Studies on the Surface Properties of PMMA after Accelerated Weathering

Abstract

The surface properties of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) were investigated after accelerated weathering. Glossinesses, contact angles, surface free energies, thermal stability, and mechanical properties were investigated. The glossiness of the weathered PMMA was decreased with increasing exposure time. Contact angles and surface free energies were not overtly changed because the amount of oxygen on the surface was remained. PMMA was compounded with anti-block and antistatic agents using a co-rotating twin screw extruder to improve the durability. The PMMA composites showed better glossinesses after accelerated weathering while maintaining the contact angles, surface energy, thermal stability, and mechanical properties without significant changes.