Case Study on Tensile Strength of a Polymer Under UV Conditions
The client was preparing for manufacturing of a polymer case that was to enclose sensitive electronic components. Outdoors and subject to conditions such as UV rays, temperature and humidity levels, the engineered case needed to withstand the elements without failure in the field.
The customer provided samples of the polymer case.
What NH Chemical Analysis Team Did
The staff needed to understand several key factors for this particular problem.
- What are the properties of the polymer used?
- What ASTM Standard would be most appropriate?
- Were tensile and elongation within limits at temp & humidity levels?
The NH Materials Lab Team being already fully experienced in the polymer base were able to determine amny factors immediately. The leading ASTM Standard that was used was ASTM D638.
Sample parts as-machined were subjected to thermal cycling with 110° range, from negative 10°F to 100°F. The parts were then subjected to a 96 hour exposure at +85°F and a humidity level set at 85% for additional testing.
The Team discovered the polymer was well within standards and the mechanical properties both as-machined and after testing retained most of its tensile strength. An insignificant difference was observed but the elongation (ductility) dropped significatly, from 60% to 19%. Though within application standards the knowledge gained was reported throughout the customer base of it's findings.
Customer Benefit and Result
The customer understanding the polymer and manufactured part capabilities was able to determine the parts performance was not likely to be compromised. Temperature, humidity and exposure to UV light (outdoor extremes) were not likely to cause a potential problem.
