Atlas
now offers the SEPAP 12/24, a medium-pressure mercury arc testing instrument. This
accelerated photoaging device examines the photodegradation mechanisms of
polymeric formulations in laboratory conditions. Designed as an analytical tool
to understand the degradation mechanisms of naturally aging polymers at the
molecular level, the SEPAP 12/24 unit replicates the chemical changes in
accelerated, controlled lab conditions that are achieved through long-term,
natural weathering conditions and from which similar changes in macroscopic
properties (mechanical, aesthetical, etc.) can be expected.
SEPAP 12/24's design relies on the fundamental concepts of
macromolecular photochemistry. The units are built as parallelepiped chambers
with four medium-pressure mercury arc lamps in borosilicate envelopes that emit
discrete radiation at 290, 313, 365, 405, 436, 547, and 579 nm. The light
source is not used to simulate daylight, but to induce the same photochemical
processes as daylight. Samples are homogeneously exposed on a rotating support
in the center of the chamber. The surface temperature of the samples is
accurately controlled and maintained between 50 and 80°C ±1°C through a
thermocouple placed behind a reference film with the same color and chemical
composition as the exposed samples.
For more information, visitwww.atlas-mts.com.