Accelerated weathering test for glass fiber reinforced polyester (GRP) sheets

摘要

With the development of GRP's of improved durability to weathering it has become necessary to devise accelerated weathering tests that permit assessment of their performance and durability within a reasonable time. The new artificial weathering procedure subjects GRP materials to a cycle of 2 h xenon arc radiation (twice the intensity used in the previously reported cycle of 4 h radiation and 4 h cold water spray) and 0.67 h cold water spray. Exposure of fire- retardant, non-gel-coated, and conventional GRP sheets induced surface degradation similar to that produced by both the 4-4 cycle and outdoor exposure in a considerably shorter time. The acceleration rate was 2.0 to 3.5 (compared with the 4-4 cycle) and 5 to 30 (compared with outdoors).