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Documentation - Molded Grating - UV Protection
3.2.8 UV Protection
Integrated UV Protection
All Fiberr USA molded FRP/GRP gratings are manufactured with UV inhibitors integrated into the polyester or vinyl ester resin system. These additives slow the natural degradation that can occur when the material is exposed to long-term sunlight and ultraviolet radiation.
UV protection helps preserve the appearance, surface condition, and long-term performance of molded grating installed outdoors. The inhibitors are dispersed throughout the resin matrix rather than being limited to a temporary surface coating.
In addition to the built-in inhibitors, optional surface treatments such as grit finishes, pigmented resin-rich surfaces, and bonded cover plates can provide additional shielding by reducing direct UV exposure to the underlying structural resin matrix.
Performance Characteristics
- Resin-Embedded UV Inhibitors Reduce the rate of surface chalking, resin degradation, color fading, and loss of mechanical properties associated with long-term ultraviolet exposure.
- Pigments Provide additional shielding by absorbing or reflecting portions of the incident light. Darker and more opaque pigments generally provide greater UV screening than very light or translucent colors.
- Surface Finishes Covered, gritted, and resin-rich surfaces provide an additional physical barrier that helps shield the structural laminate from direct sunlight and weathering.
ASTM G155-21 Xenon Arc Light Exposure
UV and weathering resistance may be evaluated using ASTM G155-21, Xenon Arc Light Exposure. This standard practice uses a controlled xenon-arc light source to expose test specimens to simulated sunlight, heat, and, where specified, moisture.
ASTM G155-21 establishes procedures for operating xenon-arc exposure
equipment and controlling variables such as irradiance, chamber
temperature, specimen temperature, light cycles, humidity, and optional
water-spray cycles.
The test is used to compare changes in appearance and material properties following accelerated laboratory exposure. The specific exposure cycle, duration, specimen preparation, and acceptance criteria are established by the applicable product specification, project requirement, or test plan.
| Test Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
| Test Standard | ASTM G155-21 |
| Test Name | Xenon Arc Light Exposure |
| Exposure Source | Filtered xenon-arc lamp |
| Primary Exposure Factors | Simulated sunlight, heat, humidity, and optional water-spray cycles |
| UV Exposure Duration | Specified by the applicable product standard, project specification, test program, or customer requirement |
| Typical Fiberr Test Duration | 500 hours when specified for product qualification |
| Purpose | Evaluate changes in appearance and retained material properties after accelerated xenon-arc exposure |
Exposure duration: ASTM G155-21 does not establish one
universal exposure duration or a single pass/fail requirement for all
materials. The exposure duration, operating cycle, and acceptance
criteria must be defined by the applicable specification or test plan.
Fiberr commonly uses a 500-hour exposure period when that duration is
specified for molded-grating qualification.
Post-Exposure Evaluation
After the specified ASTM G155-21 exposure period, test specimens may be evaluated visually and mechanically to determine the extent of weathering-related change.
Color Change
Comparison of fading, discoloration, or overall change in appearance
against an unexposed control specimen.
Surface Condition
Inspection for chalking, cracking, fiber exposure, gloss loss,
blistering, erosion, or other visible degradation.
Flexural Properties
Comparison of retained flexural strength and modulus before and after
accelerated exposure when mechanical testing is included.
Tensile Properties
Comparison of retained tensile strength, elongation, or other specified
coupon properties after exposure.
Important: Accelerated xenon-arc exposure is a
comparative laboratory method. A specific number of ASTM G155-21 test
hours should not be represented as an exact number of years of outdoor
service unless a validated correlation has been established for the
material, climate, exposure cycle, and property being evaluated.