Improvement of Ultraviolet Protection of Polyester Nonwoven -A Study of Volvos Parcel Shelves

Abstract: The parcel shelf in a car is one of the things that are most exposed to ultraviolet light and heat. The sunlight causes ultraviolet radiation and excessive heat to this area. This can cause the material to degrade, fade or drift in colour. The parcel shelf production is today divided between three producers. This requires a good contact and cooperation between the different actors. As the automobile industry is a very complex industry, high demand is required of everyone involved. The goal of this study was to find improvements that could lead to a better ultraviolet and heat protection. Volvo Cars provided material and the experiments were held on their test facility. The tests were conducted based on the Volvo Cars requirements and methods. A Weather-Ometer is used to simulate the ultraviolet light and heat, the same way a parcel shelf is exposed to outdoors. Chemical analyses are used to determine whether there is any difference in the material when it is aged in a Weather-Ometer or not. The parcel shelf is made of needle punched, dispersed dyed polyester. The results showed that the present parcel shelf material does indeed show a colour shift after ageing. The authors present a number of suggestions to improve the material's characteristics. For example, Volvo could consider using an acrylic non-woven instead of polyester. Dyes that withstand ultraviolet radiation better can also be chosen and a variety of ultraviolet absorbers can be added. 2-(2-hydroxy-5-carboxy-phenyl)-2H-benzotriazole, Tinuvin P, 327 [2-(2-hydroxy-5-methyl-phenyl) 2H-benzotriazole, 2-(3,5-butyl-6-hydroxy)-2H-2-chloro-benzotriazole respectively] and 2,4-dihydroxy-benzophenone are example of absorbers that can be added to make the ultraviolet resistance better.