Influencing factors and countermeasures of aging and yellowing on windshield rubber in high-speed train

Purpose Regarding that Ultraviolet radiation, pollutant adsorption, and environmental changes may be the main reasons for the aging and yellowing on windshield rubber in high-speed trains, countermeasures are proposed to solve the aging and yellowing of windshield rubber and reduce the adverse effects caused by rubber yellowing. Design/methodology/approach Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) were used to test the yellowed windshield rubber. Aging tests, including UV aging, natural aging and salt spray aging, were conducted to analyze the effects of aging on the windshield rubber. Different cleaning agents were selected to soak the windshield rubber, and the quality, hardness, and surface appearance of the rubber samples were tested. Findings After UV aging, antioxidants migrated to the surface of the windshield rubber, but due to oxidation failure, they could not capture free radicals, leading to continued oxidation reactions within the material and resulting in yellowing of the rubber in a short period of time. Originality/value Cleaning agents have a minimal impact on windshield rubber, UV aging has the greatest impact and natural aging is a gradual and slow deterioration process. Through daily deep cleaning and maintenance with protective agents at regular intervals, the deterioration of windshield rubber yellowing in high-speed trains can be effectively suppressed.