ABSTRACT
At present, in our research group at the University of Leipzig the following tests are being carried out on selected elastomeric sealants (Polysulphide, Polyurethane, Silicone, and for comparing EPDM and Polychloroprene):
Alternate storage with fluorenscent UV lamps
Alternate storage with xenon arc lamps
Thermal storage
Open air weathering
Room storage
We characterise the change in materials properties through mechanical test methods with tensile strength and elongation at break.The intermediate evaluation of the results shows, that the similarity of the curves of artificial ageing and the open air weathering is clearly visible. A precise assessment of the time-compression factor is not possible at the present time.
The tests on the materials will be continued, possibly with different parameters, until virtual agreement with natural weathering is produce on all materials groups, at least with an accelerated ageing method.
