How to evaluate the UV resistance, flame retardancy, and mildew resistance of PVC Mesh Fabric?

PVC Mesh Fabric UV Resistance Evaluation

1. UV Absorber Addition and Proportioning

By adding different types of UV absorbers (such as phenyl salicylate, hydroxybenzotriazole, etc.) to the PVC coating in proportions of 1%, 5%, 10%, etc., the UV blocking ability of the fabric can be significantly improved.

2. UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) Test

Use a spectrophotometer to measure the transmittance of the fabric in the 280-400 nm wavelength range and calculate the UPF value. UPF ≥ 50 indicates excellent UV protection performance.

3. Artificial Accelerated Aging Experiment

Conduct accelerated aging in a UV aging chamber for 500 hours or 1000 hours, and then test the color change, strength retention rate, and UPF attenuation of the fabric to evaluate its light resistance for long-term outdoor use.

4. Actual Outdoor Exposure Comparison

Place samples in a real environment (such as the coast or desert) for 6-12 months, and regularly sample and test the UV transmittance to verify the reliability of the laboratory data.

PVC Mesh Fabric Flame Retardancy Evaluation

1. Vertical Burning Test (ASTM D6413)

The fabric is suspended vertically and ignited, and the burning rate, burning length, and extinguishing time are recorded. Fabrics that meet ASTM D6413 are considered to have flame retardancy grades V-0, V-1, or V-2.

2. Limiting Oxygen Index (LOI) Test

Measure the burning maintenance of the fabric at different oxygen concentrations. LOI ≥ 28% is usually considered a flame-retardant material. 3. Heat Release Rate (HRR) Analysis
A cone calorimeter is used to measure indicators such as heat release rate and total heat release (THR). Lower values ​​indicate better flame retardant performance.

4. Flame Retardant Selection and Uniformity

Halogen-free or phosphorus-based flame retardants are used in co-extrusion to ensure uniform distribution of the flame retardant in the PVC layer, avoiding localized weak points in fire resistance.

PVC Mesh Fabric Mold Resistance Performance Evaluation

1. High Humidity Incubation (ASTM G21)

The fabric is placed in an incubator with a relative humidity of ≥95% and a temperature of 30-35 °C for 4-6 weeks, and observed for mold growth or color changes.

2. Antimicrobial/Antifungal Agent Treatment

Antimicrobial and antifungal agents (such as quaternary ammonium salts) are added to the PVC coating, and their effectiveness in inhibiting mold growth is verified through antibacterial rate testing (≥90%).

3. Chemical Resistance and Wash Durability

The treated fabric is subjected to multiple washes or chemical immersion (e.g., 10% NaCl, 10% NaOH), followed by repeated mold incubation to assess the durability of the antifungal agent.

4. Field Testing

Samples are taken after 1-2 months of actual use in humid environments (such as warehouses, ship decks) to check for mold growth and verify the practicality of the laboratory data.