How does polyethylene’s color retention compare to polypropylene outdoors?
When comparing polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) for outdoor use, color retention is a critical factor influenced by UV exposure and environmental conditions. Polyethylene generally exhibits better color retention than polypropylene due to its higher resistance to UV degradation. While both polymers can degrade over time when exposed to sunlight, polyethylene's molecular structure provides superior stability, slowing down color fading. Polypropylene, on the other hand, is more prone to yellowing and brittleness under prolonged UV exposure unless stabilized with additives. For applications requiring long-term color vibrancy outdoors, polyethylene is often the preferred choice, though UV-stabilized polypropylene can also perform adequately with proper treatment.