Research on the ultraviolet aging performance of polyurethane elastomers

Purpose This study aims to carry out optimization and improvement work on the artificial climate aging and ultraviolet aging tests of elastic expansion joints in railway concrete bridges. Design/methodology/approach Three polyurethane elastomer specimens with different chemical compositions were adopted. According to relevant standard regulations, the aging test process was analyzed and evaluated in detail, and reasonable improvement suggestions were put forward. The effectiveness was verified through actual tests. Findings The final test results indicate that the combination of artificial climate aging tests and ultraviolet aging tests is technically feasible and has significant advantages in practical applications. Originality/value This study optimizes the conditions of artificial climate aging and ultraviolet aging tests, compares the advantages and disadvantages of different aging test methods, and proposes a combined test scheme of artificial climate aging and ultraviolet aging and verifies its effectiveness. The results provide valuable reference for simulating the actual aging behavior of polyurethane elastomers, material performance evaluation, and application in railway bridge engineering. It is conducive to promoting the reasonable application of this material in engineering, improving engineering quality, reducing costs, and has economic and social benefits.