Outdoor PP weathering: build the sample plan around actual exposure

Weathering note

Location, orientation, colour, wall thickness and service load all affect an outdoor PP part. We first establish whether the project is most concerned with colour change, chalking, cracking or retention of a mechanical property.

The exposed specimen is kept with an unexposed control, and its formulation, production date, mounting direction and exposure history are recorded. Without that history, a later photograph or colour reading is difficult to interpret.

Use geography and product life to set the test

Tell us where the product will be used, how it faces the sun, the required service period, colour, thickness and current failure mode. Accelerated testing can support screening, but the test plan still needs to reflect the intended outdoor condition.