Influence of UV irradiation and temperature on polyamides PA6, PA6,6 and polypropylene PP

In outdoor applications, all polymer materials weather which causes deterioration of their mechanical properties and has a negative influence on their appearance. In this article, the influence of UV irradiation and high temperature on polyamides PA6, PA6.6 and polypropylene PP and influence of aging parameters on their appearance (the state of surface) and chemical crystal structure have been shown. Microscopic examination of samples has shown that the biggest destruction in the surface of PP occurred in a short time after the beginning of the exposure. The examination of the surface and crystal structure of the materials clearly indicated that during exposure to UV irradiation and temperature degradation in PP materials occurred. Polyamides showed longer reaction time but after some time they also underwent radical changes in their supermolecular structure and they lost their esthetic appearance.