UV aging test is also called UV aging test. UV aging does not simulate full spectrum sunlight, but simulates the destructive effect of sunlight. This is achieved by controlling the main radiation of fluorescent tubes in the ultraviolet band of the solar spectrum.
The experimental equipment uses fluorescent ultraviolet lamp as the light source to simulate sunlight and ultraviolet, and can also simulate the influence of dew and rain by condensation or spraying. The samples are tested in the solar ultraviolet environment simulated by the UV aging test chamber in the laboratory for tens of hours or even days, which can simulate the damage that may occur outdoors for months or years, and the damage results that can occur outdoors for months or years. Reproduce the aging of the product after UV aging, including fading, discoloration, brightness decline, pulverization, cracking, blurring, embrittlement, strength decline and oxidation.
Test purpose
The reliable data provided by UV ultraviolet aging test can make accurate correlation prediction of weathering resistance and help to screen and optimize the materials and formulations.
Scope of application
It is mainly applicable to automobile, motorcycle, building materials, textiles, furniture, leather and other industries.
Difference between ultraviolet aging test and xenon lamp aging test
Different from xenon lamp aging / solar radiation aging test, UV aging can not simulate full spectrum sunlight, and the wavelength of UV electromagnetic spectrum is radiated from 0.01 ~ 0.10 μ M. Most polymers, such as plastics and rubber, are greatly affected by ultraviolet aging. Long wavelengths of ultraviolet light, including some colors and fuel materials, can also cause serious aging.
UV aging test stage
UV aging test can set three aging modes: light, condensation and spray
Illumination stage
Simulate the daytime illumination length (usually between 0.35w/m2 ~ 1.35w/m2, and the solar illumination intensity at noon in summer is about 0.55w/m2) and test temperature (50 ℃ ~ 85 ℃) in the natural environment, so as to simulate various use environments of products and meet the test requirements of different regions and industries.
Condensation stage
Simulate the phenomenon of fog on the sample surface at night, turn off the fluorescent ultraviolet lamp (dark state) in the condensation stage, only control the test temperature (40 ~ 60 ℃), and the sample surface humidity is 95 ~ 100% RH.
The process of rain is simulated by continuously spraying water on the sample surface. Because the artificial UV accelerated aging test conditions are much more severe than the natural environment, the aging damage that can only occur for several years in the natural environment can be simulated and reproduced in a few days or weeks.
Common UV aging tubes
UVA-340: it is mainly used to simulate the medium and short wavelength range in the ultraviolet part of sunlight. It is generally used for the light aging test of outdoor products.
UVA-351: it is mainly used to simulate the medium and short wavelength range in the ultraviolet part of sunlight filtered by window glass. It is generally used for indoor products.
UVB-313: they emit a considerable amount of radiation below 300 nm, which is the nominal cut-off wavelength of solar radiation. This will cause some aging phenomena that will not occur outdoors. This kind of lamp is not recommended to simulate sunlight. This test is widely used to accelerate the durability test of materials as a qualitative comparison of two or more materials.
