Simulate acid rain in Q-Sun Xenon Test Chamber.

Q-Lab Corporation, formerly Q-Panel Lab Products, has introduced the Q-Sun Xe-3-HDS Xenon Test Chamber, which features dual spray, allowing water and one separate solution to be sprayed onto test specimens. The Q-Sun is used to simulate and accelerate the synergistic effects of sunlight, heat,

Acid rain is a problem that has plagued the automotive industry since the introduction of clearcoat systems in the 1980s. The new patent pending Q-Sun Xe-3-HDS was developed by Q-Lab through the accelerated acid etch research project conducted jointly with BASF. The result of this research, the BASF/Q-Sun Acid Test, is reported to be the only acid etch test for clearcoats supported by years of research, data, and proven correlation. Using the Q-Sun Xe-3-HDS, etching similar to 14 weeks of outdoor exposure in Jacksonville, FL was produced in as little as 400 hr of laboratory testing. As shown in the graph, the BASF/Q-Sun Acid Test demonstrates excellent correlation to Jacksonville.

To develop this method, BASF researchers conducted several years of outdoor exposures to establish base line data. These exposures were at Blout Island (Jack-sonville), the internationally recognized benchmark location for acid rain. Researchers then formulated a special acid solution based on collected samples of Jacksonville's acid rain.

One of the critical factors used in the selection of the Q-Sun Xenon Test Chamber by BASF was Q-Sun's near-horizontal mounting system, which allows moisture to remain upon the specimens for a slow, controlled dry-off. For acid etch testing, this design feature has proven superior to rotating-drum style testers, which do not allow a solution to sit on a specimen for a long enough period of time.

When developing the Q-Sun Xe-3-HDS for this project, Q-Lab's design engineers made modifications to improve correlation and ease of use: additional spray nozzles for the secondary solution; a self-contained unit with pump and 220-liter reservoir for ease of mobility; and an updated control system. As with all Q-Suns, the dual spray model uses full-spectrum xenon arc lamps to reproduce the damaging effects of both short and long wavelengths of sunlight. The flat specimen tray provides flexible specimen mounting and can accommodate three-dimensional parts or components.

The BASF Acid Test is the first test procedure developed specifically for the Q-Sun Xe-3-HDS, but it will not be the last. The dual spray system can expand testing options by allowing users to create a more realistic exposure environment and test different formulations of products. Other existing standardized solutions, including soapy water, could serve a good starting point for developing a new procedure for R & D or QC.

With the Q-Sun Xe-3-HDS, an effective light stability test procedure can be developed to reproduce the damage caused by sunlight, heat, and moisture in specific niche environments. For more details, contact: 440.835.8700 or www.q-sun.com.

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