The Weathering of Plastics Materials in the Tropics. 2. Polyacetals.
Abstract
Two polyacetal materials, an 'end-capped' homopolymer and a copolymer, both with and without carbon black, have been exposed to outdoor weathering for periods of up to 4 years, at three tropical sites in Australia and one temperate site in the UK. Dimensional, weight, and visual changes and certain mechanical properties were monitored in order to follow changes due to weathering. In addition a supplementary laboratory ageing programme on the materials was undertaken. The notched tensile test was a sensitive index of degradation in polyacetals. The weathering of polyacetals appears to be sensitive to moulding conditions. Results show that both homopolymer and copolymer polyacetals containing 0.5% carbon black can be suitable materials for unrestricted outdoor applications. In contrast, the natural polymers are not suitable for more than short periods of continuous outdoor exposure in either temperate or tropical conditions.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1974
- Accession Number
- ADA008874