Correlation Between Artificial and Natural Weathering Tests on Polystyrene-Block-Polybutadiene-Block-Polystyrene Block Copolymer

The effects of artificial and natural weathering tests on the structure and mechanical properties of polystyrene-block-polybutadiene-block-polylstyrene (SBS) block copolymer were studied by spectrophotometry, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy, hardness measurements, and tensile testing. The correlation between artificial and natural weathering tests was also investigated. The results showed that the Surface of SBS became yellow with increasing aging time. M-R spectra confirmed the formation of carbonyl group in the aging process. The elongation at 0 break, the tensile strength, and the tear strength decreased rapidly in the initial stage of the aging process and then leveled off, while the hardness increased with aging time. The correlation between artificial and natural weathering tests in Wanning and Hailaer, in China, could be expressed in terms of t(1)=2.50t(0)(1.99) and t(2)=1.92t(0)(2.56), respectively. (C) 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 110: 3820-3825, 2008