Shannon Radcliffe, Ebrahim Mor, Mark Jordan
Techmer PM
#1 Quality Circle, Clinton, Tennessee 37716

Keywords:  UV Stabilization, Non-woven fabric, Agricultural

Abstract.  This paper discusses design factors used for ultraviolet stabilization of non-woven fabrics in today’s agricultural applications.  The effects of polymer chemistry, fiber denier, geographic location, environmental conditions, agricultural chemicals present and specific application are a few of the factors discussed in relation to stabilizing non-woven fabrics for agricultural use.  One of the most challenging problems in designing non-woven fabrics to be used in the agricultural market place is controlling the creation of free radicals, leading to polymer degradation, caused by ultraviolet light.  In addition to degradation initiated by ultraviolet light, reaction between the polymer, ultraviolet stabilizers and chemicals used in most agricultural applications catalyzing further degradation must be considered when designing a stabilization package.  Weathering studies performed utilizing various ultraviolet stabilizing chemistries are provided to depict how chemicals used in the agricultural market affect the life of non-woven fabrics, and how designing for a specific application can overcome the affect of these chemicals.

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