6/3/2020 Materials Technology Limited

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Outdoor Correlation & Real World Life

We are often asked "how does laboratory testing correlate with the
real outdoors?" or "how long will my product last outside?". Whilst
these seem simple questions there are no simple definitive answers.

It is not possible to directly correlate laboratory accelerated weathering with

Outdoor testing rigs
real outdoor exposure. The main reason for this is that the outdoor
environment is inherently variable throughout the day, across the seasons
and is highly dependent on the specific geographic location on the Earth’s
surface. In addition, other outdoor factors not recreated in the Laboratory
environment, such as wind, rain and pollution, may contribute to the
degradation of a material. See more under our uv map. Even in locations
like Florida the day the day variation can be great. Testing in these locations
has shown variations can be as great as 7 times when testing duplicate
samples.

Laboratory UV testing can be easily replicated and is consistent with respect

to UV intensity, temperature and moisture. Different standards specify
different simulated weather cycles, we commonly test to ISO 4892 which is
generally accepted to give a good simulation to outdoor exposure. However,
other cycles may give different correlations.

The QUV or Xenon arc provides a constant level of intense UV radiation,

and therefore simulates a constant application of midday sun. This means
that the laboratory conditions produce a significant acceleration factor,
particularly when used in conjunction with heat and moisture. The
significance of this acceleration factor is also dependent on the material
type. Porous or open weave materials such as textiles will have higher
acceleration factors as the moisture generated during the test can easily
penetrate the samples. Plastics and solid substrates, with non-porous
surfaces will have lower acceleration factors, and require longer tests for the
same amount of UV degradation.

However, having said all this, over the 15 years of testing experience we
have been able to generate some very rough rules of thumb for clients. The
approximate acceleration factor obtained with the standard fluorescent tube
type laboratory test for plastic or non porous materials tested in accordance
with ISO 4892 is very roughly 10 – 20 times. Hence a 500 hour test
approximately equates to 7- 14 months of exposure in a hot, humid location
near the equator, such as Florida. Hence we normally recommend clients
start at 500 hours as this will quickly determine if you have a poor
performing material. If it performs well at 500 hours it is easy to continue to
longer durations. The most reliable method is to test until you reach a
defined failure point.

A 500 hour test is also a good starting point for a series of comparative
tests. Rather than trying to determine a quantitative set of results for a
single material type, which is often a lengthy and complex process, a
qualitative comparison of a range of materials can be easily performed.
Using a control or a sample that has a well known extensive service history
as a benchmark increases the value of the data produced by such a test.
This is often the best option when trying to compare the performance of

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various suppliers. Ranking the performance of your new suppliers against

historical ones ensures that you compare on a like for like basis.

Testing your products at several different exposure durations is better than

doing a single duration. It will help identify more accurately any progressive
degradation in the material or any sudden changes. For onerous outdoor
applications e.g. tropical zones, longer duration testing should be
considered. As an example the cable industry will screen materials at the
500 hour and 1000 hour point and will look for minimum rentention of
properties of 70% and 60% retention respectively.

Whilst direct correlation of artificial UV weathering to real life is difficult the

data generated is extremely valuable and is beneficial in terms of both
product design or any potential liability issues. There is no substitute for
testing your product and in many areas Materials Technology staff will have
experience of testing similar products and will be able to provide useful
advice and recommendations.

Call us now to discuss your specific needs.

© Materials Technology Limited, Registered in England & Wales No. 05764619, Contact +44(0)2380 580240

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