The “FORD DVM-0036-MA Sunscreen Resistance Test” standard, developed by Ford Motor Company (FORD), describes a procedure for determining the protection resistance of vehicle coatings against the adverse effects of sunscreens.
Many sunscreens use a combination of physical blockers and chemical absorbers to maximize the benefits and reduce the negatives. Many broad-spectrum sunscreens also require a combination of ingredients to protect against UVA and UVB rays, two types of ultraviolet rays that cause skin damage. These ingredients can have adverse effects on vehicle interior upholstery and exterior paint when left on for long periods of time. However, both upholstery materials and exterior paint are expected to resist these effects. The FORD DVM-0036-MA standard provides a test method to determine this resistance.
In vehicles, resistance to mechanical impacts and consistency of form, colour and structure against critical weather and UV influences are not the only aspects in the application development context of surface materials. It is also relevant to complex media resistance, such as the resistance of lacquered surfaces to sunscreens, which are often subject to extremely short-term fashions.
Vehicle interior components and modules, such as seats, cockpits, instrument panels, door panels, trim panels, carpet systems and headliners, heat shields and body component groups, are frequently exposed to sunscreen exposure. Tests performed include life tests under artificial climate conditions such as climate tests, climate change tests, solar simulations and corrosion tests, as well as resistance tests of sunscreens and similar lotions.
The test method for determining the resistance of interior painted surfaces to sunscreen focuses on evaluating the durability and performance of the paint when exposed to sunscreen, which may contain chemicals that can damage the paint. The compound is tested for visual and tactile changes, such as cracking of the paint.
In short, chemicals found in products like sunscreen and hand sanitizer can react with materials used in the interior and exterior of a vehicle, causing premature wear. Chemicals found in products like sunscreen and hand sanitizer may be an unthinkable ingredient, but they can react with materials used in the interior of a vehicle, causing deterioration unless they are protected with special coatings.
Ford is constantly testing new products on materials used in vehicles to meet a daily challenge, and developing durable coatings. From hand sanitizers to sunscreens and even insect repellents, consumer trends are constantly changing and new products are constantly being introduced to the market. Even the most harmless-looking product can cause problems when it comes into contact with surfaces thousands of times a year. The market for hand sanitizers and sunscreens, many of which contain ethanol, such as gels, foams and wipes, is expected to grow rapidly. Sunscreens with higher sun protection factors (SPF) contain higher amounts of titanium oxide, which can react with plastics and natural oils found in the skin, especially in hot weather.
In advanced laboratories, tests are carried out at temperatures of up to 74 degrees, equivalent to the interior temperature of a car parked on the beach on a hot day, and samples are exposed to ultraviolet light, equivalent to the brightest place on earth, simulating long-term exposure to the sun for up to 48 days. They are also tested for durability at temperatures as low as minus 30 degrees, when plastics become most brittle.
Among the numerous tests, measurements, analyses and evaluation studies that our organization has carried out for businesses in various sectors, it also provides testing services defined in the “FORD DVM-0036-MA Sunscreen Resistance Test” standard with its trained and expert staff and advanced technological equipment.
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