WEATHERING PERFORMANCE ADVANTAGES OF MOLD-IN-COLOR ACRYLIC VERSUS COATED PLASTICS FOR EXTERIOR TRIM APPLICATIONS

摘要

This paper will explore the actual outdoor weathering performance of multiple plastic technologies used for exterior trim including various approaches to coatings and the use of molded in color acrylic. For each technology, actual 5-year old parts were obtained and then photographed along side new parts to visualize change in appearance. Next the specimens are analyzed for change in color and gloss. Finally the parts are analyzed for surface chemistry changes via infrared spectroscopy.