Polymer Composition Verification for Retail Electronic Shelf Label Displays
Analytical polymer verification prevents premature electronic shelf label display failures and protects long term retail rollout net margins.
UV Stabilizer Degradation
Meaning
Chemical losses in polymers occur when the additives designed to absorb ultraviolet radiation break down over time. UV stabilizer degradation reduces the ability of a material to resist the harmful effects of sunlight which leads to cracking, chalking, fading or the loss of mechanical strength. These compounds act as a shield for the polymer chains but are themselves consumed or destroyed by the energy they absorb.
The process is complete when the concentration of the additive falls below the level required to prevent the sun from attacking the underlying plastic.
Chemical Breakdown
Molecular bonds in the stabilizer snap after repeated exposure to high-energy photons.
Exposure Period
Service life is determined by the rate at which the protection is lost. During the course of uv stabilizer degradation, the material becomes brittle and loses its impact resistance as the polymer chains are severed. This loss of integrity is measured through accelerated weathering tests where samples are placed in a chamber and blasted with intense light and moisture for thousands of hours.
Structural Failure
Brittle materials fail under low loads once the additives are gone. This failure is often sudden and occurs without the visible deformation that would normally warn a user of an impending break in the material.