Effect of Accelerated Ageing on the Mechanical and Structural Properties of the Material System Used in Protectors

Abstract

Currently, there is a wide range of materials for motorcyclists available on the market that have a significant ability to absorb impact energy. Understanding the aging processes of materials is crucial for guaranteeing the long-term durability and safety of a new product. For this reason, the effect of accelerated aging on the mechanical and structural properties of the multifunctional materials used in commercial protectors was analyzed. The accelerated aging considered in this study simulated 3 years of use under real conditions. Then, DMTA and FT-IR research, as well as impact tests, were carried out on the commercially available protectors for motorcyclists, before and after the accelerated aging processes. Structural analysis using FT-IR showed no significant changes in the structure of the polymers used for producing the protectors. The DMA test results are consistent with those obtained from the impact study. Both methods showed that the samples maintain their protective properties, after accelerated aging. All of the examined protectors show that an increase in force is transferred through the sample, after the accelerated aging processes, but they still provide protection, according to the ISO standard.

Influence of Aging, Sterilization, and Composition on the Degradation of Polyurethane Foams

“…Accelerated aging is a commonly used technique to determine the appropriate shelf life of a material. Often, physical changes in the material are measured throughout aging, such as colorimetric changes [21][22][23][24], changes in mechanical strength or integrity [25][26][27][28][29][30][31][32], or thermomechanical changes in the glass transition or melting temperatures [27,33]. Additionally, chemical changes can be measured using FTIR and/or mass spectroscopy.…”

Lifetime Prediction Methods for Degradable Polymeric Materials—A Short Review

“…Madej-Kiełbik et al (2019) [ 97 ] adopted the Arrhenius methodology for the accelerated aging of personal protectors for motorcyclists. The main constituents of the protectors were polyurethane and ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA).…”

“…The lifetime of the NBR composite sheet in the aviation kerosene was 11,113 days at 20 • C, 6467 days at 25 • C, 3831 days at 30 • C, 2309 days at 35 • C and 1414 days at 40 • C. In the author's opinion, the method based on the Arrhenius equation is valuable and the NBR composite sheet can still be safely used to store aviation kerosene after it has been used in aviation kerosene at room temperature for 8 years. [97] adopted the Arrhenius methodology for the accelerated aging of personal protectors for motorcyclists. The main constituents of the protectors were polyurethane and ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA).…”

Review on the performance characteristics and quality standards of motorcycle protective clothing

“…The tested samples have resulted that they withstand and provide protection as per the ISO standards even after force being transmitted through the samples after accelerated aging process. 64 Spacer yarns in the spacer fabrics provide better compression and resilience characteristics. The spacer fabrics with three plies can provide optimum thermal properties and make the wearer warm and maintain the body temperature with good moisture comfort.…”