Resin & Rubber Weatherability (Aging Degradation) Ranking

"High weatherability" refers to a material's superior ability to maintain its performance over extended periods when exposed to outdoor or harsh environmental conditions including ultraviolet radiation, heat, humidity, wind, and rain. Specifically, it indicates resistance to discoloration, deterioration, cracking, and strength reduction, allowing the material to remain serviceable for longer durations. For example, materials with high weatherability can withstand prolonged sunlight exposure without significant color changes or embrittlement, maintaining both visual and mechanical properties. Consequently, materials with superior weather resistance can be utilized in outdoor or demanding environments for extended periods.

The following indicators are used to evaluate weather resistance in materials:
Gloss Retention (%): Higher values indicate superior long-term gloss retention
Yellowing Index (ΔYI) Lower values indicate less yellowing, therefore superior performance
Color Difference (ΔE) Lower values indicate less discoloration, therefore superior performance
Haze Value Change (ΔHaze) Lower values indicate less progression of cloudiness or fogging
Total Light Transmittance Change (ΔT%) Lower values indicate less reduction in light transmittance

The following is a comparative ranking of typical resin and rubber materials based on their weather resistance properties. Materials are ranked according to their performance in key indicators (gloss retention, yellowing index, color difference, haze value change, and total light transmittance change) after accelerated aging tests equivalent to 1500 hours of indoor/outdoor heating and light exposure.