aging test is a testing method to evaluate the resistance of new materials to ultraviolet light. It is usually tested in the laboratory through an accelerated ultraviolet aging test chamber. In just a few weeks or months, reproducible and reliable aging test data can be obtained through UV aging testing; its short-wavelength UV light and condensation cycle system can realistically simulate the damage to materials caused by sunlight, dew, and rain. effect.
The UV aging test mainly simulates the deterioration effect of ultraviolet light in sunlight on products.
It can also recreate the damage caused by rain and dew;
The test is conducted by exposing the material to be tested to a controlled alternating cycle of sunlight and moisture while increasing the temperature; UV fluorescent lamps are used to simulate sunlight, while the effects of moisture can also be simulated through condensation or spray.
Common UV lamp types
UVA-340 simulates the ultraviolet part of sunlight and is mainly used for photoaging tests of outdoor products;
UVA-351 simulates the ultraviolet part of sunlight passing through window glass, and is mainly used for photoaging tests of indoor products;
UVB-313EL: Widely used for fast, time-saving testing of durable materials, it will accelerate the aging of materials and sometimes lead to abnormal results. Customer consent must be obtained when using it.
Let’s give a simple example of a UV aging test so that everyone can better understand the test:
Maxim Testing Laboratory has done a UV aging test case: the customer sent some samples of a certain PVC material, which were used as window glass films, and a UV aging test was required to verify the reliability of the product.
Testing environment: ambient temperature 24.2℃, humidity 53%R.H
Testing standard: ASTM G-154-2016 Standard for test methods for non-metallic materials exposed to ultraviolet light from fluorescent devices
Test Methods:
Irradiance: 0.89W/m; Wavelength: 340nm; Exposure period: (60±3℃) UV irradiation for 8h at black panel temperature;
(50±3℃) condensation at black panel temperature for 4h;
Duration: 100 hours;
One part of the sample was wrapped with aluminum foil and the other part was exposed. After the test, compare the gray card between the wrapped part and the exposed part to evaluate the gray card grade.
By observing the samples after the test, the following results were obtained:
The results showed that after the test, there was no obvious color change on the surface of the sample, which met the reliability requirements under standard conditions.
The UV aging test can evaluate the product's ability to withstand solar radiation and effects when outdoors without shelter. Test parameters: temperature, humidity, lamp type wavelength, radiation intensity, light-dark cycle, duration.
Finally, since there are many standards for UV aging testing, many of which are specific standards for a particular type of product, we have extended and summarized some general standards for your reference:
Some general standards for UV aging testing
ISO 4892-3 Plastics Test methods for laboratory light source exposure Part 3 Fluorescent ultraviolet lamps
GBT 16422.3 Plastics Laboratory light source exposure test methods Part 3 Fluorescent ultraviolet lamp
ASTM G-151 Standard for Test Methods for Exposure of Nonmetallic Materials to Accelerated Test Equipment Using Laboratory Light Sources
ASTM G-154 Standard Test Method for Nonmetallic Materials Exposed to Ultraviolet Light from Fluorescent Devices
British Standard BS 2782: Part 5 Method 540B (Exposure Methods to Laboratory Light Sources)
SAE J2020 Accelerated Exposure Testing of Automotive Exterior Trim Parts with Fluorescent UV/Condensation Equipment
ASTM D4587 Cycle 4 Exposure Procedure for Fluorescent Ultraviolet Condensation of Paints and Related Coatings
Our UV aging test chamber simulates the effect of real UV light inspection on your products to help you test your products,
If you have any interest, please do not hesitate to contact me!
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