Generation device

Abstract

This generation device comprises a control unit. The control unit calculates, for an accelerated weathering test in which a first test in which light irradiation and water spraying to a sample that has a coating film are simultaneously performed and a second test in which light irradiation to the sample is performed are repeatedly performed, a first deterioration amount of the coating film caused by ultraviolet rays and a second deterioration amount of the coating film caused by ultraviolet rays and water on the basis of outdoor environment data, and generates a test condition of the first test and a test condition of the second test on the basis of a ratio between the calculated first deterioration amount and second deterioration amount.

Description

generator

[0001] This disclosure relates to a generating device.

[0002] Paint coatings are often exposed to the outdoor environment. For example, infrastructure facilities or structures such as buildings are installed outdoors. The paint coatings used on such structures are exposed to the outdoor environment. Paint coatings exposed to the outdoor environment require long-term durability, ranging from several years to several decades. Therefore, evaluating the lifespan of such paint coatings through outdoor exposure tests takes many years to obtain results.

[0003] Therefore, a method is known in which the correlation between accelerated weathering tests and outdoor exposure tests is investigated, and the lifespan of the coating is estimated from the results of the accelerated weathering test (Non-Patent Literature 1).

[0004] Shinji Iida, "Accelerated Weathering Test (Part 3)," Research on Paints, No. 147, pp. 26-34, March 2007.

[0005] However, there are challenges in reproducing the outdoor deterioration of paint films using accelerated weathering tests. For example, paint films are composed of resin and pigments. In some cases, the resin in the paint film may be decomposed by the photocatalytic action of the pigments contained in the paint film. Resin decomposition in the paint film accelerates the deterioration of the paint film, thus shortening its lifespan. However, resin decomposition in the paint film cannot be reproduced under the conditions of general accelerated weathering tests, such as test piece wetting cycle A specified in Table 3 of JIS K5600-7-7. If the lifespan of a paint film is estimated using an accelerated weathering test that cannot reproduce resin decomposition in the paint film, the error in the estimation result will be large. If a paint film with a large error in the estimation result is used in an actual outdoor environment, there is a high possibility that it will deteriorate earlier than expected.

[0006] In view of these points, the purpose of this disclosure is to improve the accuracy of estimating the lifespan of coatings.

[0007] A generating apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a control unit, which repeatedly performs an accelerated weathering test in which a first test is performed in which light irradiation and water spraying are carried out on a sample having a coating film, and a second test is performed in which light irradiation is carried out on the sample, and calculates a first amount of deterioration of the coating film caused by ultraviolet light and a second amount of deterioration of the coating film caused by ultraviolet light and water based on outdoor environmental data, and generates test conditions for the first test and test conditions for the second test based on the ratio of the calculated first amount of deterioration and the second amount of deterioration.

[0008] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the accuracy of estimating the lifespan of a coating film can be improved.

[0009] This is a block diagram showing an example of a generating apparatus according to one embodiment of this disclosure. This is a flowchart showing an example of a method for generating a test condition table. This is a table showing an example of a deliquescence threshold and correction coefficient. This is a table showing a deliquescence threshold and correction coefficient set by experiment. This is a table showing the first and second degradation amounts calculated from experimental results. This is a diagram showing an example of the base accelerated weathering test conditions. This is a diagram showing the base accelerated weathering test conditions used in the experiment. This is a diagram showing the test conditions for the accelerated weathering test generated from the experimental results. This is a diagram showing the test conditions for the accelerated weathering test generated from the experimental results. This is a diagram showing the test conditions for the accelerated weathering test generated from the experimental results. This is a flowchart showing an example of a method for estimating the lifespan of a coating film. This is a diagram showing experimental results. This is a diagram for explaining the condition of a coating film in a salt-damaged area.

[0010] The inventors focused on the fact that, particularly in areas with salt damage, there is a large difference between the estimated deterioration of the coating film obtained by accelerated weathering tests and the degree of deterioration when the coating film is actually exposed to the outdoor environment. The inventors considered that the reason for this is that, as shown in Figure 11, in areas with salt damage, salts adhere to the surface of the coating film, and as these attached salts deliquesce, a water film easily forms on the surface of the coating film. When a water film forms on the surface of the coating film, when ultraviolet light is irradiated onto this water film, the water and ultraviolet light act together. When water and ultraviolet light act together, for example, if the coating film contains titanium dioxide pigment, the photocatalytic action of the titanium dioxide pigment is activated, and the resin decomposes.

[0011] One possible method to improve the accuracy of estimating the lifespan of the coating is to modify the conditions of the accelerated weathering test to reproduce the balance between the deterioration of the coating caused solely by ultraviolet light in actual outdoor environments and the deterioration caused by the combined action of ultraviolet light and water. However, in actual outdoor environments, the intensity of ultraviolet radiation, temperature, and the wetting state of the coating fluctuate from day to day or season to season. Therefore, the degree to which various types of deterioration of the coating progress also fluctuates in actual outdoor environments. Furthermore, there is no established method for reflecting the effect of salt deliquescence in the accelerated weathering test. Consequently, it is difficult to appropriately set the conditions for the accelerated weathering test.

[0012] Therefore, the inventors conceived the idea of ​​calculating the amount of paint film degradation caused by ultraviolet light and the amount of paint film degradation caused by ultraviolet light and moisture, based on outdoor environmental data from previously conducted outdoor exposure experiments, and then setting the conditions for the accelerated weathering test based on the ratio of these degradation amounts.

[0013] The embodiments relating to this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0014] The generating apparatus 1 according to this embodiment, as shown in Figure 1, can perform accelerated weathering tests on samples having a coating film whose lifespan is to be estimated. The lifespan of the coating film can be estimated from the results of the accelerated weathering test on the sample. The coating film is composed of any polymer material. The coating film may be composed of any polymer material and any pigment such as titanium dioxide pigment. The sample is prepared, for example, by applying paint to the surface of a PET substrate and drying it. The sample is placed in a tank provided in the generating apparatus 1.

[0015] The generation device 1 comprises a measuring unit 10, an input unit 11, a display unit 12, a storage unit 13, and a control unit 15.

[0016] The measurement unit 10 is capable of measuring the surface temperature of a sample placed in the tank. The measurement unit 10 is composed of, for example, a thermograph or a thermocouple. The measurement unit 10 outputs the measurement result of the sample's surface temperature to the control unit 15.

[0017] The input unit 11 is capable of receiving input from the user. The input unit 11 is configured to include at least one input interface capable of receiving input from the user. The input interface may be, for example, a physical key, a capacitive key, a pointing device, a microphone, or a touchscreen. The touchscreen of the input unit 11 may be provided integrally with the display of the display unit 12.

[0018] The display unit 12 is capable of displaying data. The display unit 12 is configured to include, for example, a display or the like.

[0019] The storage unit 13 is configured to include at least one semiconductor memory, at least one magnetic memory, at least one optical memory, or at least two combinations thereof. The storage unit 13 may function as a main memory, an auxiliary memory, or a cache memory. The storage unit 13 stores data used for the operation of the generation device 1 and data obtained by the operation of the generation device 1. The storage unit 13 may also store a program executed by the control unit 15.

[0020] The memory unit 13 stores the test condition table 14. Details of the test condition table 14 and how to create it will be described later.

[0021] The control unit 15 is configured to include at least one processor, at least one dedicated circuit, or a combination thereof. The processor is, for example, a general-purpose processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or a dedicated processor specialized for a specific process. The dedicated circuit is, for example, an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) or an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). The control unit 15 controls each part of the generation device 1 and executes processes related to the operation of the generation device 1.

[0022] (Method for creating a test condition table) Figure 2 is a flowchart showing an example of a method for generating a test condition table 14. In this embodiment, the method for generating the test condition table 14 is performed by the generation device 1. When the control unit 15 receives, for example, a test condition table creation instruction from the user via the input unit 11, it starts processing in step S1.

[0023] [Step S1] In the process of step S1, the control unit 15 acquires outdoor environmental data from an outdoor exposure test that has been conducted in advance. In this embodiment, the control unit 15 acquires time-series data of the outdoor environment as outdoor environmental data. In the outdoor exposure test, the sample installed on the stand is exposed to the outdoor environment for several years. During this outdoor exposure test over several years, time-series data of the outdoor environment is acquired by the user or the like. In other words, the time-series data of the outdoor environment is time-series data spanning several years.

[0024] Time-series data for outdoor environments include, for example, time-series data of light irradiation intensity I and temperature T ａ Time-series data and atmospheric relative humidity RH ａ The time-series data and the surface temperature T of the sample. Ｓ The time-series data and the humidity RH near the surface of the sample. Ｓ This includes time-series data.

[0025] In the present disclosure, the time-series data of the light irradiation intensity I is the time-series data of the intensity of light irradiated on the sample during the outdoor exposure test. The light irradiation intensity I is, for example, the irradiance [W / m ２ of ultraviolet light with a wavelength of 300 to 400 nm. The time-series data of the light irradiation intensity I may be the light irradiation intensity I associated with the time at which the light irradiation intensity I was observed. The control unit 15 acquires the time-series data of the light irradiation intensity I by receiving it from the user via the input unit 11.

[0026] The air temperature T ａ In the present disclosure, the time-series data of the air temperature T is the time-series data of the air temperature T ａ during the outdoor exposure test. The time-series data of the air temperature T ａ may be the air temperature T ａ associated with the time at which the air temperature T ａ was observed. The control unit 15 acquires the time-series data of the air temperature T ａ by receiving it from the user via the input unit 11.

[0027] The time-series data of the relative humidity RH of the atmosphere ａ In the present disclosure, the time-series data of the relative humidity RH of the atmosphere is the time-series data of the relative humidity RH ａ of the atmosphere during the outdoor exposure test. The time-series data of the relative humidity RH of the atmosphere ａ may be the relative humidity RH of the atmosphere ａ associated with the time at which the relative humidity RH ａ was observed. The control unit 15 acquires the time-series data of the relative humidity RH of the atmosphere ａ by receiving it from the user via the input unit 11.

[0028] The time-series data of the surface temperature T of the sample Ｓ In the present disclosure, the time-series data of the surface temperature T of the sample is the time-series data of the surface temperature T Ｓ of the sample during the outdoor exposure test. The time-series data of the surface temperature T of the sample Ｓ may be the surface temperature T Ｓ associated with the time at which the surface temperature T Ｓ was observed. The control unit 15 acquires the time-series data of the surface temperature T of the sample ＳThe time-series data of the sample's surface temperature T may be obtained by receiving it from the user via the input unit 11, or the surface temperature T of the sample may be obtained. Ｓ This can also be obtained by calculating time-series data.

[0029] Sample surface temperature T Ｓ When calculating time-series data, the control unit 15 acquires time-series data of the white panel temperature and time-series data of the black panel temperature by receiving them from the user via the input unit 11. In this case, during the outdoor exposure test, the time-series data of the white panel temperature and time-series data of the black panel temperature are acquired by the user or the like. The black panel temperature may be measured by a black standard thermometer or a black panel thermometer, etc. The white panel temperature may be measured by a white standard thermometer that is the same as or similar to the black standard thermometer, or a white panel thermometer, etc. that has the same or similar structure as the black panel thermometer. The time-series data of the white panel temperature may associate the white panel temperature with the time when the white panel temperature was observed. The time-series data of the black panel temperature may associate the black panel temperature with the time when the black panel temperature was observed. The control unit 15 calculates the surface temperature T of the sample using the acquired time-series data of the white panel temperature and time-series data of the black panel temperature and the following formula (1). Ｓ Calculate the time series data. Ｓ = C １ ×BPT+C ２ ×WPT (1) In equation (1), temperature BPT is the black panel temperature. Temperature WPT is the white panel temperature. In equation (1), coefficient C １ and coefficient C ２ This is a coefficient determined by the color of the sample. For example, if the color of the sample is gray, the coefficient C １ The coefficient C may be 0.75. ２ It can be 0.25.

[0030] Humidity (RH) near the surface of the sample Ｓ The time-series data, in this disclosure, refers to the humidity RH near the surface of the sample during outdoor exposure testing. ＳThis is time-series data. Here, the humidity near the surface of the sample changes as the surface temperature of the sample changes, which in turn changes the saturated water vapor amount near the surface of the sample. Therefore, humidity RH Ｓ The degree to which the sample is near the surface may be determined based on the range in which the saturated water vapor amount changes depending on the surface temperature of the sample. Humidity RH near the surface of the sample Ｓ The time-series data is humidity RH Ｓ And the humidity RH Ｓ The time at which it was observed may be associated with the measurement. The control unit 15 controls the humidity RH near the surface of the sample. Ｓ The time-series data may be obtained by receiving it from the user via the input unit 11. Alternatively, the control unit 15 may obtain the humidity RH near the surface of the sample based on the outdoor environment data. Ｓ The humidity RH near the surface of the sample may be obtained by calculating the humidity RH. Ｓ This can also be obtained by calculating time-series data.

[0031] Humidity (RH) near the surface of the sample Ｓ When calculating the time-series data, the control unit 15 calculates the humidity RH near the surface of the sample using the following equation (2). Ｓ Calculate the time series data. In equation (2), the relative humidity of the atmosphere RH ａ The unit is [RH%]. The control unit 15 receives the relative humidity RH of the atmosphere as described above. ａ The following data may be used. In equation (2), the surface temperature T of the sample Ｓ The unit is [K]. The control unit 15 receives the surface temperature T of the sample obtained as described above. Ｓ You may use the following data. In equation (2), temperature T ａ The unit is [K]. The control unit 15 receives the temperature T as described above. ａ The following data may be used. In equation (2), the amount of water vapor P ｓａｔ (T) is the amount of saturated water vapor at temperature T. The control unit 15, for example, calculates the amount of water vapor P in equation (3). ｓａｔ The saturated water vapor amount at temperature T is calculated using the approximate formula (T). However, the control unit 15 may calculate the saturated water vapor amount using any formula.

[0032] In step S1, the control unit 15 may acquire time-series data of the outdoor environment during each of the multiple outdoor exposure tests. These multiple outdoor exposure tests may be tests conducted in different regions. The control unit 15 also acquires information on the names of the regions where the outdoor exposure tests were conducted by receiving it from the user via the input unit 11.

[0033] [Step S2] In the process of step S2, the control unit 15 determines the first degradation amount α(t) of the coating film caused by ultraviolet light based on the outdoor environmental data of the outdoor exposure test that was carried out in advance. ｆ Calculate the first degradation amount α(t). ｆ ) is the time t from the start of the outdoor exposure test. ｆ This is the total amount of deterioration of the coating film caused by ultraviolet light over a predetermined period of time. This first deterioration amount α(t) is the total amount of deterioration of the coating film. ｆ This indicates, for example, the degree of resin degradation of the coating film due to ultraviolet light. ｆ is, t Ｓ ≤ t ｆ ≤ t Ｆ The time t may be set by the user, etc., within the range that satisfies the following conditions. Ｓ This is the time when the outdoor exposure test began. Time t Ｆ This is the time when the outdoor exposure test ends. The specified time is, for example, a period of several months to several years. Below, time t Ｓ Assume that (t) is zero Ｓ = 0). The control unit 15, for example, processes the time-series data of the light irradiation intensity I obtained in step S1 and the surface temperature T of the sample. Ｓ The first degradation amount α(t) is calculated using the time-series data and the following equation (4). ｆ Calculate the result. In equation (4), the energy E ａ１ This is the activation energy [kJ / mol] for UV degradation. Energy E ａ１ A value appropriately set according to the substances contained in the coating of the sample may be used. For example, if the coating of the sample is composed of an acrylic urethane resin containing titanium dioxide pigment, the energy E ａ１30 kJ / mol may be used from the general range of the activation energy of the ultraviolet degradation of urethane. In Equation (4), the constant p １ is such that 0 ≦ p １ ≦ 1. The constant p １ may be appropriately set based on the photooxidation reaction assumed in the sample. For example, when a photooxidation reaction around the urethane bond is assumed in the sample, the constant p １ may be 1 (p １ = 1). In Equation (4), the constant R is the gas constant. In Equation (4), the light irradiation intensity I(t) is the time-series data of the light irradiation intensity I obtained in the process of Step S1. Specifically, the light irradiation intensity I(t) is the light irradiation intensity I at time t. The unit of the light irradiation intensity I(t) is [W / m ２ . In Equation (4), the surface temperature T Ｓ (t) is the time-series data of the surface temperature T Ｓ of the sample obtained in the process of Step S1. Specifically, the surface temperature T Ｓ (t) is the surface temperature T Ｓ of the sample at time t. The unit of the surface temperature T Ｓ (t) is [K]. In Equation (4), the temperature T Ｓ０ is the Kelvin temperature [K] at 0 °C. In Equation (4), the light irradiation intensity I ０ , is a reference value when reflecting the influence of the light irradiation intensity on the reaction rate of ultraviolet degradation in Equation (4). As can be seen from Equation (6) described later, the reaction rate of ultraviolet degradation in the coating film is proportional to the p ０ power of {I(t) / I １}. The light irradiation intensity I ０ is this reference value of the reaction rate. The light irradiation intensity I ０ is, for example, 1 kJ / m ２ / h = 0.278 W / m ２ for ultraviolet rays with wavelengths of 300 to 400 nm. In Equation (4), the degree of progress α Ｅａ１ is such that the activation energy of ultraviolet degradation is energy E ａ１ , and the surface temperature T Ｓ is the same as the temperature T Ｓ０ (T Ｓ = TＳ０ ), and when the light irradiation intensity I is the same as the light irradiation intensity I ０ (I = I ０ ), it is the progress of the degradation reaction per unit time.

[0034] Hereinafter, the derivation of Equation (4) will be described. First, the reaction rate of ultraviolet degradation in the coating film generally depends on the surface temperature T Ｓ of the sample, the light irradiation intensity I, and the energy E ａ１ . Therefore, the reaction rate constant k(t) of ultraviolet degradation of the coating film at time t is given by the following Equation (5).

[0035] In Equation (5), the constant A' is a constant set as appropriate.

[0036] In Equation (5), when the surface temperature T Ｓ is the same as the temperature T Ｓ０ (T Ｓ = T Ｓ０ ), and when the light irradiation intensity I is the same as the light irradiation intensity I ０ (I = I ０ ), the reaction rate constant k(t) is defined as the reaction rate constant k ０ . In this case, the ratio of the reaction rate constant k(t) to the reaction rate constant k ０ is given by the following Equation (6).

[0037] As described above, the progress α Ｅａ１ is such that the activation energy of ultraviolet degradation is the energy E[[ID=四十二]] ａ１ , the surface temperature T Ｓ is the same as the temperature T Ｓ０ (T Ｓ = T Ｓ０ ), and when the light irradiation intensity I is the same as the light irradiation intensity I ０ (I = I ０ ), it is the progress of the reaction rate per unit time. Therefore, it can be seen that Equation (4) can be derived by integrating Equation (6) with respect to time from the start of the outdoor exposure test to a predetermined time t ｆ .

[0038] As can be seen from Equations (5) and (6), the first degradation amount α(tｆ ) is the time integral of the rate of reaction of UV degradation per unit time. Therefore, the first degradation amount α(t ｆ It can be seen that ) correlates with the degree of degradation due to ultraviolet light. Here, in this embodiment, in the process of step S4 described later, the first degradation amount α(t) is calculated in order to calculate the ratio of the first degradation amount α(t) to the second degradation amount β(t). Therefore, the first degradation amount α(t) ｆ The dimension of the unit of ) is the second degradation quantity β(t) which will be described later. ｆ If the dimensions of the unit are the same as those of the first degradation amount α(t), then ｆ ) does not have to be a specific physical quantity such as the amount of degradation products or the amount of consumption. The second degradation amount β(t) described later ｆ ) is also the first degradation amount α(t ｆ Dimensions of the unit and second degradation amount β(t) ｆ It does not have to be a specific physical quantity as long as the dimensions of the unit are the same.

[0039] [Step S3] In the process of step S3, the control unit 15 calculates the second degradation amount β(t) of the coating film caused by ultraviolet light and water, based on the outdoor environmental data of the outdoor exposure test that was carried out in advance. ｆ Calculate the second degradation amount β(t). ｆ ) is the time t from the start of the outdoor exposure test. ｆ This is the total amount of deterioration of the coating film caused by ultraviolet light and water during the time the sample surface is wet within the predetermined time period. This second deterioration amount β(t) is the total amount of deterioration of the coating film. ｆ This indicates, for example, the degree of resin degradation of the coating film due to ultraviolet light and water. Hereafter, the time during which the sample surface remains wet will be referred to as "wetting time".

[0040] The control unit 15, for example, processes the time-series data of the light irradiation intensity I obtained in step S1 and the surface temperature T of the sample. Ｓ The second degradation amount β(t) is calculated using the time-series data and the following equation (7). ｆ Calculate the result. In equation (7), the energy E ａ２ This is the activation energy [kJ / mol] for degradation by water. Energy E ａ２A value appropriately set according to the substances contained in the coating of the sample may be used. For example, if the coating of the sample contains rutile-type titanium dioxide pigment, the energy E ａ２ For this, the activation energy of 50 kJ / mol, which is common for rutile-type titanium dioxide pigments, may be used. In equation (7), the constant p ２ is 0 ≤ p ２ The constant p is ≤ 1. ２ The constant p may be set appropriately based on the relationship between the reaction rate of the photocatalyst in the sample and the light irradiation intensity. For example, it is generally known that the reaction rate of titanium dioxide photocatalysts is proportional to the 0.5 power of the light irradiation intensity. Therefore, if the coating film of the sample contains titanium dioxide, the constant p ２ is 0.5 (p ２ = 0.5) may be the case. In equation (7), the constant R is the gas constant, as in equation (4). In equation (7), the light irradiation intensity I(t) is the time-series data of the light irradiation intensity I obtained in the processing of step S1, as in equation (4). The unit of the light irradiation intensity I(t) is [W / m²] ２ In equation (7), the surface temperature T Ｓ (t) is the surface temperature T of the sample obtained in step S1, as in equation (4). Ｓ This is time-series data of the surface temperature T. Ｓ The unit of (t) is [K]. In equation (7), temperature T Ｓ０ As in equation (4), this is the Kelvin temperature [K] at 0 degrees Celsius. In equation (7), the light irradiation intensity I ０ This is the reference value used to reflect the effect of light irradiation intensity on the reaction rate of UV degradation in equation (7). As can be seen from equation (8) described later, the reaction rate of UV degradation in a coating film is {I(t) / I ０} of p ２ It is proportional to the power of the light irradiation intensity I. ０ This is the reference value for this reaction rate. Light irradiation intensity I ０ Similar to equation (4), for example, 1 kJ / m³ in ultraviolet light with a wavelength of 300-400 nm. ２ / h = 0.278 W / m ２ Therefore, in equation (7), the progression β Ｅａ２The activation energy for degradation by water is energy E ａ２ The surface temperature T Ｓ is temperature T Ｓ０ It is the same as (T Ｓ = T Ｓ０ ), and the light irradiation intensity I is ０ When it is the same as (I = I ０ This is the rate at which the degradation reaction progresses per unit time.

[0041] Here, equation (7) includes the reaction rate equation of the photocatalyst given by equation (8) below. The degradation given by this photocatalyst reaction rate equation proceeds only when the sample surface is wet. Furthermore, the entire sample surface is not necessarily wet; as will be described later, it may be partially wet. Therefore, in this embodiment, the control unit 15 determines the second degradation amount β(t) based on the wetness of the sample surface. ｆ A correction factor γ is set to reflect this in the calculation. The method for setting the correction factor γ is explained below.

[0042] <Method for setting the correction coefficient γ> The control unit 15 determines the amount W of sea salt particles adhering to the sample surface during the outdoor exposure test and the humidity RH near the surface of the sample. Ｓ Based on this, a correction coefficient γ is set. The reason for this is that the wettness of the sample surface is determined by the amount of adhesion W and humidity RH, as will be described later. Ｓ This is because it depends on the following. The correction coefficient γ is set to one of the following: γ = 1, γ = 0, or 0 < γ < 1.

[0043] γ=1 is set when the sample surface is wet, regardless of the amount W of sea salt particles adhering to the sample surface.

[0044] γ = 0 is set when the sample surface is not wet. When the sample surface is not wet, that is, when the sample surface does not become wet, the photocatalytic reaction whose reaction rate is given by equation (8) does not proceed, so the correction coefficient γ is set to γ ​​= 0.

[0045] The condition 0 < γ < 1 is set when the sample surface is partially wet. The more sea salt particles adhere to the sample surface, the larger the area of ​​the sample surface that becomes wet. Therefore, the more sea salt particles adhere to the sample surface, the larger the correction coefficient γ should be set.

[0046] Here, the humidity RH near the surface of the sample Ｓ If the humidity is high enough, the sample surface will be wet regardless of the amount of sea salt particles W attached to the sample surface. Therefore, the humidity RH near the surface of the sample Ｓ If the coefficient of γ is high enough, γ can be set to 1 regardless of the amount of sea salt particles W attached to the sample surface.

[0047] By the way, the main component of sea salt particles is sodium chloride. The deliquescence humidity of sodium chloride is high, at approximately 75%. Deliquescence humidity is the humidity at which sea salt particles deliquescence. However, sea salt particles also include salts with low deliquescence humidity. For example, the deliquescence humidity of magnesium chloride is low, at approximately 35%. Therefore, if a large amount of sea salt particles adhere to the surface of the sample, the humidity RH near the surface of the sample will be high. Ｓ Even if the humidity (RH) is low, the sample surface is more likely to become wet due to the influence of salts with low deliquescence contained in the sea salt particles. More specifically, the more sea salt particles that adhere to the sample surface, the more salts with low deliquescence adhere to the sample surface. When the amount of salts with low deliquescence that adheres to the sample surface increases, the total amount of water adsorbed by the salts with low deliquescence on the sample surface increases. As a result, even salts with normal deliquescence, such as sodium chloride, are more likely to deliquesce, and the humidity (RH) near the sample surface increases. Ｓ Even if the temperature is low, the sample surface is more likely to become wet.

[0048] In contrast, if the amount of sea salt particles adhering to the sample surface is small, the influence of salts with low deliquescence humidity contained in those sea salt particles will be reduced. Therefore, if the amount of sea salt particles adhering to the sample surface is small, the humidity RH near the sample surface will be reduced. ＳIf the humidity (RHs) is low, the sample surface is less likely to become wet. More specifically, if the amount of sea salt particles adhering to the sample surface is small, the amount of low-liquidity salts contained in those sea salt particles will also be small. Therefore, the total amount of water adsorbed by low-liquidity salts on the sample surface decreases. As a result, salts that do not have low liquidity, such as sodium chloride, are less likely to deliquesce if the humidity (RHs) of the sample surface is low.

[0049] Thus, the humidity RH near the surface of the sample Ｓ When the humidity RH is low, a large amount of sea salt particles adhering to the sample surface makes the sample surface more likely to become wet. Conversely, if the amount of sea salt particles adhering to the sample surface is small, the sample surface is less likely to become wet. The inventors focused on this tendency and investigated the humidity RH near the surface of the sample. Ｓ When the value is low, we conceived of setting a deliquescence threshold to set the correction coefficient γ to γ ​​= 0 or 0 < γ < 1 based on the amount of sea salt particles adhering to the sample surface W. Below, this deliquescence threshold and the processing of the control unit 15 will be explained.

[0050] First, the control unit 15 processes the humidity RH near the surface of the sample obtained in step S1. Ｓ It is determined whether the humidity threshold TH1 is greater than or equal to the humidity threshold TH1. The humidity threshold TH1 is determined by the humidity RH, regardless of the amount of sea salt particles adhering to the sample surface. Ｓ The humidity threshold TH1 may be set by assuming or experimentally determining the humidity at which the sample surface can be considered wet if the humidity is above that level. For example, generally speaking, when the relative humidity of the atmosphere is 80% RH or higher, the sample surface is considered to be wet, regardless of the amount of sea salt particles adhering to the sample surface. Therefore, the humidity threshold TH1 may be, for example, 80% RH.

[0051] The control unit 15 controls the humidity RH near the surface of the sample. Ｓ If the humidity threshold TH1 is greater than or equal to (RH Ｓ If ≥TH1), the correction coefficient γ is set so that the sample surface is considered to be wet. In other words, the control unit 15 sets the humidity RH near the surface of the sample. Ｓ If the humidity threshold TH1 is greater than or equal to (RH Ｓ (≥TH1), set the correction coefficient γ to γ ​​= 1.

[0052] The control unit 15 controls the humidity RH near the surface of the sample. Ｓ If it falls below the humidity threshold TH1 (RH Ｓ <TH1>) Obtain the deliquescence threshold based on the amount W of sea salt particles adhering to the sample surface. This amount W represents the amount of salt adhering in the area where the outdoor exposure test was conducted. The value measured by the wet candle method can be used for this amount W. The unit of measurement by the wet candle method is [mg NaCl / (m³] ２ d) ] Here, the amount W of sea salt particles adhering to the sample surface differs depending on the region. Therefore, it can be said that the amount W indicates regional characteristics. The control unit 15 may receive the amount W from the user via the input unit 11.

[0053] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 3, a deliquescence threshold is set based on the amount W of sea salt particles attached to the sample surface. When the amount W of sea salt particles attached to the sample surface is greater than or equal to the amount threshold THW (THW ≤ W), the deliquescence threshold is set to deliquescence threshold THa1. When the amount W of sea salt particles attached to the sample surface is less than the amount threshold THW (W < THW), the deliquescence threshold is set to deliquescence threshold THa2. Here, when the amount of deliquescent salts contained in the sea salt particles attached to the sample surface exceeds a predetermined amount, the humidity RH near the surface of the sample Ｓ Even if the humidity level is low, the likelihood of the sea salt particles deliquescing increases. Therefore, the quantity threshold THW may be set based on the amount of sea salt particles containing deliquescent salts adhering to the sample surface in amounts greater than a predetermined quantity. Furthermore, the deliquescent threshold may be set lower as the amount of sea salt particles adhering to the sample surface W increases. This is because the greater the amount of sea salt particles adhering to the sample surface, the more it is affected by deliquescent salts such as magnesium chloride, and the humidity RH near the surface decreases. Ｓ This is because sea salt particles deliquesce easily even at low temperatures and low humidity. However, the deliquescing threshold can be constant if the amount of attached material W is less than the quantity threshold THW (W < THW).

[0054] The control unit 15 controls the humidity RH near the surface of the sample. ＳIf the humidity RH near the surface of the sample falls below the deliquescence threshold set based on the amount of adhesion W, a correction coefficient γ is set so that the sample surface is considered not wet. In other words, the control unit 15 sets the humidity RH near the surface of the sample. Ｓ If the amount of adhesion W falls below the deliquescence threshold, the correction coefficient γ is set to γ ​​= 0.

[0055] In Figure 3, when the amount W of sea salt particles attached to the sample surface is greater than or equal to the quantity threshold THW, the deliquescence threshold based on the amount W is set to the deliquescence threshold THa1. Therefore, the control unit 15 determines that the amount W of sea salt particles attached to the sample surface is greater than or equal to the quantity threshold THW, and the humidity RH Ｓ If the deliquescence threshold THa1 is lower (RH Ｓ <THa1), set the correction coefficient γ to γ ​​= 0.

[0056] In Figure 3, when the amount W of sea salt particles attached to the sample surface falls below the quantity threshold THW (W < THW), the deliquescence threshold is set to the deliquescence threshold THa2. Therefore, the control unit 15 checks when the amount W of sea salt particles attached to the sample surface falls below the quantity threshold THW, and the humidity RH Ｓ If the deliquescence threshold THa2 is lower (RH Ｓ <THa2), set the correction coefficient γ to γ ​​= 0.

[0057] The control unit 15 controls the humidity RH near the surface of the sample. Ｓ If the amount of adhesion W is greater than or equal to the deliquescence threshold set based on the amount of adhesion W, a correction coefficient γ is set so as to be proportional to the amount of sea salt particles adhering W to the sample surface in the outdoor exposure test. In this case, the larger the correction coefficient γ, the larger the area of ​​the sample surface that is considered to be wet.

[0058] In Figure 3, when the amount W of sea salt particles attached to the sample surface is greater than or equal to the quantity threshold THW, the deliquescence threshold based on the amount W is set to the deliquescence threshold THa1. Therefore, the control unit 15 determines that the amount W of sea salt particles attached to the sample surface is greater than or equal to the quantity threshold THW, and the humidity RH Ｓ If the deliquescence threshold THa1 is greater than or equal to RH (TH1 > RH) ＳIf ≥THa1, ​​the correction coefficient γ is set to the value obtained by dividing the amount of adhesion W by the coefficient Cw1 (W / Cw1). However, if the value obtained by dividing the amount of adhesion W by the coefficient Cw1 (W / Cw1) is 1 or greater (W / Cw1 ≥ 1), the control unit 15 sets the correction coefficient γ to γ ​​= 1. Hereinafter, the value obtained by dividing the amount of adhesion W by the coefficient Cw1 (W / Cw1) will also be referred to as the "correction coefficient (W / Cw1)". This correction coefficient (W / Cw1) is related to the humidity RH Ｓ The relationship is "TH1 > RH Ｓ The correction factor γ is used to determine the wetting time, which satisfies the condition "≥THa1". Also, near the coast, the amount of adhesion W is 600 mg NaCl / (m ２ d) etc. may occur. Adhesion amount W is 600 mg NaCl / (m ２ d) In cases like this, since there is a correlation between the amount of adhesion W and the wettability of the sample surface, the coefficient Cw1 is 600 mg NaCl / (m ２ d) (Cw1 ≥ 600 mg NaCl / (m ２ d)) It is desirable that this be set.

[0059] In Figure 3, when the amount W of sea salt particles attached to the sample surface falls below the quantity threshold THW (W < THW), the deliquescence threshold is set to the deliquescence threshold THa2. Therefore, the control unit 15 checks when the amount W of sea salt particles attached to the sample surface falls below the quantity threshold THW, and the humidity RH Ｓ If the deliquescence threshold THa2 is greater than or equal to (TH1 > RH) Ｓ (≥THa2), the correction coefficient γ is set to the value obtained by dividing the amount of adhesion W by the coefficient Cw2 (W / Cw2). Hereafter, the value obtained by dividing the amount of adhesion W by the coefficient Cw2 (W / Cw2) will also be referred to as the "correction coefficient (W / Cw2)". This correction coefficient (W / Cw2) is equal to the humidity RH Ｓ The relationship is "TH1 > RH ＳThe correction coefficient γ is used to set the wetting time to satisfy "≥THa2". The correction coefficient (W / Cw2) is set to a value in the range of 0 to 1. Therefore, the coefficient Cw2 is set to be greater than or equal to the quantity threshold THW (CW2 ≥ THW). Here, in order to appropriately reflect the effect of the adhesion of sea salt particles to the sample in the correction coefficient (W / Cw2), it is undesirable for the correction coefficient (W / Cw2) to be set to a small value such as 0.1. The closer the amount of adhesion W is to the quantity threshold THW, the more desirable it is for the correction coefficient (W / Cw2) to be set to a value close to 1. In order for the correction coefficient (W / Cw2) to be set to a value close to 1 as the amount of adhesion W is close to the quantity threshold THW, it is desirable for the coefficient Cw2 to be set to a value close to the quantity threshold THW.

[0060] By the way, the humidity near the surface of the sample is RH Ｓ This value varies depending on time t. Therefore, please note that in the integral of equation (7), the control unit 15 sets a correction coefficient γ according to time t.

[0061] Here, the humidity threshold TH1, the quantity threshold THW, the deliquescence threshold THa1, ​​the deliquescence threshold THa2, and the coefficients Cw1 and Cw2 may be appropriately set based on the conditions of the outdoor exposure test that was conducted. Below, an example of the deliquescence thresholds etc. set by the inventors through experiments will be explained with reference to Figure 4.

[0062] <<Experiment 1>> The inventors prepared a paint composed of acrylic urethane resin containing titanium dioxide pigment. Next, the inventors applied the prepared paint onto a PET substrate and dried it with an applicator to create a sample with a film thickness of 40 μm after drying. The inventors conducted outdoor exposure tests for two years at multiple outdoor exposure test sites in Japan. The sample was placed on a stand for the outdoor exposure test at a 45-degree angle to the south.

[0063] First, the inventors set the humidity threshold TH1 to 80% (TH1 = 80), as shown in Figure 4. This is generally the humidity RH near the surface of the sample. Ｓ This is because if the percentage exceeds 80%, the sample surface will be wet even if no sea salt particles are attached to it.

[0064] Next, the inventors measured the amount of sea salt particles adhering to the sample surface in the area where the outdoor exposure test was conducted using the wet candle method. The unit of measurement using the wet candle method is [mg NaCl / (m³)]. ２ d) The inventors found that the amount of sea salt particles adhering to the sample surface W is W = 100, 150, 200, 250, 300, 350, 400, 600 mg NaCl / (m ２ At each location where condition d) was met, the wettness of the sample surface was visually observed when there was little direct sunlight in the evening and the sample surface temperature was close to the ambient temperature. As a result, the amount of adhesion W was 300 mg NaCl / (m ２ d) In areas where the levels are above (300 mg NaCl / (m ２ d) ≤ W), humidity RH near the surface of the sample Ｓ Even at around 35%, wetting of the sample surface was confirmed. In contrast, when the adhesion amount W was 300 mg NaCl / (m³), ２ - If it is less than (d) (W < 300 mg NaCl / (m ２ d)) In the region, the humidity RH near the surface of the sample Ｓ If the percentage did not reach 55% or higher, the wettability of the sample surface could not be confirmed.

[0065] Therefore, as shown in Figure 4, the dose threshold THW is set to 300 mg NaCl / (m ２ d) was set. The amount of sea salt particles adhering to the sample surface W was 300 mg NaCl / (m ２ d) Areas with a concentration of 300 mg NaCl / (m ２ d) ≤ W) corresponds to an area within a few tens of meters from the coast. Also, the amount of sea salt particles adhering to the sample surface W is 300 mg NaCl / (m ２ d) Areas below (W < 300 mg NaCl / (m ２ d) corresponds to an area within a few kilometers of the coast. Furthermore, the amount of adhesion W is 300 mg NaCl / (m ２ d) If the result is 300 mg NaCl / (m ２ d) ≤ W), the deliquescence threshold Ta1 was set to 35. In addition, the inventors determined that the amount of adhesion W is 300 mg NaCl / (m ２ - If it is less than (d) (W < 300 mg NaCl / (m ２d)) The deliquescence threshold Ta2 was set to 55.

[0066] [Step S4] In the process of step S4, the control unit 15 determines the first degradation amount α(t ｆ ) and the second degradation amount β(t ｆ ) ratio (α(t ｆ ): βα(t ｆ The following is calculated: Figure 5 shows the results calculated by the inventors from the results of Experiment 1 described above. Figure 5 also shows the correction coefficient γ, etc.

[0067] Conditions 1, 2, 3, and 4 shown in Figure 5 were calculated from the results of different outdoor exposure tests conducted by the inventors. Progression α in Figure 5 ３０ The progression α is when the activation energy of UV degradation is 30 kJ / mol, which is the activation energy of UV degradation for urethane. Ｅａ１ It is. Also, progression level β ５０ This is the progression β when the activation energy of degradation by water is 50 kJ / mol. Ｅａ２ In Figure 5, the constant R in equations (4) and (7) is 8.314K. －１ mol －１ The temperature T in equations (4) and (7) was determined as follows. Ｓ０ The constant p in equation (4) was set to 273K. １ is 1 (p １ = 1). The constant p in equation (7) ２ is 0.5 (p ２ (= 0.5) was used. Light irradiation intensity I in equations (4) and (7) ０ This is 1 kJ / m³ in ultraviolet light with a wavelength of 300-400 nm. ２ / h = 0.278 W / m ２ The inventors determined that the surface temperature T of the sample in formulas (4) and (7) is... Ｓ (t) was calculated from equation (1). The inventors calculated the surface temperature T using equation (1). Ｓ It has been separately confirmed that this can be calculated. The inventors set the deliquescence threshold to 35 in condition 1, and to 55 in conditions 2 to 4.

[0068] [Step S5] In step S5, the control unit 15 obtains the test conditions for the accelerated weathering test that will serve as the basis for generating the test condition table 14 by receiving them from the user via the input unit 11. This base accelerated weathering test may be any commonly performed accelerated weathering test. For example, the control unit 15 obtains the test conditions for the test piece wetting cycle A specified in Table 3 of JIS K 5600-7-7 by receiving them via the input unit 11. Hereinafter, the test piece wetting cycle A specified in Table 3 of JIS K 5600-7-7 will also be referred to as "Cycle A of JIS K 5600-7-7". In this embodiment, the control unit 15 obtains the test conditions for the accelerated weathering test as shown in Figure 6.

[0069] The accelerated weathering test shown in Figure 6 is performed by repeating a first test in which the sample is simultaneously irradiated with light and sprayed with water, and a second test in which the sample is irradiated with light.

[0070] In the first test, the first hour t １ In the first test, light irradiation and water spraying are performed on the sample simultaneously. １ , tank temperature T ａ１ and humidity inside the tank RH ａ１ The procedure is carried out under the following conditions: Sample temperature T Ｓ１ This does not need to be included in the conditions of the first test. Sample temperature T Ｓ１ Rather than the conditions of the first test, the conditions of the first test are the chamber temperature T ａ１ This can be treated as the temperature reached by the sample as a result of setting the parameters to such values.

[0071] In the second test, the second hour t ２ In the second test, only light irradiation of the sample is performed. ２ , tank temperature T ａ２ , tank humidity RH ａ２ Black panel temperature BPT ２ and sample temperature T Ｓ２ The procedure is carried out under the following conditions: Sample temperature T Ｓ２ This does not need to be included in the conditions for the second test. Sample temperature T Ｓ２ Rather than being a condition for the second test, the condition for the second test is the temperature inside the tank T ａ２This can be treated as the temperature reached by the sample as a result of the process.

[0072] [Step S6] In the process of step S6, the control unit 15 determines the first degradation amount α(t ｆ ) and the second degradation amount β(t ｆ ) ratio (α(t ｆ ): β(t ｆ Based on the test conditions for the accelerated weathering test obtained in step S5, the control unit 15 generates test conditions for the accelerated weathering test corresponding to the outdoor exposure test. In this embodiment, based on the test conditions for the accelerated weathering test obtained in step S5, the control unit 15 generates the third degradation amount α(t) described below. １ +t ２ ) and the fourth degradation amount β(t １ Calculate the result.

[0073] Third amount of deterioration α(t １ +t ２ This third degradation amount α(t) is the amount of paint film degradation caused by light irradiation performed in both the first and second tests of the accelerated weathering test. １ +t ２ ) indicates, for example, the degree of resin decomposition of the coating film due to light irradiation in both the first and second tests of the accelerated weathering test. Based on the conditions of the base first and second tests as shown in Figure 6, the control unit 15 calculates the third degradation amount α(t) using equations (1) to (4). １ +t ２ The control unit 15 calculates the following at a predetermined time t. ｆ Instead of exam time t ３ Use the following. Test time t ３ is the first hour t １ and the second hour ２ The sum of (t) ３ = t １ +t ２ ) That is, the test time per cycle. Also, the control unit 15 uses t = 0 to t instead of the light irradiation intensity I(t) in equation (4). １ Now, the light radiant intensity I of the first test １ Using t = t １ ~t ３ Next, the light emission intensity I of the second test. ２The control unit 15 uses the temperature T in formula (2). ａ Instead, t = 0 to t １ Now, the temperature inside the tank in the first test T ａ１ Using t = t １ ~t ３ Now, let's look at the temperature inside the tank in the second test, T. ａ２ The control unit 15 uses the relative humidity of the atmosphere RH in formula (2). ａ Instead, t = 0 to t １ Now, the humidity inside the chamber for the first test: RH ａ１ Using t = t １ ~t ３ Next, the humidity inside the tank for the second test: RH ａ２ The control unit 15 uses the surface temperature T of the sample in formula (4). Ｓ Instead, t = 0 to t １ Now, the sample temperature T for the first test. Ｓ１ Using t = t １ ~t ３ Now, let's look at the sample temperature T for the second test. Ｓ２ Here, in tests where water spraying is performed as in the first test, the sample temperature T Ｓ１ The temperature inside the tank is T ａ１ It can be about the same as that. Therefore, the control unit 15 sets the sample temperature T of the first test in equation (4) Ｓ１ The internal temperature of the tank is T ａ１ You may also use [this]. Also, in the first test, the sample temperature T Ｓ１ Depending on the color of the sample, the temperature inside the chamber T ａ１ The temperature may fluctuate by approximately ±2°C. Therefore, the control unit 15 determines the sample temperature T of the first test in equation (4). Ｓ１ As such, a correction value is set according to the color of the sample, and the temperature inside the chamber T ａ１ The temperature added may also be used. Furthermore, the sample temperature T of the second test in formula (4) may also be used. Ｓ２ For this, measured values ​​or calculated values ​​may be used. Sample temperature T of the second test Ｓ２ When a calculated value is used, the control unit 15 controls the tank temperature T ａ２ The sample temperature T is calculated based on the black panel temperature BPT and the color of the sample. Ｓ The calculated value may be used. The user specifies the surface temperature T of the sample. Ｓ When measuring the sample temperature T in equation (4), the control unit 15 ＳThe measured values ​​may be obtained by receiving them from the user via the input unit 11.

[0074] Fourth deterioration amount β(t １ This fourth degradation amount α(t) is the amount of paint film deterioration caused by light irradiation and water spraying performed in the first test of the accelerated weathering test. １ +t ２ ) indicates, for example, the degree of resin decomposition of the coating film due to light irradiation and water spray in the first test of the accelerated weathering test. Based on the conditions of the first test of the accelerated weathering test which serves as the basis as shown in Figure 6, the control unit 15 calculates the fourth degradation amount β(t) using equations (1) to (3) and (7). １ The control unit 15 calculates the following at a predetermined time t. ｆ Instead, the first hour １ Using this method, instead of light irradiation intensity I, use light emission intensity I. １ Using temperature T ａ Instead, the temperature inside the tank T ａ１ Using the relative humidity RH of the atmosphere ａ Instead, the humidity inside the tank RH ａ１ Using this method, the surface temperature T of the sample is measured. Ｓ Instead, the sample temperature T of the first test Ｓ１ The control unit 15 uses the correction coefficient γ in equation (7) as γ = 1. As described above, the control unit 15 sets the sample temperature T of the first test in equation (7) Ｓ１ The internal temperature of the tank is T ａ１ You may also use this. Also, as described above, the control unit 15 controls the sample temperature T of the first test in formula (7). Ｓ１ As such, a correction value is set according to the color of the sample, and the temperature inside the chamber T ａ１ The temperature added to the sample may also be used. Alternatively, the user may use the surface temperature T of the sample. Ｓ When measuring the sample temperature T in equation (7), the control unit 15 Ｓ The measured values ​​may be obtained by receiving them from the user via the input unit 11.

[0075] The control unit 15 determines the third degradation amount α(t １ +t ２ ) and the fourth degradation amount β(t １ ) ratio (α(t １ +t ２ ): β(t １)) is the first degradation amount α(t ｆ ) and the second degradation amount β(t ｆ ) ratio (α(t ｆ ): β(t ｆ (α(t)) so that it is the same as or close to it １ +t ２ ): β(t １ ) ≈ α(t ｆ ): β(t ｆ )), generate the test conditions for the first test and the test conditions for the second test. In this embodiment, the control unit 15 varies the conditions for the first test and the conditions for the second test while generating the third degradation amount α(t １ +t ２ ) and the fourth degradation amount β(t １ We calculate α(t １ +t ２ ): β(t １ ) ≈ α(t ｆ ): β(t ｆ The conditions for the first test and the conditions for the second test are determined to be α(t). The control unit 15 determines α(t １ +t ２ ): β(t １ ) ≈ α(t ｆ ): β(t ｆ By specifying the conditions for the first and second tests, the system generates the test conditions for the first and second tests, which correspond to an outdoor exposure test. Here, in an accelerated weathering test, it is desirable that the first and second tests be repeated for several tens of minutes to several hours, for example, so that the deterioration of the sample proceeds uniformly. For this reason, the control unit 15 sets the test time t ３ So that it lasts from several tens of minutes to several hours, α(t １ +t ２ ): β(t １ ) ≈ α(t ｆ ): β(t ｆ The conditions for the first test and the conditions for the second test are specified. For example, the control unit 15 specifies the conditions for the second time t of the second test. ２ While keeping all other conditions fixed, we vary the other conditions for the second test and the first test, and then α(t １ +t ２ ): β(t １ ) ≈ α(t ｆ ): β(t ｆThe conditions for the first test and the conditions for the second test are specified. In other words, the control unit 15 specifies the conditions for the first time t of the first test. １ , the light radiant intensity I of the first test １ , the temperature inside the chamber in the first test T ａ１ , the humidity inside the chamber in the first test RH ａ１ , the black panel temperature BPT of the first test and the second hour t of the second test ２ While shaking, α(t １ +t ２ ): β(t １ ) ≈ α(t ｆ ): β(t ｆ The conditions for the first and second tests are identified, where the third degradation amount α(t) is defined. １ +t ２ ) and the fourth degradation amount β(t １ The ratio of ) to the first degradation amount α(t ｆ ) and the second degradation amount β(t ｆ The degree to which the value should be close to the ratio can be determined based on the range of variation of the conditions in the first test or the range of variation of the conditions in the second test, etc. The control unit 15 may obtain the ranges of variation of the conditions in the first test and the conditions in the second test by receiving them from the user via the input unit 11.

[0076] α(t) １ +t ２ ): β(t １ ) ≈ α(t ｆ ): β(t ｆ Once the conditions for the first test and the conditions for the second test are identified, the control unit 15 starts the outdoor exposure test and then, at a predetermined time t ｆ Accelerated test time t corresponding to the predetermined time until ３ｆ The control unit 15 calculates the accelerated test time t using equation (9). ３ｆ Calculate t ３ｆ = α(t) ｆ ) ÷ α(t ３ ) × (t １ +t ２ ) (9)

[0077] The control unit 15 associates the generated test conditions for the first and second tests with the amount of sea salt particles adhering to the sample surface in the outdoor exposure test corresponding to the first and second tests. The control unit 15 also associates the generated test conditions for the first and second tests with the accelerated test time t. ３ｆ The control unit 15 associates the generated test conditions for the first test and the test conditions for the second test with the information of the name of the region where the outdoor exposure test was conducted, which was obtained in the process of step S1. The control unit 15 generates a test condition table 14 by generating and combining the test conditions for multiple accelerated weathering tests, each corresponding to multiple outdoor exposure tests.

[0078] <<Experiment 2>> The following describes the test conditions for the accelerated weathering test generated by the inventors based on the results shown in Figure 5 above. The inventors used the test conditions of Cycle A of JIS K5600-7-7 shown in Figure 7 as the base accelerated weathering test. The sample temperature shown in Figure 7 is a measured result, not a test condition. During the accelerated weathering test, the inventors stopped the test apparatus and immediately removed the sample to measure the sample temperature. In addition, in the second test, because the sample temperature is prone to fluctuation, the inventors measured the sample temperature at the first 10 minutes and at the last 92 minutes.

[0079] The inventors generated the following test conditions for accelerated weathering tests, corresponding to conditions 1, 2, 3, and 4 shown in Figure 5: Condition 1 shown in Figure 8A, Condition 2 shown in Figure 8B, Condition 3 shown in Figure 8C, and Condition 4 shown in Figure 8D. However, in Figures 8A to 8D, the inventors generated the test conditions for accelerated weathering tests corresponding to a one-year outdoor exposure test. In Figures 8A to 8D, the first degradation amount α(t ｆ ) is "Outdoor environment α (t ｆ It is also written as "accelerated weathering test". The third degradation amount α(t ３ ) is an accelerated test α(t ３ ) is also written as. The outdoor environment α (1y) shown in Figures 8A to 8D is defined as the time t from the start of the outdoor exposure test. ｆ When the predetermined time until is one year, the outdoor environment α(t ｆ = 1y).

[0080] In Figure 8A, the accelerated test time t corresponds to the outdoor environment α (1y) for one year. ３ｆ This was 1000 hours. In Figure 8B, the accelerated test time t corresponds to one year of outdoor environment α (1y). ３ｆ The duration was 680 hours. In Figure 8C, the accelerated test time t corresponds to one year of outdoor environment α (1y). ３ｆ The duration was 680 hours. In Figure 8D, the accelerated test time t corresponds to one year of outdoor environment α (1y). ３ｆ That was 750 hours.

[0081] Here, as shown in Figures 8A to 8D, the temperature inside the chamber in the first test is higher than the temperature inside the chamber in the second test. Therefore, when transitioning from the first test to the second test, it takes about 10 minutes for the sample temperature to stabilize. Therefore, in the process of step S6, the control unit 15 calculates the third degradation amount α(t １ +t ２ When calculating the second time t, ２ Sample temperature T during the first 10 minutes Ｓ２ And, the second hour ２ Sample temperature T during the remaining time after subtracting the first 10 minutes from the initial time. Ｓ２ This can be used. With this configuration, the third degradation amount α(t) １ +t ２ ) can be calculated with greater accuracy. 2nd time t ２ Sample temperature T during the first 10 minutes Ｓ２ The sample temperature T during the first 10 minutes is Ｓ２ The average temperature is acceptable. Second time t ２ Sample temperature T during the remaining time after subtracting the first 10 minutes from the initial time. Ｓ２ This refers to the sample temperature T during the remaining time. Ｓ２ The average temperature is sufficient.

[0082] (Method for estimating sample lifespan) Figure 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method for estimating sample lifespan. When the user places the sample in the tank of the generating apparatus 1, they input an instruction to execute the coating lifespan estimation process from the input unit 11. When the control unit 15 receives this input from the user via the input unit 11, it starts the process in step S11.

[0083] [Step S11] In step S11, the control unit 15 controls the chamber temperature and other parameters to match the conditions of the second test of the accelerated weathering test, which serves as the basis, obtained in step S5. For example, suppose the control unit 15 obtained the test conditions for JIS K5600-7-7 Cycle A as shown in Figure 7 in step S5. In this case, the control unit 15 sets the chamber temperature to 311K and the light irradiation intensity on the sample to 60 W / m² of ultraviolet light with a wavelength of 300-400 nm. ２ The system then controls the black panel temperature to 336K.

[0084] When the tank temperature and other conditions meet those of the second test of the base accelerated weathering test, the control unit 15 obtains the measurement result of the sample's surface temperature from the measurement unit 10.

[0085] [Step S12] In step S12, the control unit 15 receives the expected amount of sea salt particles adhering to the sample surface from the user via the input unit 11. This expected amount of adhesion is the amount that is expected to adhere to the sample surface in that region if the sample coating is used in that region. The unit of this expected amount of adhesion may be the unit of measurement using the wet candle method. The control unit 15 also receives information of the name of the region from the user via the input unit 11. This name of the region is the name of the region in which the sample coating is to be used.

[0086] [Step S13] In step S13, the control unit 15 obtains recommended test conditions from the test conditions in the test conditions table 14 for estimating the lifespan of the coating film. An example of how to obtain recommended test conditions from the test conditions in the test conditions table 14 is described below. However, the method for obtaining recommended test conditions is not limited to the following. For example, the first degradation amount α(t ｆ ) and second degradation amount β(t ｆ Any parameters, such as outdoor environmental data, used in the calculation of ) may be used to obtain recommended test conditions.

[0087] As an example of the process in step S13, the control unit 15 acquires as recommended test conditions the test conditions in the test condition table 14 that are associated with an adhesion amount that is the same as or close to the assumed adhesion amount obtained in step S12, and that are associated with the name of a region that is the same as or close to the name of a region that was obtained in step S12.

[0088] As another example of the process in step S13, the control unit 15 acquires a test condition from the test condition table 14 that corresponds to a sample temperature that is the same as or close to the sample surface temperature obtained in step S11 and a deposition amount that is the same as or close to the assumed deposition amount obtained in step S12, as a recommended test condition. If there are multiple test conditions that correspond to a sample temperature that is the same as or close to the sample surface temperature obtained in step S11 and a deposition amount that is the same as or close to the assumed deposition amount obtained in step S12, the control unit 15 may acquire a test condition that corresponds to the name of the region obtained in the process of step S12 as a recommended test condition.

[0089] [Step S14] In step S14, the control unit 15 displays the recommended test conditions obtained in step S13 on the display unit 12. The control unit 15 may also display the accelerated test time equivalent to one year of outdoor exposure testing on the display unit 12 along with the recommended test conditions. If the user thinks that there are no particular problems with the test conditions displayed on the display unit 12, the user inputs an input from the input unit 11 indicating that they have decided on those test conditions.

[0090] [Step S15] In step S15, when the control unit 15 receives an input from the input unit 11 indicating the determination of the above-mentioned test conditions, it decides to estimate the lifespan of the coating film using the test conditions displayed on the display unit 12.

[0091] [Step S16] In step S16, the control unit 15 performs an accelerated weathering test under the determined test conditions. The control unit 15 may repeat the first test and the second test any number of times.

[0092] The control unit 15 determines the total test time t during which the accelerated weathering test was performed. ３ｓ And the total test time t３ｓ The degree of coating deterioration measured when it reached a certain point, and the accelerated test time t corresponding to the predetermined time of the outdoor exposure test. ３ｆ Based on this, the lifespan of the coating film is estimated. Total test time t ３ｓ This refers to the test time t when the first and second tests are repeated multiple times in an accelerated weathering test. ３ The total time, i.e., the test time t ３ The total time is the sum of the multiple times. The degree of deterioration of the coating film may be any type of deterioration of the coating film. For example, the degree of deterioration of the coating film may be the gloss retention rate of the coating film or the amount of wear of the coating film. The estimation device 1 may be equipped with instruments for measuring the degree of deterioration of the coating film, depending on the degree of deterioration of the coating film to be adopted. The control unit 15 may obtain the degree of deterioration of the coating film from the instruments. For example, total test time t ３ｓ When the total test time reaches 5600 hours, the degree of deterioration of the coating film is assumed to be a decrease in the gloss retention rate of the coating film to 60%. In this case, the control unit 15 considers these results and the total test time t ３ｓ And the accelerated test time t, which corresponds to the prescribed time of the outdoor exposure test. ３ｆ Based on this, the lifespan of the coating is estimated to be 8 years.

[0093] In step S16, the degree of deterioration of the coating film may be measured by a measuring device separate from the generating device 1. Alternatively, the user may calculate the lifespan of the coating film based on the degree of deterioration of the coating film measured by the measuring device and the accelerated test time equivalent to one year of outdoor exposure testing.

[0094] [Step S17] In step S17, the control unit 15 displays the estimated sample lifetime result obtained in step S16 on the display unit 12.

[0095] <<Experiment 3>> The inventors verified how accurately the lifespan of the coating could be estimated using the test results shown in Figures 8A to 8D, which were calculated in Experiment 2. The results are shown in Figure 10.

[0096] In Figure 10, the inventors have a total test time of 4000 hours t ３ｓThis was converted to the number of years of outdoor exposure testing. The inventors defined outdoor environment α(1y) = third degradation amount α(t) ３ｆ From the relationship ), the total test time t is 4000 hours. ３ｓ This was converted to the number of years for outdoor exposure testing.

[0097] In Figure 10, the inventors defined the degree of deterioration of the coating film as the total test time t. ３ｓ The amount of paint film wear was measured after 4000 hours. The inventors measured the amount of paint film wear over a total test time of 4000 hours t ３ｓ The inventors calculated the amount of paint film wear expected when exposed to the outdoor environment for one year (hereinafter also referred to as "expected wear") by dividing by the number of years of the corresponding outdoor exposure test. The inventors defined the lifespan of the paint film as the point when the thickness of the paint film becomes 10 μm, since the initial thickness of the paint film was 40 μm. The inventors calculated the lifespan of the paint film by dividing 30 μm by the expected wear per year.

[0098] Figure 10 shows, for reference, the actual amount of paint film wear after one year of exposure to an outdoor environment. The expected amount of wear and the actual amount of wear were in good agreement. The expected amount of wear and the actual amount of wear were in agreement under conditions 1 and 3. From these results, it can be inferred that the lifespan of the paint film can also be estimated with good accuracy.

[0099] Thus, the control unit 15 of the generating apparatus 1 according to this embodiment determines the first degradation amount α(t) of the coating film due to ultraviolet light based on the outdoor environmental data of an outdoor exposure test that was carried out in advance. ｆ ) and the second degradation amount of the coating film due to ultraviolet light and water β(t ｆ The control unit 15 calculates the first degradation amount α(t) calculated by the control unit 15. ｆ ) and the second degradation amount β(t ｆBased on the ratio of ), the test conditions for the first and second tests in the accelerated weathering test are generated. With this configuration, the balance between paint film deterioration caused by ultraviolet light alone in actual outdoor environments and paint film deterioration caused by the combined action of ultraviolet light and water can be reproduced in the accelerated weathering test. As a result, even in cases where paint film deterioration occurs due to the combined action of ultraviolet light and water, such as in salt-damaged areas, the accuracy of estimating the lifespan of the paint film can be improved. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the accuracy of estimating the lifespan of the paint film can be improved.

[0100] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the control unit 15 operates from the start of the outdoor exposure test until a predetermined time t ｆ The first degradation amount α(t) in the predetermined time up to ｆ ) and second degradation amount β(t ｆ The control unit 15 may calculate the first degradation amount α(t) based on the time-series data of the outdoor environment. ｆ ) and second degradation amount β(t ｆ The first degradation amount α(t) may be calculated. By using time-series data of the outdoor environment, even if the ultraviolet irradiation intensity, temperature, and wettness of the coating change from day to day or season to season in the actual outdoor environment, these changes can be used to calculate the first degradation amount α(t) ｆ ) and second degradation amount β(t ｆ This can be reflected in the calculation. With this configuration, the accuracy of estimating the lifespan of the coating can be further improved.

[0101] In outdoor environments, the wetting time of the sample surface is often unknown. Furthermore, ISO 9223 defines wetting time as the time taken when the temperature is 0°C and the relative humidity of the atmosphere is 80% RH or higher. However, the humidity RH near the surface of the sample is often unknown. Ｓ This is not the same as the relative humidity of the atmosphere. For example, when the intensity of sunlight irradiation on the sample surface increases, the temperature of the sample surface rises, and the air temperature near the sample surface also rises. When the air temperature near the sample surface rises, the amount of saturated water vapor near the sample surface increases, and therefore the humidity RH near the sample surface Ｓ The humidity (RH) near the surface of the sample decreases. In other words, whether or not the sample surface is wet depends not on the relative humidity of the atmosphere, but on the humidity (RH) near the surface of the sample. ＳThis depends on the amount of sea salt particles adhering to the sample surface W. Furthermore, whether or not the sample surface becomes wet also depends on the amount of sea salt particles adhering to the sample surface W. Also, even if the test conditions for the accelerated weathering test are generated considering the deliquescence of sea salt particles, simply defining the wetting time as being equal to or greater than the deliquescence humidity of the salts does not take into account that the adhesion of salts to the sample surface is part of the sample. Therefore, the calculated wetting time may be excessive.

[0102] In relation to the above, in this embodiment, the control unit 15 determines the second degradation amount β(t ｆ When calculating the amount of sea salt particles adhering to the sample surface W during the outdoor exposure test, and the humidity RH near the sample surface included in the outdoor environmental data, Ｓ A correction coefficient γ may be set based on the amount of sea salt particles W attached to the sample surface and the humidity RH near the sample surface. Ｓ Based on this, a correction coefficient γ is set, thereby determining the wettability of the sample surface, and the second degradation amount β(t) ｆ This can be reflected in the results. Furthermore, the effects of salt deliquescence can be reflected in accelerated weathering tests. With this configuration, the accuracy of estimating the lifespan of the coating can be further improved.

[0103] Furthermore, as mentioned above, the main component of sea salt particles is sodium chloride. The deliquescence humidity of sodium chloride is high, at approximately 75%. However, as also mentioned above, sea salt particles contain salts with low deliquescence humidity, such as magnesium chloride. When the amount W of sea salt particles adhering to the sample surface is small, the influence of salts with low deliquescence humidity is small. As the amount W increases, the influence of salts with low deliquescence humidity causes deliquescence to occur at a humidity lower than that of sodium chloride.

[0104] In relation to the above, in this embodiment, when the amount W of sea salt particles attached to the sample surface is greater than or equal to the quantity threshold THW (THW ≤ W), the deliquescence threshold is set to the deliquescence threshold THa1. With this configuration, the effect of salt deliquescence can be reflected in the accelerated weathering test.

[0105] Furthermore, if salts partially adhere to the sample surface, deliquescence will only partially wet the sample surface. In this regard, if the amount W of sea salt particles adhering to the sample surface is small, it is considered that salts are partially adhering to the sample surface. Therefore, if the amount W of sea salt particles adhering to the sample surface is small, it is considered that deliquescence and wetting will occur only in certain areas on the sample surface. In this embodiment, as described above, the second degradation amount β(t ｆ When calculating the humidity RH near the surface of the sample, Ｓ Instead of calculating the humidity by accumulating the time over which the humidity exceeds a predetermined level, the calculation is performed using a correction factor γ. Therefore, wetting due to partial deliquescence on the sample surface can be reflected in the accelerated weathering test.

[0106] This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above. For example, two or more blocks described in the block diagram may be combined, or one block may be divided. Instead of executing two or more steps described in the flowchart in chronological order as described, they may be executed in parallel or in a different order, depending on the processing capacity of the device performing each step or as necessary. Other modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of this disclosure.

[0107] For example, in the embodiment described above, the outdoor environmental data was described as being the outdoor environmental data from a previously conducted outdoor exposure test. However, the outdoor environmental data is not limited to the outdoor environmental data from a previously conducted outdoor exposure test. The outdoor environmental data may be any outdoor environmental data. As another example, meteorological data provided by a meteorological agency may be used as the outdoor environmental data. In this case, the first degradation amount α(t) ｆ ) and second degradation amount β(t ｆ The predetermined time for calculating (4) and (7), i.e., the integration interval of equations (4) and (7), may be any time among the times when meteorological data was observed or predicted.

[0108] For example, in the embodiment described above, the generating apparatus 1 was described as generating test conditions for accelerated weathering testing of a coating film. However, the method of this disclosure is also applicable to generating test conditions for accelerated weathering testing of any polymer material other than coating films. For example, some plastic materials contain titanium dioxide pigment. The method of this disclosure is also applicable to generating test conditions for accelerated weathering testing of such polymer materials.

[0109] In other embodiments of the present disclosure, a control device may include a control unit that, for an accelerated weathering test in which a first test is performed in which a sample of polymer material is simultaneously irradiated with light and sprayed with water, and a second test is performed in which the sample is irradiated with light, the control unit calculates a first degradation amount of the polymer material caused by ultraviolet light and a second degradation amount of the polymer material caused by ultraviolet light and water, based on outdoor environmental data, and generates test conditions for the first test and test conditions for the second test based on the ratio of the calculated first degradation amount and the second degradation amount.

[0110] Here, the reproducibility of outdoor degradation of polymer materials by accelerated weathering tests presents challenges similar to those for paint films. By applying the method disclosed herein to the generation of test conditions for accelerated weathering tests of polymer materials, the challenges of reproducibility of outdoor degradation of polymer materials by accelerated weathering tests can be resolved.

[0111] For example, in the embodiment described above, the first degradation amount α(t) ｆ ) and second degradation amount β(t ｆ The predetermined time for calculating the result is from the start of the outdoor exposure test until a predetermined time t ｆ It was explained as the time up to [a certain point]. However, the first degradation amount α(t) ｆ ) and second degradation amount β(t ｆ The predetermined time for calculating (4) and (7), i.e., the integration interval of equations (4) and (7), may be any time within the period during which the outdoor exposure test was conducted.

[0112] For example, in the embodiment described above, the generating device 1 was described as being the same as the device that performs the accelerated weathering test. However, the generating device of this disclosure may be a different device from the device that performs the accelerated weathering test. In this case, the test condition table generated by the generating device of this disclosure may be provided to the test device that performs the accelerated weathering test.

[0113] The generation device disclosed herein can also be realized using a computer and a program, and the program can be recorded on a recording medium or provided via a network.

[0114] For example, an embodiment is also possible in which a general-purpose computer functions as the generation device 1 according to the above embodiment. Specifically, a program describing the processing content that realizes each function of the generation device 1 according to the above embodiment is stored in the memory of the general-purpose computer, and the processor reads and executes the program. Therefore, this disclosure can also be realized as a program that can be executed by a processor, or as a non-temporary computer-readable medium that stores the program.

[0115] 1: Generator, 10: Measurement unit, 11: Input unit, 12: Display unit, 13: Storage unit, 14: Test condition table, 15: Control unit

Claims

1. A generating device comprising a control unit, wherein for an accelerated weathering test in which a first test is performed in which light irradiation and water spraying are performed simultaneously on a sample having a coating film, and a second test is performed in which light irradiation is performed on the sample, the control unit calculates, based on outdoor environmental data, a first amount of deterioration of the coating film caused by ultraviolet light and a second amount of deterioration of the coating film caused by ultraviolet light and water, and generates the test conditions for the first test and the test conditions for the second test based on the ratio of the calculated first amount of deterioration and the second amount of deterioration.

2. The generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit generates the test conditions for the first test and the test conditions for the second test such that the ratio of the third amount of deterioration of the coating film caused by light irradiation performed in both the first test and the second test to the fourth amount of deterioration of the coating film caused by light irradiation and water spraying performed in the first test is equal to or close to the ratio of the first amount of deterioration to the second amount.

3. The generating apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control unit calculates the first degradation amount and the second degradation amount over a predetermined time, and when calculating the second degradation amount, sets a correction coefficient to reflect the degree of wettness of the sample surface in the second degradation amount based on the amount of sea salt particles adhering to the sample surface and the humidity near the sample surface calculated based on the outdoor environmental data.

4. The generating apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the control unit sets the correction coefficient so that the sample surface is considered wet when the humidity near the surface of the sample is above a humidity threshold, obtains a deliquescence threshold based on the amount of sea salt particles attached to the sample surface when the humidity near the surface of the sample is below the humidity threshold, sets the correction coefficient so that the sample surface is considered not wet when the humidity near the surface of the sample is below the deliquescence threshold, and sets the correction coefficient so that it is proportional to the amount of sea salt particles attached to the sample surface when the humidity near the surface of the sample is above the deliquescence threshold, and the larger the correction coefficient, the larger the area of ​​the sample surface that is considered wet.

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