A Review of Weathering Studies in Plastics and Biocomposites-Effects on Mechanical Properties and Emissions of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs).

Polymeric materials undergo degradation when exposed to outdoor conditions due to the synergistic effects of sunlight, air, heat, and moisture. The degradation can lead to a decline in mechanical properties, fading, surface cracking, and haziness, attributed to the cleavage of the polymer chains and oxidation reactions. Accelerated weathering testing is a useful technique to evaluate the comparative photodegradation of materials within a reasonable timeframe.