Techniques for Predicting the Weathering Performance of Rigid PVC

A range of techniques has been applied to the assessment of resistance to weathering of rigid PVC. Of the techniques evaluated, only ATR spectroscopy appears to satisfy the requirements of sensitivity and reliability to justify its use for the prediction, based on short periods of weathering, of the likely long-term stability of PVC compounds. However, confirmation of this potential use depends on more extensive correlations between predictions and practical observations.