Phototendering
Encyclopedia
Phototendering is the process by which organic fibres and textiles lose strength and flexibility as a result of exposure to sunlight. It is the ultraviolet
component of the sun's spectrum which affects fibres, causing chain degradation
and hence loss of strength. The rate of deterioration is also affected by pigments and dyes present in the textiles. Pigments themselves can also be affected, generally fading after exposure. Great care is needed to preserve museum artefacts from the harmful effects of UV light, which can also be present in fluorescent lamps. Many synthetic polymers are also degraded by UV light, and UV stabilisers are usually added to many thermoplastics.
Ultraviolet
Ultraviolet light is electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength shorter than that of visible light, but longer than X-rays, in the range 10 nm to 400 nm, and energies from 3 eV to 124 eV...
component of the sun's spectrum which affects fibres, causing chain degradation
Chemical decomposition
Chemical decomposition, analysis or breakdown is the separation of a chemical compound into elements or simpler compounds. It is sometimes defined as the exact opposite of a chemical synthesis. Chemical decomposition is often an undesired chemical reaction...
and hence loss of strength. The rate of deterioration is also affected by pigments and dyes present in the textiles. Pigments themselves can also be affected, generally fading after exposure. Great care is needed to preserve museum artefacts from the harmful effects of UV light, which can also be present in fluorescent lamps. Many synthetic polymers are also degraded by UV light, and UV stabilisers are usually added to many thermoplastics.
See also
- polymer degradationPolymer degradationPolymer degradation is a change in the properties—tensile strength, colour, shape, etc.—of a polymer or polymer-based product under the influence of one or more environmental factors such as heat, light or chemicals such as acids, alkalis and some salts...
- textiles
- UltravioletUltravioletUltraviolet light is electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength shorter than that of visible light, but longer than X-rays, in the range 10 nm to 400 nm, and energies from 3 eV to 124 eV...
- UV degradationUV degradationMany natural and synthetic polymers are attacked by ultra-violet radiation and products made using these materials may crack or disintegrate . The problem is known as UV degradation, and is a common problem in products exposed to sunlight...
- UV Stabilizers in plasticsUV Stabilizers in plasticsUV light stabilizers are used frequently in plastics, including cosmetics and films. The primary function is to protect the substance from the long-term degradation effects from light, most frequently ultraviolet light...