Accelerated Ageing Tests. Durability and shelf life testing
Accelerated ageing and durability testing allows the controlled evaluation of how industrial materials and components respond to exposure to environmental and service conditions through accelerated and controlled testing. By applying variables such as temperature, UV radiation, humidity, or chemical agents, it is possible to reproduce in the laboratory degradation processes that occur progressively over years in real service conditions.
This type of analysis provides key information on the evolution of mechanical, chemical, and surface properties, enabling the identification of deterioration mechanisms and the comparison of different solutions. In this way, uncertainty is reduced in critical phases such as product development, material validation, or supplier selection, providing experimental data on durability and reducing uncertainty in the estimation of long-term behaviour.
At INFINITIA, accelerated ageing testing is integrated within a technical approach focused on solving industrial problems, where results not only describe material behaviour but also enable informed decision-making to improve durability, minimize field failures, and optimize the reliability of the final product.
What is accelerated ageing and life testing?
Accelerated ageing testing is a set of experimental methodologies designed to reproduce, in a controlled environment, the effects that time and service conditions generate on materials and industrial components. By applying variables such as temperature, humidity, UV radiation, aggressive atmospheres, or thermal cycling, it is possible to simulate in weeks or months degradation processes that, under real conditions, would occur over years.
This type of accelerated ageing test is based on physicochemical principles that allow specific degradation mechanisms to be reproduced in a controlled manner, evaluating material behaviour according to protocols based on ISO, ASTM, or other applicable specifications. For this purpose, equipment such as climatic chambers, salt spray chambers, or controlled radiation systems are used to reproduce specific environments and evaluate material response under those conditions.
In industrial contexts, these tests are essential for the validation of industrial materials, especially during product development, supplier qualification, or failure analysis. They allow the anticipation of long-term behaviour, identification of potential weaknesses, and comparison of different solutions prior to implementation, ultimately reducing the time needed for product development.
In addition, accelerated ageing testing allows the evaluation of durability in complex systems, not only focusing on individual materials but also on systems involving coatings, joints, surface treatments, or assemblies. This makes it possible to assess the interaction between different elements and their impact on the overall durability of the component.
Benefits of testing and studying accelerated ageing
One of the main benefits of accelerated ageing testing is the ability to identify and anticipate potential degradation mechanisms before they manifest under real service conditions, enabling preventive action on design, materials, or processes. This approach reduces uncertainty associated with durability and facilitates decision-making in early development or validation stages.
At INFINITIA, we have worked with companies in the automotive sector to evaluate the behaviour of polymer materials exposed to UV radiation and thermal cycles, identifying progressive degradation that was not detectable through conventional testing. This type of analysis allows formulation adjustments, supplier validation, and optimization of solutions prior to industrialization, ultimately shortening the development cycle.
Likewise, in energy sector applications, we analyse the evolution of coatings and structural materials subjected to extreme environmental conditions, verifying their long-term stability and detecting potential failures associated with corrosion or environmental fatigue. We also address studies where the interaction between multiple variables, such as temperature, humidity, and chemical agents, is critical to system performance and can affect the reaction rate.
These tests help reduce field incidents, minimize costs associated with premature failures, and improve overall product reliability, providing a solid experimental basis for technical validation and industrial decision-making.
Accelerated ageing testing service at INFINITIA
At INFINITIA, accelerated ageing testing is approached from a comprehensive perspective that combines material characterization, forensic engineering, and problem-oriented experimental design. The objective is not only to reproduce environmental conditions, but also to interpret how and why degradation occurs within the real application context, following international standards such as ISO and ASTM.
We have specialized equipment such as climatic chambers, UV radiation systems, salt spray testing setups, and thermal control systems that allow the simulation of demanding conditions in a controlled manner and the execution of accelerated ageing tests. These resources are complemented by analytical techniques that enable the evaluation of material evolution at structural, chemical, and functional levels.
INFINITIA’s approach is based on studying the resistance of materials under adverse conditions, as well as comparative analysis between samples in different states, such as compliant versus degraded materials or alternative solutions, using test protocols defined according to the material, environment, and expected degradation mechanism.
In addition, specific tests are designed and adapted to each case, allowing the identification of relevant deviations, validation of hypotheses, and facilitation of root cause analysis, as well as the evaluation of material evolution over long periods of time. This approach provides added value compared to standard testing, guiding results toward concrete technical decisions based on experimental evidence obtained under controlled conditions.
Aging process, types of testing, and applications of accelerated ageing of materials
Accelerated ageing testing has a wide range of applications in industrial environments where materials are exposed to demanding conditions. Its use allows the simulation of real scenarios and the anticipation of long-term behaviour, facilitating technically grounded decision-making.
Through these tests, it is possible to evaluate not only the degradation of individual materials but also the interaction between different environmental factors and their combined impact. This is particularly relevant in complex products, where multiple variables influence durability.
Degradation of polymers and plastic materials
The behaviour of polymers subjected to UV radiation, temperature, and accelerated oxidation processes is analysed by reproducing conditions that cause changes in their chemical structure and overall ageing. These phenomena include polymer chain scission, loss of plasticizers, or degradation of additives, resulting in embrittlement, discoloration, or reduction of mechanical properties.
In addition, the evolution of key properties such as impact resistance, elastic modulus, or thermal behaviour is evaluated after controlled exposure to accelerated ageing conditions. This approach allows correlation between test conditions and real degradation mechanisms, especially in outdoor applications or those subjected to demanding thermal conditions, incluiding UV exposure.
The results allow the selection of more stable materials, validation of formulations with additives or stabilizers, and decision-making regarding redesign or material substitution, contributing to improved durability and reliability. They are also key for comparing suppliers and ensuring durability in applications where product aging has functional or aesthetic impact.
Evaluation of coatings and surface treatments
The resistance of organic and inorganic coatings, such as paints, anodized layers, or galvanizing, is studied under aggressive environmental conditions, including UV radiation, humidity, salt spray, or thermal cycles. These tests allow the reproduction of phenomena such as underfilm corrosion, blistering, cracking, or loss of adhesion.
The analysis is complemented by characterization techniques that enable evaluation of the evolution of the coating–substrate system, identifying failure mechanisms associated with application defects, incompatibilities, or progressive degradation of the protective material.
Based on the results, it is possible to optimize technical specifications, validate surface treatment processes, and compare the performance of different solutions. This improves protection against aggressive environments and reduces the risk of failure in critical components, thereby extending product service life.
Validation of adhesive joints and sealing systems under accelerated ageing
The durability of adhesive and sealing systems subjected to accelerated ageing conditions is evaluated, where factors such as temperature, humidity, or chemical exposure may affect their performance. These tests allow the analysis of phenomena such as loss of adhesion, adhesive degradation, or cohesive failures within the joint.
Additionally, the interaction between bonded materials is studied, considering differences in thermal expansion coefficients or chemical compatibility, which may generate internal stresses and compromise system integrity over time.
The results make it possible to define usage limits, validate assembly processes, and select more robust adhesive solutions, ensuring compliance with international standards. This is particularly relevant in structural applications or systems where tightness is critical, preventing service failures that are difficult to detect in early stages, especially when they undergo accelerated aging tests.
Corrosion resistance in metallic materials
The degradation of metals and alloys is analysed through tests that reproduce aggressive environmental conditions such as salt spray, humid atmospheres, or condensation cycles. These tests simulate extreme temperature and humidity conditions experienced by materials, including natural aging effects. These environments accelerate electrochemical processes that lead to corrosion, enabling evaluation of material or protective system resistance.
The study includes the identification of corrosion mechanisms. Tests are carried out in climatic chambers to evaluate the behaviour of protective coatings or surface treatments under controlled conditions.
The results allow comparison of materials, validation of protection solutions, and definition of maintenance strategies based on the identified corrosion mechanism and exposure severity. This is essential in sectors where corrosion may compromise safety, functionality, or component service life.
Reliability and regulatory compliance in electronic components
The sensitivity of electronic components to accelerated ageing conditions is evaluated, including thermal cycles, high humidity, or condensation. These factors may induce failures such as corrosion in contacts, delamination of encapsulations, or solder fatigue, affecting the obtained results.
The analysis allows identification of critical design points, especially in miniaturized systems where small variations may significantly impact overall reliability.
Based on these tests, encapsulation materials can be optimized, electronic designs improved, and solutions validated prior to implementation. This contributes to ensuring durability and performance of devices throughout their service life and under extreme temperature conditions, optimizing product lifespan through accelerated aging methods.
Stability and ageing of materials in contact with chemical agents
The interaction between materials and chemical substances is studied under accelerated conditions, evaluating phenomena such as degradation, swelling, leaching, or loss of mechanical properties. These tests are especially relevant in environments where materials are continuously exposed to aggressive substances.
The analysis allows identification of chemical incompatibilities. These can be evaluated through tests that reproduce the effects of time under different conditions, and helps to understand the associated degradation mechanisms, considering variables such as concentration, temperature, or exposure time under accelerated conditions.
The results allow validation of chemical compatibility, selection of suitable solutions, and prevention of failures in service. This is essential in industrial sectors where safety and system integrity depend directly on material behaviour when exposed to chemical agents.
Real-time ageing, shelf life and predictive analysis of materials
In certain cases, accelerated ageing tests are complemented with real-time ageing studies, which allow validation of the representativeness of laboratory results and improve the reliability of degradation models. This combined approach is especially useful when greater precision is required in interpreting long-term material behaviour.
This integrated approach facilitates the identification of the factors governing ageing, such as temperature, humidity, radiation, or chemical exposure, as well as the evaluation of their relative influence on degradation mechanisms. This provides a more complete understanding of material behaviour under real service conditions.
Based on this information, more robust predictive analyses can be developed, aimed at estimating material evolution over time. This improves decision-making in design, material selection, or validation phases, reducing uncertainty and increasing product reliability in service.
Sectors where accelerated ageing testing of industrial materials is applied
Accelerated ageing testing is applied across multiple industrial sectors where material durability is a critical factor. Its use allows anticipation of problems, validation of solutions, and improvement of product reliability under real service conditions.
Each sector presents specific challenges, requiring adaptation of test conditions and evaluation criteria to obtain relevant results in real-time ageing.
Automotive and Mobility Industry: Durability validation under real conditions
In the automotive sector, materials and components are subjected to complex and severe combinations of temperature, UV radiation, humidity, mechanical vibrations, and exposure to chemical agents such as fuels, oils, or salts. These conditions generate simultaneous degradation mechanisms that cannot be evaluated in isolation, but through tests that reproduce real usage scenarios.
- Validation of polymer materials: evaluation of degradation in interior and exterior plastics under UV radiation and temperature.
- Testing of coatings and finishes: resistance to corrosion, color loss, or surface deterioration in visible components, especially under representative environmental and thermal exposure conditions.
- Simulation of ageing in assembled systems: analysis of adhesives, seals, and material combinations under thermal cycling and humidity, evaluating material ageing.
At INFINITIA, these tests are used to anticipate field failures, optimize designs, and reduce warranty-related risks, accelerating the validation process through environmental chambers. This approach not only allows the detection of potential degradation but also helps define more robust acceptance criteria and improve technical validation in pre-industrialization phases.
Renewable Energy Sector: Long-term performance evaluation
Energy generation and storage systems operate continuously under aggressive environmental conditions over long periods, requiring materials to maintain structural and functional integrity for years without frequent maintenance. Factors such as UV radiation, humidity, thermal cycles, or corrosive atmospheres act together, accelerating degradation processes.
- UV ageing tests on polymer materials: validation of encapsulants and protections in solar panels, including testing under extreme climatic conditions and utilizing a range of accelerated aging techniques.
- Simulation of environmental conditions: evaluation of degradation in components exposed in wind farms or outdoor installations.
- Validation of structural materials and coatings: resistance to corrosion and combined environmental degradation (UV, humidity, and temperature) in metallic structures through accelerated ageing processes.
At INFINITIA, these tests are used to predict material service life and reduce premature failures, including the effects of ultraviolet radiation. They also enable comparison of technical solutions under equivalent conditions and improve decision-making in design and selection of critical materials.
Electronics Industry: Reliability in critical environments
Electronic devices show high sensitivity to environmental variables such as temperature, humidity, or thermal cycling, especially in miniaturized systems where proximity between components amplifies degradation effects. The presence of condensation, ionic migration, or corrosion may quickly compromise system functionality, affecting material physical properties.
- Evaluation of electronic encapsulations: resistance to humidity, condensation, thermal cycles, and the effects of accelerated aging methods.
- Corrosion testing of contacts and connections: analysis of degradation in conductive materials.
- Validation of solder joints and assemblies: study of thermal fatigue and delamination in electronic components.
At INFINITIA, these tests allow identification of failure risks and improvement of design robustness. They also facilitate validation of changes in materials or processes, reducing the likelihood of premature failures in critical applications.
Construction and Infrastructure: Durability under environmental exposure
Materials used in construction and infrastructure are continuously exposed to variable environmental conditions, including solar radiation, humidity, atmospheric pollution, and thermal changes and material resistance. These factors lead to progressive degradation processes affecting both mechanical and aesthetic properties.
- Climatic ageing tests: evaluation of materials exposed to outdoor conditions in façades, roofs, or structures, ensuring structural quality and safety.
- Validation of architectural coatingsResistance to corrosion, loss of adhesion, or aesthetic degradation is critical, especially when subjected to accelerated corrosion testing.
- Evaluation of polymeric and composite materials: behaviour under prolonged exposure to environmental conditions.
At INFINITIA, these tests are used to select appropriate materials and reduce maintenance requirements. They also allow anticipation of long-term behaviour and optimization of technical specifications in projects where durability is critical.
Aerospace and Defense Industry: Validation under extreme conditions
In aerospace and defense applications, materials must operate under extremely demanding environments involving rapid temperature changes, radiation, low pressure, or aggressive atmospheres. These factors can accelerate degradation processes that compromise component integrity, especially under high-temperature conditions.
- Simulation of severe environmental conditions: evaluation of materials under extreme thermal cycles and radiation.
- Validation of coatings and protections: resistance to degradation under demanding conditions, complying with international standards.
- Evaluation of structural and functional materials: long-term behaviour in critical environments under representative operating conditions.
At INFINITIA, tailored testing programs are developed to meet these requirements, ensuring reliable products and safety while improving the robustness of materials. These studies allow more precise definition of design margins and validation of solutions before implementation in highly critical applications.
Chemical and Processing Industry: Compatibility and chemical resistance
In the chemical and processing industry, materials are continuously exposed to aggressive agents, high temperatures, and variable operating conditions that may induce accelerated degradation processes. Compatibility between material and environment is a critical factor to avoid structural failures or safety issues, ensuring structural quality and safety in product design.
- Chemical compatibility testing: evaluation of interactions between materials and aggressive substances.
- Accelerated degradation analysis: study of combined effects of temperature and chemical agents on material ageing.
- Validation of materials under operating conditions: resistance to swelling, corrosion, or loss of integrity.
At INFINITIA, these tests are used to prevent failures in service and improve process safety. They also enable validation of alternative materials and optimization of selection in environments where chemical degradation is a limiting factor.
The value of accelerated ageing testing with INFINITIA
Accelerated aging testing is a key tool for any company that needs to understand and anticipate the behaviour of materials and components over time, leveraging the Arrhenius equation for better predictions. In industrial environments where durability, reliability, and safety are critical factors, this type of analysis allows controlled evaluation of how variables such as temperature, humidity, radiation, or chemical agents influence degradation processes.
Throughout this service, at INFINITIA we analyze material ageing from an integral perspective, combining accelerated tests, comparative studies, and, when necessary, real-time ageing, including uv testing for polymers. This approach allows not only the identification of degradation mechanisms, but also understanding of the factors governing them and their impact on material performance under real conditions. In this way, we help companies anticipate failures, optimize designs, and make technically sound decisions based on experimental evidence.
Thanks to our tests, which include exposure to UV radiation, thermal cycles, salt spray, controlled humidity, or interaction with chemical agents, it is possible to evaluate the evolution of mechanical, chemical, and surface properties, as well as the response of complex systems involving coatings, joints, or assemblies. This allows reduction of field issues, validation of materials, and assurance of compliance with technical requirements in sectors such as automotive, energy, electronics, construction, or chemical industry.
The development of this type of analysis is evolving toward more advanced predictive models, where the combination of experimental testing and data analysis allows more accurate estimation of service life and long-term behaviour. At INFINITIA, we are working in this direction, integrating testing methodologies with forensic engineering and comparative analysis approaches to provide a more complete understanding of material ageing.
Having INFINITIA as a technological partner means access to a team specialized in material characterization and analysis, capable of designing customized tests adapted to each case and focused on solving real problems. Our objective is to provide a solid technical basis that improves product reliability, reduces risks, and ensures performance throughout the entire service life.
