Degradation Behavior of Pure Polystyrene Subjected to Two Natural Climate Types and the Simulated Effect of Artificial Accelerated Weathering

Abstract

Pure polystyrene (PS) was subjected to natural weathering in Qionghai (QH) and Ruoqiang (RQ) of China, representing hot and humid climate and xerothermic climate respectively. The degradation profile of pure PS was studied by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy, Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) and Spectrophotometer. Artificial accelerated weathering tests protocol A and B were carried out to simulate hot and humid climate and xerothermic climate respectively. Results show that pure PS degrade slowly at the initial stage and then become faster. Color shift could be an appropriate indicator for evaluating simulated effect of artificial accelerated weathering and protocol A simulate hot and humid climate perfectly while protocol B turns out weak for xerothermic climate.