Accelerated Weathering Testing
Pressure-sensitive tapes can experience aging and degradation when exposed to environmental stressors. Solar radiation, heat, and humidity are significant concerns for the durability of organic and polymeric materials, including adhesives, particularly in outdoor applications. High temperatures can cause thermal degradation and accelerate other degradation and diffusion processes. Additionally, moisture, whether in the form of relative humidity or liquid water, can significantly affect the performance of these materials.
How does weathering affect adhesives?
1) Effect of temperature
- When pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) tape is directly exposed to sunlight, photochemical aging occurs as radiation passes through the substrate. The high heat energy from sunlight can also reduce the adhesive’s mechanical properties, causing most adhesives to lose their integrity and fail to hold onto substrates effectively. High temperatures often lead to adhesive failure, especially when the adhesives are subjected to temperatures beyond their tolerance limits.
- At lower temperatures, certain adhesives do not bond as effectively as they do at room temperature. Most pressure-sensitive adhesives lose their stretchability and become brittle in the cold, affecting their flexibility and bonding strength. This compromises both the effectiveness and longevity of the adhesive.
2) Effect of humidity
- Adhesive performance is generally unaffected by lower-than-required humidity levels. However, extremely low humidity, such as in winter or refrigerated environments, can impact an adhesive’s bond strength and serviceability. Water-based adhesives, in particular, may take longer to cure and set in low humidity and might require special methods to maintain their moisture levels.
- Adhesive performance is generally unaffected by lower-than-required humidity levels. However, extremely low humidity, such as in winter or refrigerated environments, can impact an adhesive’s bond strength and serviceability. Water-based adhesives, in particular, may take longer to cure and set in low humidity and might require special methods to maintain their moisture levels.
Storage and maintenance are crucial to avoiding issues related to adhesive degradation. These potential problems can be predicted using accelerated weathering equipment, which simulates and speeds up the effects of natural elements on materials. This process aids in predicting service life and accelerates product development and improvement.
Adhesive Specialities conducts aging studies using a UV light accelerated weathering tester, capable of testing the UV resistance of pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) tapes.
Environmental factors like moisture, sunlight, and temperature can cause polymer degradation, leading to issues such as fading, cracking, and flaking. To ensure the longevity and performance of products, it is essential to test how these factors affect specific materials.
The accelerated weathering uses fluorescent UV light to accurately emulate sunlight, while the water spray and condensation functions replicate rain and dew. This comprehensive testing helps in understanding and mitigating the effects of environmental stressors on adhesives and other materials. To know more please contact us at info@adhesivespecialities.co.in
