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The objective of this study was to establish the suitability
of oxygen plasma erosion as an ultra rapid method of predicting
paint durability. Thirteen paints were exposed at five different
exposure sites around the world and monitored for loss of gloss
and chalking over a two year period. The same paints were also
subjected to oxygen plasma erosion and conventional accelerated
weathering and the gloss and chalking compared.
The study showed that the active species causing oxidation in
the plasma was probably atomic oxygen. Negligible ultraviolet
radiation was found in the oxygen plasma. The processes occurring
in plasma erosion are purely oxidative.
A reasonable correlation between the rankings of paint systems
under plasma erosion and natural weathering was noted for most
samples. This correlation compared well with other artificial
weathering apparatus. It was concluded that plasma erosion
provides a very rapid means of accelerated weathering and it can
be used as a development tool to aid in the selection of
formulations.
Further Information
If you are interested in this, or any other project, please contact Richard Holman.
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