Table of Contents Page I. Introduction to Weathering 3 1. UV light spectrum and solar radiation 3 2. Radiation energy definitions 4 3.

. Average solar radiation by country 5 4. Light stabilizers for plastic materials 6 a) UV light absorbers 6 b) Quenchers 7 c) Hindered Amine Light Stabilizers (HALS) 7 II. Weathering Test Methods 8 1. Natural weathering 8 2. Artificial weathering chambers 9 a) QUV fluorescent light source 9 b) Xenon lamp weathering (Ci65A chamber) 10 c) QUV versus Xenon lamp testing 11 2 3 Introduction to Weathering Long term exposure to sunlight leads to the degradation of plastic materials. In particular, the non-visible UV radiation characterized by short wavelengths is responsible for photo-degradation, a process that generally results in breaking down the polymer chains. This frequently results in a deterioration of the physical properties, changes in color or chalking of the part surface. As an example, films lose their flexibility and disintegrate, garden furniture becomes brittle or stadium seats become chalky. In order to limit or postpone the onset of degradation, several types of UV light stabilizers can be added to the polymer. The most important stabilizer types work by screening out the harmful ultraviolet light - for instance UV absorbers such as benzophenones or small dispersed particles such as carbon black or inorganic pigments. Other very effective UV stabilizers are UV quenchers and HALS (Hindered Amine Light Stabilizers). A brief description of these stabilizers is given in the next pages. One important factor, when the light stability of a given material or the performance of a UV stabilizer needs to be assessed, is the selection of a suitable test method. Besides outdoor exposure that closely reflects natural weathering conditions but requires long exposure times, artificial weathering tests have been developed using light sources such as Xenon arcs or fluorescent lamps under controlled temperature and humidity conditions. Ultraviolet light spectrum and solar radiation UVB VISIBLE INFRA RED 280 nm 315 nm 385 nm 780 nm 3 m SOLAR SPECTRUM The solar spectrum covers a broad range of radiation including short wavelength UV's, visible light, as well as infrared radiation.