Analysis of Ageing Processes of Semi-Crystalline Materials

Abstract

The article presents the influence of accelerated UV ageing on the structural properties of selected polymer materials. In this study, 3 types of materials from a group of thermoplastics known as PP30T, PE, POM were used. The test samples were prepared by injection moulding. In turn, an accelerated UV ageing process (600 h) was carried out in the UV Test chamber with fluorescent lamps characterized by a wavelength of 313 nm. Changes in the structure of the tested materials were observed by using an optical microscope. Measurements of gloss on the surface of primary samples that were exposed to UV rays were also taken. In addition, the structure of primary and aged samples was tested by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The conducted studies have demonstrated the impact of UV radiation on the changes in the surface layer of tested materials.