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Why Is the Aging Rate of UV Test Chamber so Fast?

UV test chamber also called UV accelerated weathering chamber is used to simulate the aging process of materials in the sun, and is a common device in modern material science and product testing, and many companies and research institutions use UV test chambers to evaluate the weather resistance, UV resistance linearity and long-term use performance of materials. However, many users find that the aging rate of the UV test chamber seems to be much faster than the aging rate in the actual environment. Why is that?

I. The working principle of UV test chamber

The UV test chamber accelerates the aging process of materials by simulating ultraviolet radiation in sunlight. It is usually equipped with high-intensity UV lamps that can produce ultraviolet light in a wavelength range similar to that of natural sunlight. These ultraviolet rays can cause chemical reactions in the material, which can lead to degradation, fading and changes in physical properties of the material.

II. The factors that accelerate aging

1. UV intensity:

UV in the UV test chamber, from the nature of ultraviolet, as a high-energy electromagnetic wave, it has a significant effect on materials. The intensity is usually much higher than that of natural UV light. UV test chamber usually uses a specific wavelength range of ultraviolet lamps, commonly UVA (320-400nm) and UVB (280-320nm) lamps. For example, in some rigorous tests, the irradiance of the UVA lamp can reach about 0.68W/m²·nm, and the irradiance of the UVB lamp can reach about 0.45W/m²·nm, and such high intensity irradiation makes the material molecules absorb a lot of energy in a short time.

When the material is placed in the uv test chamber, ultraviolet photons impact the surface molecules of the material, resulting in the breaking of the chemical bonds within the molecule, like many carbon and hydrogen bonds in organic materials, carbon and oxygen bonds, etc., the bond energy is overcome under such ultraviolet intensity, free radicals are generated and trigger a chain reaction, accelerating the decomposition and deterioration of the material.

2. Temperature and humidity control:

Many UV test chambers not only provide UV exposure, but also control temperature and humidity to simulate extreme climatic conditions. In terms of temperature, it can generally be accurately controlled between ambient -90 ℃, and the higher temperature accelerates the thermal movement of molecules. According to the Van't Hoff rule, the chemical reaction rate increases about 2-4 times for every 10℃ increase in temperature, which makes the chemical reaction rate of material aging rise exponentially. Humidity is also key, high humidity environment will accelerate the aging of the material, water molecules will participate in the hydrolysis reaction, destroy the chemical bond of the material, and promote the oxidation reaction between oxygen and the material, accelerate the aging process.

3. Repeated cycle:

The UV test chamber usually carries out periodic irradiation and cooling cycles, and this repeated process will cause more frequent damage to the material, thus accelerating its aging. In this continuous light mode, 24 hours a day of uninterrupted light, so that the material molecules are constantly impacted, there is no breathing repair, so that the aging effect is rapidly accumulated, showing significant aging characteristics in a short time.

III. LIB UV test chamber

These precisely set parameters cooperate with each other, which is the key to the UV test chamber to efficiently test the anti-aging properties of materials, providing strong support for the screening and optimization of materials in scientific research and industrial production, helping people quickly and accurately understand the life and performance changes of materials in harsh environments, so as to guide the design and improvement of products, improve product quality and competitiveness.

LIB brand UV accelerated weathering chamber is top-notch. LIB UV aging test chamber LIB uses UVA-340 and UVB-313 fluorescent ultraviolet lamps as light sources to perform UV accelerated aging tests. It can simulate the damage caused by ultraviolet light, temperature, humidity and rain on products and materials. The lamp is more stable, easy to change, easy to purchase from local. Spectral power distribution (SPD) does not change with lamp aging, even when used for up to 5000 hours. The current of the UV lamp can be displayed on the controller to remind the user to replace the new lamp according to the lamp status.Advanced UV lamp technology can accurately control the wavelength and intensity of ultraviolet light to ensure a high degree of consistency and stability of test conditions.

Model	UV-SI-260
Internal Dimension (mm)	4501170500
Overall Dimension (mm)	61013301470
Specimen Holder Size(mm)	75*150
Specimen Capacity	56 Pieces
Irradiation Source	Fluorescent UV lamps (8) - 40 W
Temperature Range	Ambient ～ 90 ℃ ±2℃
Black Panel Temperature (BPT)	35 ～ 80 ℃
Humidity Range	≥95% RH
Bandwidth	290 ~ 400nm
Irradiance Control	0.3~20 W/㎡
Water Spray Cycle	1~9999H59M (Adjustable)
Distance of Specimen and lamp	50mm

Currently available, both the irradiated controlled UV-SI-260 model and the unirradiated UV-260 model are equipped with a standardized flat aluminum plate with a ring, and the sample holder can also be customized.

LIB brand focus on environmental test equipment research and development for more than 26 years, and LIB has a professional after-sales team, 3 years long warranty period, can provide customers with timely, comprehensive technical support and maintenance services, so that you have no worries in the use of the process.

If you are looking for an efficient, accurate and reliable UV test chamber, the LIB brand is undoubtedly your best choice. Do not let inaccurate test results affect your product development process, contact us immediately inquiry@libtestchamber.com , we will provide you with the latest and most comprehensive product information and the best price, start your high-quality testing journey!