expand this field immensely. The typical maximum is 200 degrees Celsius. Fiberglass vessels and constructs are also susceptible to degradation upon long-term exposure to sunlight. This deterioration is brought about by chemical changes which occur as a result of exposure to the ultraviolet (UV) portion of light. Degradation results in the fiberglass tanks and constructs, opening pores in the surface allowing styrene to wick out of the vessel or construct's walls, causing them to become embrittled, reducing the impact resistance and potential elongation properties of the part. Degradation from UV light can be effectively inhibited by the addition of exterior gelcoats and sealants, which protect the fiberglass construct through removing UV access to the product's surface thus deflecting UV energy. The UV life of a part is dependent upon UV additive level and type as well as part thickness and design, pigment type, level and effectiveness of dispersion, processing conditions and the geographic location where the molded part is used (see Figure 3). It is important when comparing resin UV performance to ensure that the testing has been done on a consistent basis. In Figure 1, accelerated weathering data is presented. Generally, 2,000 hours corresponds to 1 year in Florida and 1,400 hours to 1 year in Southern Canada. Often terms like “UV-8” are used. UV-8 means the material can withstand 8,000 hours in a Xenon Ci-65 weatherometer. UV-2 or UV-4 would mean 2,000 or 4,000 hours respectively. Hence, UV-8 corresponds to approximately 4 years of continuous outdoor exposure in Florida. It is important to understand which weatherometer, i.e. Carbon Arc or Xenon, was used, as well as the details of how the weatherometer was run. ASTM D-2565 is the recognized standard. Testing can be performed using actual outdoor weathering exposure, such as Florida and Arizona, to confirm this data. Note Figure 1 uses the industry standard criteria of when the sample has reached less than 50% of its original break elongation to determine the end of the test. In most cases useful life of the part extends beyond this point. All samples in Figure 1 are nonpigmented as supplied by Exxon Chemical. The UV performance test data can be found on our data sheets for each specific grade. Light Stability Characteristics Ultraviolet (UV) Stabilization Plastics are attacked and deteriorate when exposed to direct sunlight. When plastic tanks absorb the sun's ultraviolet light, the UV energy excites the polymers’chains, causing