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UV and its effect on plastics: an overview

5 minutes | 18 Jan 2019

In much the same way as our skin can be prone to damage when it comes into contact with harmful
ultraviolet (UV) rays (i.e. the sun), plastic can be affected, too. What that means for engineers is that Feedback
projects requiring the use of plastics may not run so smoothly, resulting in the risk of operational downtime
and stretched budgets.
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The good news is there are multiple ways of providing resistance to these often-damaging effects.

The danger of UV rays

Part of the electromagnetic spectrum, ultraviolet radiation is split into three types.These are:

UVA
UVB
UVC

The wavelengths of visible light are tiny, measured in billionths of a meter. A billionth of a meter is called a
nanometer, or nm. UVA has a wavelength range of 320-400 nm, while UVB has a range of 280-320.
Meanwhile, UVC’s range stands at around 100-280.
If we take skin as an example, UVA may result in a tanning of the complexion, while UVB may mean it
burns. The common effect of UVC IS germicidal, which is the scientific term for killing or inactivating
microorganisms by destroying nucleic acids and disrupting their DNA. This renders them useless when it
comes to performing critical cellular functions.

But what about plastic – how is it affected by the varying types of UV?
If plastic has been affected by ultraviolet rays, you may notice:a

a chalky appearance
the component surface becoming brittle
a colour change on the surface of the material

In terms of the components more likely to be at risk of UV damage, automotive parts are high on the list.
The effects will predominantly result in a change of the material’s surface layer – and some plastics, if
damaged by UV, will ultimately lead to the component failing altogether – not good news when a project is
near completion or has been finalised.

Free radicals and UV energy

When absorbed by plastics, UV energy can excite photons. This, in turn, can create free radicals. Then,
before you know it, degradation occurs, as catalyst residues will often act as receptors. The fact is, lots of
pure plastics simply cannot absorb UV radiation, putting your project and its components at severe risk.

You can, of course, avoid UV degradation in plastics. Blockers, stabilisers or absorbers can be used to
great effect, while titanium dioxide may also be beneficial. Meanwhile, benzophenones and other organic
compounds can absorb the UV and re-emit it as heat, which isn’t nearly as harmful.

A few examples of materials where UV stabilisers or other solutions can completely eliminate the problem
of UV deterioration include:

Polyolefin: Heat Shrink Tubing and End Caps

Nylon: Cables ties and cable tie mounts

Never assume, however, that either of these materials are UV resistant. They’re usually not and must be
specially treated. Always look for ‘UV resistant’ in the product details.

A material called carbon black, which offers black colouration, can reduce the risk of such degradation, as
it will provide protective surface coatings. The latter can include metallisation or paint, though carbon black
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is a typically low-cost option. It can also be as effective as the alternatives.

Which plastics are more susceptible to UV degradation?

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If you’re about to undertake a new project, it’s worth knowing which types of plastics are more susceptible
to this type of degradation.

Polypropylene (PP) and low-density polyethylene (LDPE) are just two types of polymers at increased risk,
with ultraviolet rays interacting with tertiary carbon bonds within their chain structure. This then reacts with
oxygen in the atmosphere. Next, carbonyl groups in the main chain are produced and the areas of the
component which are exposed could then be prone to cracking or discolouration.

In terms of the kinds of aesthetic changes you might notice with non-UV-resistant plastics, anything from
yellowing to leaching of dyed materials, as well as bleaching of its surface, may occur. Any of these
alterations will ultimately result in a less cost-effective project and more downtime in terms of replacing
components.

Can a UV attack on plastics be detected?

As they say, ‘prevention is better than the cure’. With that in mind, is there a way such UV interference can
be detected early on in the project – or ruled out entirely before it commences?

The first visual sign is serious cracks in a product. This can be viewed by way of infrared spectroscopy
which ‘involves the interaction of infrared radiation with matter’. Used to identify and study chemicals, it is
mostly based on absorption spectroscopy and makes use of an infrared spectrometer, which works to
detect carbon groups before they cause any real issues.

How can anti-UV chemicals help?

When mixing the ingredients – before using injection moulding to shape the product – anti-UV chemicals
can be utilised. This means a future UV attack by way of sunlight can be prevented.

It’s interesting to note that the chemicals used in such preventative measures are similar to those used in
sun cream. While sunscreen protects the skin from the attack of UV rays, the chemicals used in UV
stabilizers added to plastics act in much the same way.

But it isn’t solely UV rays which pose a risk to plastics. Other environmental factors – from light and
chemicals to heat – can play a big part in the degradation of the material being utilised in any given
project.

Even some acids, alkalis and salts can be to blame for changes to the polymer, which can include
anything from chemical disintegration or biodegradation. Some changes may also reduce the molecular
weight of a polymer for recycling – and these changes are generally referred to as ‘aging’, given that they
significantly affect the lifespan of a component, along with its appearance.

UV-resistant plastics: some considerations

If a project is to run smoothly, it’s essential that a UV-resistant plastic is used – if, of course, said plastic
will be exposed to UV light. If this is not the case, engineers can afford to be less choosy, providing the
plastic they choose is suitable for its unique application.

But for projects which require a UV-resistant plastic, these materials more than fit the bill:

Acrylic – Available in a range of attractive colours, acrylic offers strength and stiffness. In terms of
optical clarity, it fares extremely well, too – and it bonds effectively with solvents and adhesives, as
well as proving easy to fabricate. Ideal for outdoor use, it has optimum weathering properties and it’s
versatile, durable and aesthetically pleasing, which is why it makes a great material for leaf hinges.
Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) – Flame-resistant and with fantastic chemical abrasion properties,

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PVDF is especially a good choice for washers. With great UV stability, it’s FDA-compliant and is a
high purity engineering thermoplastic with a host of uses.
Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) – With outstanding weathering resistance, PTFE remains stable –
even at temperatures of up to 500 °F. A low-friction fluoropolymer, it offers great electrical insulating 
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properties, which is why PTFE tubing is often used to protect optic fibres.

The good and the bad

Servicethread.com champions the extensive use of polypropylene, but suggests that it isn’t suitable in
projects which will be exposed to UV rays: “Because of the chemical structure of polypropylene, it has a
high degradation rate when exposed to UV light like the sun.”

In instances where a component will be subjected to long-term UV exposure, engineers should steer well
clear of materials like these.

Meanwhile, polyester may be a good candidate for UV exposure. “Polyester is different. It is a family of
plastics that share a similar structure of an ester between two binding R-groups. Because the R-groups
are different between each plastic, they have different characteristics; however, the overall performance of
these plastics compared to polypropylene is much greater concerning UV resistance.”
According to a paper published by North Carolina State University, polypropylene can only manage six
days before losing up to 70% of its strength as a result of UV rays. Polyester fares much better. The article
reveals that following 12 months of UV exposure, over 67% of a component’s strength is restored.

It’s vital, therefore, that you ascertain which materials you need well in advance of your project. This will
help you avoid unnecessary downtime while ensuring the work stays within budget.

Consider the application of the component and the environment it will be utilised in, before selecting the
right parts for the job. Of course, a project which requires weatherproof components will likely also require
UV-resistant parts, too.

Make sure your project is equipped to handle severe weather influences and you can be sure of a well-
executed job. After all, UV rays don’t just affect the aesthetics of your plastics; they also affect their
longevity.

Download free CADs and try before you buy

Free CADs are available for most solutions, which you can download for free. You can also request free
samples to ensure the solutions you’ve chosen are exactly what you need. If you’re not quite sure which
product will work best for your application, our experts are always happy to advise you.

Request your free samples or download free CADs now.

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