The FORD FLTM BO 115-01 standard, developed by Ford Motor Company (FORD), describes a test method for determining the resistance of molded plastic parts to artificial weathering by exposing them to ultraviolet energy, heat, humidity, and cold.
The popularity of parts made from natural fiber reinforced polymer composites is increasing, and emphasis is placed on determining test methods for the performance evaluation of these materials. Weatherability is one of the key elements that determines the durability of materials. Accelerated structural weatherability testing for plastics and polymers is required to ensure that materials and products meet their expected functionality and lifetime.
There are a number of variables in practice that make it difficult to predict the effects of aging and weather conditions.
Plastics are generally used outdoors or indoors where they are exposed to the sun's rays or behind glass for a long time. Therefore, it is very important to determine the effects of solar radiation, heat, humidity and other climatic stresses on the color and other properties of plastics. Outdoor exposures to solar radiation and to solar radiation filtered by window glass are included in the standards. However, with artificial accelerated aging or artificial accelerated irradiation exposures using specific laboratory light sources, there is often a need to more rapidly determine the effects of radiation, heat, and moisture on the physical, chemical, and optical properties of plastics. In vitro exposures are carried out under more controlled conditions than those found in natural environments and are aimed at accelerating eventual polymer degradation and product failures.
However, results from accelerated aging or artificial accelerated irradiation exposures are often difficult to relate to those obtained under real use conditions. Because laboratory tests can never fully reproduce all the stresses that plastics exposed to real use conditions are exposed to. No single laboratory exposure test can be determined as a total simulation of actual use exposures.
Among the numerous test, measurement, analysis and evaluation studies it provides for businesses in various sectors, our organization also provides artificial weather resistance testing services of plastic materials, within the scope of FORD FLTM BO 115-01 standard, with its trained and expert staff and advanced technological equipment.
To get an appointment, to get more detailed information or to request an evaluation, you can ask us to fill in our form and reach you.
