Accelerated weathering for outdoor test methods are useful tools that give relatively quick answers for R&D, quality control, and material certification. But nothing takes the place of natural outdoor testing—even though it takes much longer.
Exposure to UV, cold, heat and moisture can lead to color changes, surface crazing, chalking, and embrittlement. Failure to test properly for these effects can result in premature product failures, and, ultimately, damage to brand reputation.
Most weathering damage is caused by light, heat, and moisture. These forces often work together to cause more damage than any one factor alone. Tropical/subtropical and desert environments are the most severe climates for plastics to withstand, and ideal benchmarks for weathering testing.
At Teknor Apex, we have developed a portfolio of rigid PVC compounds which withstand the rigors of 24/7 outdoor exposure extremely well. Our Apex RE 9015 and RE 9016 extrusion series compounds excel in retention of key attributes for long-term outdoor functionality.
Test results are compelling: Sample sets of Teknor Apex rigid PVC standard outdoor grades provided strong retention performance in our real-time test exposure labs in Ohio, Arizona and Florida — climates that represent a collection of the most demanding areas in the United States. (Compound performance is evaluated on the basis of color change expressed as Delta E.)
Make sure your products — and brand — withstand the worst conditions that nature doles out. Our sales and technical representatives are always available to discuss your emerging material demands.
