How plastics breakdown from weathering

HOW PLASTICS BREAK DOWN

GELCOAT, HYPALON etc Brefore weathing with smooth outer

Weathering of gelcoat and hypalon causes breakdown of polymers into chalky oxidatiion on the surface and in some deeper pores. Impervious outer

Weathered PVC. Plasticizer containing preservatives migrates to the surface as gum that dries into scale, PVC molecules break down into smaller pieces (yellow oxidation) and even smaller pieces (chalky oxidation). Surface

NEW GELCOAT, HYPALON, RUBBER & SOME OTHER PLASTICS

with Smooth Outer "Skin"

Polymeric chains of polyester (gelcoat)

or chlorosulfonated polyethylene (hypalon)

Weathering of gelcoat and hypalon causes breakdown of polymer chains into chalky oxidatiion on the surface, eating down to form micro-crevice pores. The original outer "skin" has gone.

Chalk in pores gives a "grey look" to dark-colored gelcoat that can only be removed by ELIXIR™ or ISLAND GIRL®s Cleanser-Conditioners.

Weathering of Surface accelerated by UV, abrasion & strong solvents

NEW POLYVINYL CHLORIDE ("VINYL")

with Smooth Outer "Skin"

Polymeric chains of polyvinylchoride (PVC) interlaced with plasticizer (lubricant) containing antioxidant and UV-protective chemicals

Weathering of Surface accelerated by UV, abrasion & strong solvents

Weathered PVC. Plasticizer containing preservatives migrates to the surface as gum that dries into scale, PVC molecules break down into smaller pieces (yellow oxidation) and even smaller pieces (chalky oxidation). Surface "skin" has been destroyed.

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Vinyl digramatic cross section before restoration by |ISLAND GIRL® Products