Accelerated artificial ageing followed by mechanical testing and spectrophotometry

Accelerated ageing tests are usually carried out on model materials or mock-ups. Samples may be exposed to artificial ageing conditions using either a climatic chamber with controlled temperature and humidiy or exposure to light for accelerated degradation through simulated sunlight or museum/gallery type lighting. Characterisation of material changes induced by artificial ageing is usually carried out by tensile testing and colour measurements. Tensile tesing is used to assess mechanical properties, usually by extending or compressing a material until point of rupture or breakage. Spectrophotometry enables accurate colour measurement and quantification of colour differences before, during and after ageing. Depending on the research question additional analytical techniques are available for material characterisation such as Variable pressure scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (VP-SEM/EDS); FTIR and FTIR imaging; Raman sprectroscopy; Polarized UV-Vis transmission light microscopy; Technical photography; Multispectral imaging; Micro X-ray fluorescence (µXRF); X-ray.