Natural Weathering Testing Sites

Atlas Material Testing Solutions

It is not practical to determine the weathering characteristics of materials in all of the world's climates. Therefore, benchmark climates selected for exposure testing are based on their known severity for the weathering of materials and the anticipated market of the product. The major marketing area of the material should be taken into consideration when selecting suitable climates and sites for weathering tests. Each class of materials is sensitive to a specific group of environmental parameters. Humidity, rain, and salt spray can cause corrosion of metals. For plastics and coatings, ultraviolet radiation, temperature, and moisture can initiate material degradation.