Tech Talk Blog

Accelerated aging is a testing method that enables us to estimate the potential lifespan or shelf life of a product when actual data is unavailable.  For instance, products may be subjected to unusually high levels of stress, or mechanical parts may be run at speeds far above normal.  In the case of polymers, they may be kept at elevated temperatures to study the subsequent chemical breakdown.

But what type of product bag should be used in an accelerated aging test?

There are three common options:

1)      Polyethylene — is inexpensive and readily available, but offers a low melting point.

2)      Polyester — offers a higher melting point and can withstand a rigorous aging study, but is more expensive and not widely available.

3)      Aluminum— can be a good option, but is not widely used.  Aluminum is inexpensive and able to reach a higher temperature.  However, aluminum bags are difficult to seal completely (much like foil).

Bag options must be closely considered to ensure a successful aging test. In accelerated aging for medical applications, for instance, we need to determine whether to keep all of the parts in one bag or in separate bags.  It’s best to duplicate the method most commonly used in the real-life environment.

Tell us about your experience with accelerated aging. Check out the Video Learning Center for more information, too!