Estimation of the Light Durability of Automotive Interior Materials with the Value of Equivalent Total Sunshine Energy

A method of making light durability estimation of automotive interior materials has been investigated, and the Equivalint Total Sunshine Energy (ESE) is obtained to combine the detrimental factors during outdoor use, e.g., light intensity, exposure period, and thermal conditions.

Outdoor exposure tests and measurement of ESE are carried out with the same materials using many different exposure conditions, for example, three exposure sites, three exposure periods and four seasons. All observed deterioration characteristics caused by the outdoor exposure tests show excellent correlation with the ESE value.