Use of Integrating Spheres as Uniform Sources for Accelerated UV Weathering of Advanced Materials.
Use of Integrating Spheres as Uniform Sources for
Accelerated UV Weathering of Advanced Materials.
(353 K)
Chin, J. W.; Martin, J. W.; Embree, E. J.; Byrd, W. E.
Polymeric Materials: Science and Engineering (PMSE) Fall
Meeting. Volume 83. Proceedings. American Chemical
Society (ACS) Division of Polymeric Materials: Science
and Engineering. August 20-24, 2000, Washington, DC,
American Chemical Society, Washington, DC, 145-146 pp,
2000.
Keywords:
integrating sphere; ultraviolet radiation;
photodegradation; polymers
Abstract:
The primary method for obtaining laboratory weathering
data for a wide range of commercial polymer products
including coatings, textiles, elastomers, plastics and
polymeric composites is through the use of ultraviolet
radiation exposure chambers (UV chambers). Although
numerous improvements have been made in the design of UV
chambers over the last 80 years, the repeatability and
reproducibility of the exposure results from these
chambers have remained elusive. This lack of
reproducibility and repeatability is attributed to
systematic errors in their design, operation, and
control which, in turn, have prevented comparisons of
the performance of materials exposed in the same
environment, comparisons of the performance of the same
material exposed in different laboratories, and the
comparison of field and laboratory results. This paper
describes an innovative UV chamber design having a basis
in integrating sphere technology that greatly reduces
the magnitude of these errors, as well as provides
additional experimental capabilities.
Building and Fire Research Laboratory
National Institute of Standards and Technology
Gaithersburg, MD 20899