Artificial simulated and natural weathering of polyvinylchloride for outdoor applications: the influence of the radiation and water in the changes of properties

Abstract

Some artificial accelerated methods are currently used and accepted in the prediction of polymer lifetimes. However, in order to evaluate the durability of these materials, it is indispensable to reproduce the natural weathering phenomena as closely as possible. To attain this target, it is fundamental to understand the role of the atmospheric agents in the photo-degradation. The importance of radiation and temperature in the degradation of polymers is universally recognised. However, there is a trend to underestimate other environmental agents, such as humidity and rain, which play an important part in the evolution of degradation in certain compounded polymers. The objective of this paper is to show the fundamental role of water in the mechanism of degradation of TiO2 pigmented PVC formulations, and compare the results from different exposure methods, considering the influence of this degradation agent.