Investigating Durability: Testing Coated Glass for Toughness
In the realm of construction materials, coated glass stands out as an industrial marvel. These glasses undergo a transformative process involving the application of thin metal oxide coatings. The resulting product boasts altered light characteristics, enhancing its performance in heat management and visual aesthetics. Particularly, when utilized for building exteriors, these coated glasses must meet stringent test requirements to ensure durability and reliability.
Measurement of Performance
To gauge the effectiveness of coated glass, performance factors and spectral details are scrutinized using standard spectrophotometer equipment. The measurements involve assessing light transmittance at specific wavelengths, ensuring the glass maintains its reflective properties under diverse conditions.
1. Resistance Test
To evaluate resistance, coated glass undergoes exposure to a water-saturated atmosphere. The meticulous testing apparatus, including corrosion-resistant materials, ensures the integrity of the evaluation. The test involves maintaining specific conditions to observe any potential surface degradation over time.
Test Procedure
- Filling the water tank with demineralized water.
- Controlling internal temperature at 40 ± 1.5°C.
- Maintaining ambient room temperature at 23 ± 3°C.
- Continuously monitoring condensation on glass pieces.
- Ensuring no interference from external elements.
- Checking internal and external temperatures regularly.
Standard Test Requirements
- No defects greater than 3 mm.
- Maximum one defect between 2 mm and 3 mm.
- Maximum five defects between 1 mm and 2 mm.
- No staining, scratches, or pinhole clusters greater than 1 mm.
- No significant color change compared to the reference within 20 seconds.
- Transmittance measured at 550 nm and 900 nm varying by no more than 0.03.
2. Acid Resistance Test
This evaluation involves subjecting coated glass to a sulfur dioxide-saturated atmosphere. The cyclic nature of the test, with varying temperatures and condensation, aims to identify potential surface degradation due to the interaction of sulfur dioxide and condensation.
Test Procedure
- Preparing the test cabinet with demineralized water and SO₂.
- Cycling through 24-hour periods of high temperature with condensation and ambient temperature without condensation.
- Ensuring a controlled temperature increase to 40 ± 1.5°C.
- Subjecting test pieces to condensation in the SO₂ atmosphere.
Standard Test Requirements
- Transmittance measured at 550 nm and 900 nm not differing by more than ±0.03 nm from the reference.
3. Neutral Salt Spray Test
Subjecting coated glass to a neutral saline atmosphere tests its resistance against potential surface degradation caused by saline spray.
Test Procedure
- Preparing and running the test cabinet for a minimum of 24 hours.
- Creating a neutral salt solution with specific parameters.
- Filtering compressed air for spray application.
- Using an inert material spray nozzle to prevent direct impact on test pieces.
Standard Test Requirements
- Requirements align with the condensation resistance test.
4. Abrasion Resistance Test
This test involves rubbing the coated glass surface with a felt pad under dry conditions, assessing potential surface degradation.
Test Procedure
- Employing a metal finger with specific dimensions.
- Applying a controlled frequency and stroke length.
- Initiating the test within 30 minutes of sample cleaning.
- Lowering the felt pad’s metal finger with a load of 4 N.
Standard Test Requirements
- Ensuring uniform abraded area.
- Transmittance measured at 550 nm and 900 nm differing by not more than ± 0.03 nm from the reference.
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