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Title: Compendium of information on identification and testing of materials for plastic solar thermal collectors

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/5320471· OSTI ID:5320471

This report is intended to organize and summarize prior and current literature concerning the weathering, aging, durability, degradation, and testing methodologies as applied to materials for plastic solar thermal collectors. Topics covered include (1) rate of aging of polymeric materials; (2) environmental factors affecting performance; (3) evaluation and prediction of service life; (4) measurement of physical and chemical properties; (5) discussion of evaluation techniques and specific instrumentation; (6) degradation reactions and mechanisms; (7) weathering of specific polymeric materials; and (8) exposure testing methodology. Major emphasis has been placed on defining the current state of the art in plastics degradation and on identifying information that can be utilized in applying appropriate and effective aging tests for use in projecting service life of plastic solar thermal collectors. This information will also be of value where polymeric components are utilized in the construction of conventional solar collectors or any application where plastic degradation and weathering are prime factors in material selection.

Research Organization:
Battelle Columbus Labs., OH (United States)
DOE Contract Number:
AC04-79CS30171
OSTI ID:
5320471
Report Number(s):
DOE/CS/30171-1
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English