The importance of spectral distribution and intensity of artificial light sources in UV and IR region of radiation for accelerated ageing of polymers

In recent years increasing importance has been attached to modified, extended and new kinds of test tasks, such as - the action of radiation at a simultaneous extreme thermal stress; - synergistic influence of the climate (primarily radiation) and e. g. mechanical stress; - testing of structural parts and systems (with the requirement of large irradiation surfaces). This aspect as well as primarily ergonomic reasons in the field of the conventional accelerated light exposure and weathering tests in machines have stimulated the discussion about alternative light sources beside the time-tested Xenon radiation appropriate for the simulation of solar radiation, they have initiated quite a number of scientific investigations, and have now found their first realization in the correspondig machines and equipment. New findings in the application of special metal halide lamps and fluorescent tubes as alternative light sources for Xenon radiation are being discussed on the basis of some typical results. The importance of the infrared part in the artificial radiation to simulate particular phenomena of deterioration is shown with the help of an example of specific problems in the automobile industry, and the transfer of these findings into especially developed and problem-oriented machine and equipment technology will be discussed.