The effect of UV aging on structural polymers

Polymer composites, their composition, and their properties are the major causes of their application as a construction material. Last century composites with polymer matrix were considered as the most perspective constructional material. Previous researches have only focused on mechanical characteristics of polymer composites but it is also important to observe their mechanical properties before and after UV radiation [1, 2]. The aim of this study is to analyse the change in mechanical properties which are influenced by UV radiation. It was decided that the optimal method for this investigation was to accelerate ageing in UV box. The test samples were evaluated by the selected mechanical parameters - tensile strength, three-point bend, hardness, Vicat temperature. The same parameters were assessed before and after 500 hours UV radiation. These results extend our knowledge of polymer composites and their behaviour before and after UV radiation. This work shown UV radiation has significant influence on the change of selective mechanical properties. Current polymer composites are sensitive to UV radiation which minimize their mechanical properties which change due to partial cross-linking of the matrix and crack at the interface of the matrix and reinforcement. (paper)