Polymer Experiment Continues

[SuperNaut]

I've been running a long-term experiment on UV exposure of polymer rifle furniture. It started in this now closed thread back in 2015:

https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?threads/protecting-polymer-ar-magazines-from-sun.783489/

Here's the latest:



The graying isn't sun damage it is just dust that readily wipes off. It is still flexible, no cracking or brittleness. It has been on a West-facing sill for 2 years in all seasons. It's doing quite well, despite what I expected.

 

[hdwhit]

The life of a polymer in sunlight is largely dependent on the UV modifiers that the manufacturer added to the resin. A well-modified resin can last a decade or more in the sun without suffering any structural degradation.

I think I'll be retired to a derelict catfish farm with no internet service by the time you complete your test. Good luck.

Seriously, thanks for taking the time to do this and regularly reporting the findings. It will help people be confident of the real-world experiences they can have with their polymer parts.

 

[bannockburn]

SuperNaut

Thanks for the update. Keep up the good work!