How is synthetic thatch tested for weather resistance?
The weather resistance of synthetic thatch is tested mainly through the following methods:
Natural exposure test
Outdoor long-term exposure: The synthetic thatch sample is placed directly in the outdoor natural environment, experiencing long-term wind, sun, rain, temperature changes, etc. For example, test points are set up in different climate regions (such as hot south, cold north, high altitude areas, etc.) to regularly observe and record changes in the appearance of the sample (such as color fading, deformation, embrittlement, etc.), changes in physical properties (such as strength reduction, flexibility changes, etc.) and other performance changes.
Accelerated natural aging: On the basis of natural environmental exposure tests, artificial thatch accelerates the influence of natural environmental factors on samples through some means. For example, the use of concentrating devices to enhance the intensity of sunlight, the use of spray systems to increase the frequency of rain wash. This can simulate the effects of long-term natural exposure in a relatively short period of time, thus speeding up the testing process, but there are still some differences between this method and the actual natural environment.
Laboratory simulation test
High and low temperature cycle test: the synthetic thatch sample is placed in the test box, set a different temperature range (such as from -30 ℃ to 70℃ or more extreme temperature conditions), according to a certain cycle (such as a few hours for a cycle) for high and low temperature changes. After several cycles, the sample is checked for deformation, cracking, performance degradation, etc., in order to assess its weather resistance under different temperature conditions. This test can simulate the use of synthetic thatch in extreme temperature environments, such as in cold winters and hot summers.
Ultraviolet radiation test: The artificial palm leaves are used in the ultraviolet aging test chamber to simulate the ultraviolet radiation of the sun. Artificial palm leaves and synthetic thatch were put into the test box, and a certain ultraviolet intensity and irradiation time were set to observe the color change and material aging degree of artificial palm leaves and African thatch under ultraviolet irradiation. Ultraviolet radiation is one of the important factors leading to the aging of synthetic materials. This test can evaluate the ultraviolet resistance of synthetic thatch alone, which has an important reference value for its long-term weather resistance in outdoor use.
Hot and humid test: Create a high temperature and humidity environment in the test box, such as the temperature is set at 40℃-60℃, the relative humidity is maintained at about 80%-95%, and the synthetic thatch and artificial palm leaf samples are placed in it for a period of time (ranging from several days to several weeks). This test can simulate the climate conditions of tropical or subtropical areas, and test the weather resistance of synthetic thatch under high temperature and high humidity environment, including whether it is easy to mold, deformation, strength reduction, etc.
Salt spray test: If synthetic thatch and artificial palm leaves are applied in areas with more salt spray environment such as near the sea, salt spray test is needed. In the salt spray test chamber, a certain concentration of salt solution is converted into salt spray and sprayed into the sample to simulate the salt spray corrosion environment at the seaside. After a certain period of salt spray erosion, the corrosion and surface changes of the sample were observed to evaluate its weather resistance under salt spray environment.
Mechanical property test
Tensile test: Under different environmental conditions (such as normal temperature, high temperature, low temperature, humidity, etc.), the synthetic thatch was tested to measure its tensile strength, elongation at break and other mechanical properties. By comparing the mechanical properties under different environments, the mechanical properties stability of synthetic thatch under various climatic conditions was evaluated, and its weatherability was judged. For example, after a period of outdoor exposure or laboratory simulated environmental tests, the sample is subjected to tensile tests to see if its strength decreases significantly.
Bending test: The synthetic thatch sample is bent to test its stress, strain and ability to withstand bending in the bending state. It is also tested under different environmental conditions to observe whether the sample is prone to fracture, deformation and other problems during bending to evaluate its weather resistance and flexibility.
Chemical property test
Chemical reagent resistance test: the synthetic thatch sample is soaked in different chemical reagents, such as acid, alkali, organic solvent, etc., and taken out after a certain time to observe the appearance changes, weight changes and performance changes of the sample. This test can assess the stability and corrosion resistance of synthetic thatch when exposed to chemicals
Antioxidant performance test: Evaluate the antioxidant performance of synthetic thatch by testing the rate and degree of oxidation reaction in an oxygen environment. Thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry can be used to test, analyze the weight changes and heat changes of the sample during heating, and judge the strength of its antioxidant capacity. Synthetic thatch with good antioxidant properties is not prone to oxidative aging during long-term use and has relatively good weather resistance