Investigation of the changes in physical properties of PES/PVC fabrics after aging

Abstract

The aim of this work was to investigate the physical and mechanical performance of architectural polyester (PES)-poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) membranes exposed to different artificial aging conditions. Two commercially available architectural membranes were chosen as research objects. The durability of the PES/PVC fabrics was evaluated by the loss in mechanical performance, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction analysis in order to understand the effect of the degradation agents on the surface of the membranes. The mechanical performance of the PES/PVC membranes was unchanged. Scanning electron microscopy images of the tested materials showed initial cracks after aging. The X-ray fluorescence analysis showed that at the time of aging, the amount of Cl and Si decreased slightly, while Ti decreased by half, and Ca by volume increased twice. Dr. Virginija Sacevi cienė planned the aging of the materials and the qualitative tests after aging, performed some of the aging tests, carried out mechanical testing and analysis, supervised the research, and wrote the manuscript. Dr. Milda Jucienė performed some of the aging tests, carried out color change tests and analysis, and participated in the planning of qualitative tests after aging. Dr. Vaida Dobilaitė performed literature analysis, performed some of the aging tests, and participated in the planning of qualitative tests after aging. Dr. Valentina Krylova performed some literature analysis, carried out the wavelength dispersive X-ray fluorescence analysis, and identified some of the chemical compositions. Dr. Skirma Žalenkienė performed scanning electron microscopy and analysis and did morphological characterization. Dr. Njolė Dukštienė performed X-ray diffraction analysis and identified some of the chemical compositions. Dr. Raimondas Bli udžius participated in the mechanical testing of materials, analyzed the results of the research, and wrote the English version of the text and corrections after revision.

Investigation of some weathering impacts on tearing properties of PVC-coated fabrics used for architectural purposes

“…Based on the analysis of the degradation mechanism of the plasticized PVC through different types of artificial aging conditions, it was stated that a stepwise flow out of inorganic components and plasticizer was presumable the reason of these phenomena [41]. Some other studies report similar data [39–40], which can be supplemented by previous investigation of PES/PVC architectural membranes after aging carried out by authors [5]. These findings suggest that obtained weight loss was due to removing temperature sensitive chemical elements from the material.…”

“…Considering its significance, many researches are intended to investigate this innovative structural material. However, coated fabrics used outside buildings are constantly exposed to environmental influences such as high and low ambient temperatures, rain and dust, so it is important to determine not only mechanical properties of the new material but also its changes while being used in different building structures [4–6]. Significant reduction in strength characteristics can increase maintenance costs and shorten the life span of these building elements.…”

“…Decrease of tensile strength along with changes in other characteristics of coated fabrics was established analysing the results of effects of various artificial aging factors [34–36]. Some other studies pointed out that after aging tensile properties of the PVC coated fabric remain significantly unchangeable [4,5,37]. To the best of our knowledge, only few researches have been carried out to investigate the influence of ageing on tearing of coated fabrics for architectural applications.…”

Influence of cyclic frozen and defrost on mechanical properties of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)-coated woven fabrics

“…The literature concerning the subject of coated woven fabrics is very extensive. Every year new investigations are performed on comprehensive studies on the coated woven fabrics [8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25]. Performed investigations have shown that the mechanical parameters of the coated woven fabrics are highly influenced by temperature changes [26,27].…”

Preparation and Characterization of Ag2O Thin Films on Construction Textiles for Optoelectronics Applications: Effect of Aging on Its Optical and Structural Properties

“…A constructional textile for membrane facades is exposed to high and low temperatures, humidity, solar heat, ultraviolet rays, wind load, and other harmful factors of the natural environment [30]. Studies conducted under both natural and artificial aging conditions show that, due to climate factors, the color of architectural membranes changes, and their mechanical properties, such as strength, elasticity, stiffness, and tear resistance, decrease [31][32][33][34][35][36][37][38]. It should be noted that changes are usually not caused by single factors, but by a combination of effects; thus, more factors are included in the test protocol for artificial aging, and harder, more intensive conditions are created, such as longer exposure time or sample loading.…”