The CDAS-1000 pretreatment unit, which accelerates the degradation of paints, resins and other materials in a matter of days, has been announced. Compared with weatherability testing under natural environmental conditions, it could significantly shorten the time required for evaluation.
The CDAS-1000 compound degradation acceleration unit is presented as the world's first pretreatment device to accelerate material degradation in a matter of days and streamline weatherability testing. Whereas outdoor exposure tests currently take several to several dozen years and accelerated tests take several thousand hours, the device is highlighted as enabling evaluation over a short period.
The device is intended to analyse gases generated during the degradation process and the mechanisms of degradation on material surfaces, and is said to be capable of evaluating a material's susceptibility to degradation in approximately 1–2 days. The company explains that its GC-MS, FTIR and SEM systems can be used for analysis.
The light source can be selected from 2 types, a UV lamp and a xenon lamp. The device is also designed to apply humidity and temperature loads to set conditions close to those in the natural environment. Prototype units have been provided to materials manufacturers, with their feedback incorporated.
The development team aims not only to assess fading and changes in gloss visually, but also to scientifically elucidate degradation mechanisms. Applications are envisaged in a wide range of fields, including building materials, window glass and the lacquer used on cultural assets.