UV aging
Project introduction
Ultraviolet aging test is also called UV aging test. UV aging does not simulate full-spectrum sunlight, but it simulates the destructive effect of sunlight. It is achieved by controlling the main radiation of fluorescent tubes in the ultraviolet band of the solar spectrum.

The experimental equipment uses fluorescent ultraviolet lamps as light sources to simulate sunlight ultraviolet rays, and can also simulate the effects of dew and rain by condensation or spraying. The samples are tested for dozens of hours or even days in the solar ultraviolet environment simulated by the laboratory UV ultraviolet aging test box, which can simulate the damage that may occur outdoors for several months or years, and simulate the damage results that take months or years to produce outdoors. Reproduce the aging conditions of the product after UV aging: including fading, discoloration, brightness reduction, powdering, cracking, blurring, brittleness, strength reduction and oxidation.

Test purpose
The reliable data provided by UV ultraviolet aging test can make accurate correlation predictions on the weather resistance (anti-aging) of the product, and help screen and optimize materials and formulations.
Application range
It is mainly suitable for automobiles and motorcycles, building materials, textiles, furniture and leather industries.
Differences between UV aging test and xenon lamp aging test
Unlike xenon lamp aging/solar radiation aging test, UV aging cannot simulate full-spectrum sunlight. The wavelength of ultraviolet light in the electromagnetic spectrum ranges from 0.01 to 0.10 microns. Most polymers, such as plastics and rubbers, are greatly affected by UV aging. The long-wavelength ultraviolet rays of some color and fuel materials can also cause serious aging.
UV aging test stage
The UV aging test can set three aging modes: illumination, condensation and spraying

Illumination stage

Simulate the daytime illumination length in the natural environment (usually between 0.35W/m2 and 1.35W/m2, and the sunlight intensity at noon in summer is about 0.55W/m2) and test temperature (50℃~85℃) to simulate various product usage environments and meet the testing requirements of different regions and industries.

Condensation stage

Simulate the phenomenon of fogging on the sample surface at night. During the condensation stage, turn off the fluorescent UV lamp (dark state), only control the test temperature (40~60℃), and the sample surface humidity is 95~100%RH.

Spraying stage

Simulate the raining process by continuously spraying water on the sample surface. Since the artificial UV accelerated aging test conditions are much harsher than the natural environment, the aging damage that can only occur in a few years in the natural environment can be simulated and reproduced in a few days or weeks.

Commonly used UV aging tubes
UVA-340: The main purpose is to simulate the medium and short wavelength range in the ultraviolet part of sunlight, generally used for light aging tests of outdoor products.

UVA-351: The main purpose is to simulate the medium and short wavelength range in the ultraviolet part of sunlight filtered by window glass, generally used for indoor products.

UVB-313: They emit a considerable amount of radiation below 300nm, and 300nm is the nominal cut-off wavelength of solar radiation. This will cause some aging phenomena that do not occur outdoors. It is not recommended to use this lamp to simulate sunlight. This test is widely used to accelerate the durability test of materials as a qualitative comparison of two or more materials.