Comparison of standard UV test methods for the ageing of cables

摘要

During service most materials and products are exposed tornenvironmental factors that can cause degradation. Weathering isrnthe term used to describe the adverse response of a material orrnproduct to climatic conditions, often causing unwanted reactions,rndeterioration of properties and premature product failure. Thernthree main factors contributing to weathering are solar radiationrnlight energy), temperature and water (moisture). In the case ofrnpolymeric materials the effect of solar radiation, especially thernultra-violet (UV) part of the spectrum containing the highestrnenergies, is the main concern when discussing material durability.rnA round robin evaluation comparing the resistance to acceleratedrnUV ageing of common cable sheathing materials includingrnLLDPE, TPU and EPR is reported. The project was initiated byrnCENELEC TC46X-TC86A/JWG2. Six laboratories participatedrnin tests to cover the principal standard test methods and exposurernconditions used by the European cable industry. Our paperrnreviews the results of this project and further addresses thernadvantages and disadvantages of various methods in the contextrnof real outdoor exposure.