Artificial Weathering and Exposure to Light

Resistance to deterioration of mechanical and optical properties, caused by exposure to weathering and/or light, is a significant factor in relation to many consumer goods.

Mérieux NutriSciences has specific instruments to simulate artificial weathering (i.e. the combined effects of light, heat and rain) and exposure to indoor lighting using xenon chambers

To simulate weathering, daylight filters are used to shield xenon-arc light, and the materials are exposed to alternating dry and water-spray cycles. To simulate indoor lighting, a “window glass” filter is used. Such exposure results in changes to product characteristics due to the effects of daylight, moisture, heat and, for outdoor products, weathering. At the end of the exposure period, color fastness can be assessed by comparing any change in color of the test specimens with that of the reference material (blue scale), or using spectrophotometers or an image analyzer.

Of course, the physico-mechanical and rheological properties of the products can be assessed by means of tests to evaluate changes (such as breaking, falling, tearing, traction and pressure resistance) that occur during product exposure, compared with the products’ normal or reasonably foreseeable intended use.