Effect of photostablizers on surface color and mechanical property of wood-flour/HDPE composites after weathering

The effects of photostabilizers of ultraviolet absorbers (UVA), hindered amine light stabilizer (HALS) and pigment on surface color change and mechanical properties of weathered wood-flour/polyethylene (HDPE) composites were investigated. After being added UVA with high UV absorbance, the WPC exhibites better ability to resist color fading and mechanical property loss. High molecular weight HALS is found to be the most effective in controlling long term fading and yellowing changes. Pigments cover the composites for remaining the original color after weathering regardless of less contribution to mechanical property. Addition of photostabilizer and pigment together show great synergism in decreasing color fading and flexural property loss.