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In order to ensure the long-term durability of UHMWPE sheets in the outdoor environment and avoid aging, embrittlement, fading and other problems caused by ultraviolet (UV), it is very important to choose the appropriate UV treatment method. The following are key factors to consider when choosing UV-treated UHMWPE sheets:

1. Main considerations

1.1 Use environment

Long-term outdoor use (>5 years): such as outdoor ice rinks, crane support pads, mining linings

Recommendation: Choose UHMWPE containing carbon black + UV absorber + light stabilizer (HALS)

Features: Strongest UV resistance, life span of more than 10 years, usually black or dark

Applicable scenarios: crane support pads, ship protection plates, agricultural equipment, outdoor ice rinks

Medium-term outdoor use (1-3 years): such as temporary construction boards, floor mats, light protection plates

Recommendation: Choose UHMWPE treated with surface UV coating or UV absorber

Features: Strong UV resistance, but slightly shorter life span, more color options

Applicable scenarios: temporary road pads, construction site paving plates

Short-term outdoor use (<1 year): such as short-term construction protection plates

Recommendation: Ordinary UHMWPE sheets can be selected, no special UV treatment is required

Features: Lowest cost, but may become brittle after long-term sun exposure

1.2 Sheet Color

Black UHMWPE: Usually contains carbon black, has the strongest UV resistance, and is recommended for long-term outdoor applications.

White or colored UHMWPE: Requires additional UV absorbers or light stabilizers, otherwise, it is prone to aging.

Translucent UHMWPE: Not recommended for long-term outdoor use, and the UV treatment effect is not as good as black or dark sheets.

1.3 Sheet Thickness

5-10 mm: Light applications (such as ice rinks, temporary road pads)

10-20 mm: Medium loads (such as agricultural machinery linings, building protection panels)

Above 20 mm: Heavy load applications (such as crane pads, ship protection panels, mining linings)

2. Purchasing Recommendations

Confirm UV treatment method: Select the appropriate UV protection method, such as carbon black filling, UV absorbers, light stabilizers or coating treatments.

Request weathering test report: Ask the supplier for an ASTM G154 or ISO 4892-2 UV aging test report to ensure the sheet's UV resistance.

Choose the right color: If used outdoors for a long time, it is recommended to choose black or dark-colored sheets, which have better UV resistance.

Consider thickness and strength: Choose the right thickness according to application requirements. The thicker the thickness, the stronger the durability.

Ask about service life: Different UV treatment methods have different service lives. Make sure that the purchased sheets meet the actual service life requirements.

3. Applicable scenarios

Outdoor ice rinks: black or white UHMWPE, UV absorber + light stabilizer must be added

Crane support pads: black UHMWPE, carbon black filling is recommended, with a durability of more than 10 years

Ship dock protection: black UHMWPE, carbon black + co-extrusion process is recommended, UV and wear-resistant

Temporary construction boards: UHMWPE with surface UV coating can be selected