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Top UV Stable Plastic Materials for Outdoor Applications

Mar 6, 2013 | Educational Post, Material Comparison, Mentor Nuggets | 29 comments

Quick Answer

Most plastic materials are not inherently UV stable and require specific additives to withstand direct sunlight, with Acrylic being an exception as it is invisible to UV. HDPE sheet with heavy UV additives is highly recommended for long-term outdoor use, capable of performing excellently for 10-15 years in direct sunlight. Standard Covestro Makrolon Polycarbonate is also a UV stable material frequently used in replacement glazing applications. For mechanical applications, materials like UHMW, ABS (especially with Korad cover), Acetal, and Noryl can be considered, with black pigment extending outdoor usage for some.

Super tough Plaskolite Tuffak Polycarbonate Sheet

Plastic Materials That Are UV Stable

Some of our most popular questions are “Is this material UV stable”, or “How long will this last in direct sunlight”, or something similar. These are great questions. Just look at the ‘cheap’ backyard furniture you bought last year, yep, it is faded and cracking. Why is that?

The quick answer is the material had either no UV (Ultra Violet Light) stabilizer or very little. Most plastic materials are not UV stable to start with, other than Acrylic which is invisible to UV. All other materials need a little something to give it the protection it may need from the sun. Many plastic materials, if given the proper additives, can be used in direct sunlight for 10 – 15 years giving excellent performance. UV Stable Playground HDPE Sheet for Outdoor Use

The first factor in picking such a material is the intended use. Not all materials are good candidates for all applications. While some materials will perform very well, others under the same conditions will fail. Please contact us for details on a material to meet your needs.
HDPE sheet is one of the best materials for long term outdoor use, if given the proper additives. Next time you drive by a children’s playground in your local city, look at the brightly colored panels used to make the play equipment. This is a HDPE sheet with heavy UV additives, and this makes an excellent application. Available in a rainbow of colors and able to be fabricated easily, this material is excellent for many outdoor applications.
If your application is more mechanical, other materials that might be used would be: Polycarbonate, UHMW, ABS (especially with Korad cover), Acetal, Noryl and many more. Our standard Covestro Makrolon Polycarbonate is a UV stable material in sheet, and is frequently used in replacement glazing applications. The remaining materials on the list are available in Black (a carbon black pigment) which extends outdoor usage. While still not recommended for direct sunlight, they can be used with a good possibility of success – depending on design. Plastics can become brittle or lose properties over time if material does not have UV stabilization, with the proper material and the proper additives, you can get years of trouble free service.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1 Which plastic materials are recommended for long-term outdoor applications requiring UV stability?

HDPE sheet with heavy UV additives is highly recommended for long-term outdoor use, often seen in playground equipment. Standard Covestro Makrolon Polycarbonate sheet is also a UV stable material frequently used in replacement glazing applications. For mechanical applications, materials like UHMW, ABS (with Korad cover), Acetal, and Noryl can be considered.

2 How is UV stability achieved in plastic materials, and what is their expected outdoor lifespan?

Most plastic materials require specific additives, known as UV stabilizers, to protect them from Ultra Violet Light. With the proper additives, many plastic materials can provide excellent performance in direct sunlight for 10-15 years. Without stabilization, plastics can quickly fade, become brittle, or lose their properties over time.

3 Can materials that are not inherently UV stable still be used in outdoor settings?

Yes, many plastic materials can be used outdoors if they are manufactured with the proper UV additives. Additionally, some materials like UHMW, ABS, Acetal, and Noryl are available in black, which uses carbon black pigment to extend their outdoor usage. However, their suitability depends on the specific design and exposure conditions.