Rapid non-destructive screening methods for polymeric coatings and materials
AssigneeGeneral Electric Company
InventorsRadislav Alexandrovich Potyrailo, James Edward Pickett
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Abstract
This invention provides a method for the rapid determination of the light-induced degradation of polymeric materials and coatings. In a preferred embodiment of this method, samples are exposed to UV light and fluorescence emission spectral data are collected and fluorescence properties such as wavelength, intensity, lifetime, and polarization are monitored for changes, which in turn are an indication of the weatherability of a given sample.
Claims22
A method for determining the weatherability of at least one sample, wherein said sample(s) absorbs Visible and/or ultraviolet light and fluoresces visible, ultraviolet, and/or near infrared light, which comprises:
- (a) exposing said sample to visible and/or ultraviolet radiation while compiling fluorescence emission spectral data from said sample over a period of time beginning after initial exposure;
- and
- (b) applying a predetermined selection test to said spectral data so as to indicate which of the samples exhibit a desired resistance to ultraviolet radiation-induced degradation.
A method for determining weatherability of at least one sample, wherein said sample absorbs visible and/or ultraviolet light and fluoresces visible, ultraviolet, and/or near infrared light, which comprises:
- (a) exposing said sample to ultraviolet radiation while compiling fluorescence emission spectral data from said sample over a period of time beginning after initial exposure;
- and
- (b) applying a pre-determined selection test to said spectral data so as to indicate which of the samples exhibits the least amount of increase of fluorescence intensity or slowest rate of fluorescence increase.
A method for determining weatherability of at least one sample, wherein said sample absorbs visible and/or ultraviolet light and fluoresces visible, ultraviolet, and/or near infrared light, which comprises:
- (a) exposing said sample to ultraviolet radiation while compiling fluorescence emission spectral data from said sample over a period of time beginning after initial exposure;
- and
- (b) applying a pre-determined selection test to said spectral data so as to indicate which of the samples exhibits the least amount of change in fluorescence stokes shift.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.