What are the effects of prolonged exposure to shaded, wooded areas on composites?
Prolonged exposure to shaded, wooded areas can significantly impact composite materials. The combination of moisture retention, limited sunlight, and organic debris accelerates degradation processes such as delamination, fiber weakening, and resin breakdown. Humidity in shaded environments promotes fungal growth and water absorption, reducing structural integrity. Additionally, temperature fluctuations in wooded areas cause expansion and contraction, leading to microcracks. UV resistance may also diminish over time due to indirect sunlight exposure. Understanding these effects is crucial for applications like outdoor construction, where composites face long-term environmental stress. Proper coatings and material selection can mitigate these challenges.
