Accelerated UV aging using ozone for polymer durability testing
Innovative method leveraging ozone to simulate UV aging, reducing testing time from months to weeks. This approach combines ozone aging and standardized UV protocols to predict polymer degradation, aiding in rapid product development and durability prediction.
Overview
This solution introduces an innovative approach to accelerate the UV aging process of polymers by using ozone as a representative mechanism. Traditional UV aging can take 15-24 months, but this method reduces it to just one month. By integrating ozone aging with ASTM G155 protocols, this approach provides a rapid and reliable predictive model for polymer degradation. This advancement is particularly beneficial for industries focused on polyolefin products, offering a faster route to understanding product longevity and performance.
Technical specifications
- Ozone Chamber Use: Utilizes a commercially available ozone-cleaning chamber to simulate UV aging effects.
- Characterization Techniques: Employs optical profilometry, DSC, FTIR, and tensile tests to assess degradation.
- Abrasion Testing: Incorporates a custom abrasion test to evaluate product deterioration.
- Predictive Modeling: Data from surface-aged polymers is used to create models for accelerated UV testing.
- Standards Compliance: Aligns with ASTM 6878 for polymer material characterization.
Technology readiness level
The current TRL is 3, indicating that the technology has been validated in a laboratory setting. The project aims to develop a robust accelerated aging protocol for polyolefins, with further validation planned through industry collaboration and comprehensive testing over a 1-year period.
About Arizona State University
Arizona State University is a comprehensive public research university with a multi-campus presence across the Phoenix metropolitan area and a scale that supports interdisciplinary, use-inspired discovery. Industry partners access co-located laboratories, a research and technology park, and innovation centers that house corporate teams with faculty to speed prototyping and validation. A formal alliance with a major hospital system and proximity to a fast-growing manufacturing corridor enable clinical translation and pilot-scale testbeds, while applied student engagements create dependable talent pipelines. Research is backed by competitive federal funding from agencies such as NSF, NIH, DOE, DOD, and NASA. A dedicated technology transfer office supports IP, licensing, and startup formation.
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