I N T E G R A L I S ®
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When applying INTEGRALIS® technology in living spaces, it is
advisable to take into account the UV wavelength degradation
effect, present to some extent, on the finishing materials of the
environments.
Resistance to ultraviolet rays is defined as the ability of a material
to resist UV radiation, which can have a strong impact on the
appearance and mechanical properties of materials.
The possible changes in the materials, depending on the extent
of their resistance to UV, can in fact impact on various aesthetic
aspects (such as yellowing, discolouration, whitening of the surface
with the formation of stress cracks and streaks) and/or a variation
in the mechanical properties such as embrittlement, softening and
deformation.
Artemide has carried out accelerated aging tests on the main
materials, reproducing the damage caused by exposure to the
wavelengths used in the PURE INTEGRALIS and UV-C technologies.
The results of these tests have made it possible to determine
guidelines for the identification of any critical applications based on
the behaviour of the different families of materials studied. They
also highlighted how visible radiation is less damaging or degrading
than UV-C.
Metals: UV resistant thanks to the presence of free electrons that
absorb energy from photons, so UV-C does not cause any chemical
bond disassociation (instead typical of polymers).
Ceramics: UV resistant thanks to very strong chemical bonds that
require very high energy levels to break chemical bonds.
Polymers: generally susceptible to UV degradation due to the
presence of fairly weak covalent bonds, polymers with double C-C
bonds are the most subjected to degradation.
The most frequent degradation mechanisms are photolysis (breaking
the polymer chain) and the formation of radicals that can react in
the presence of water or oxygen (hydrolysis or oxidation).
The deterioration can also affect the physical characteristics (eg
ductibility, mechanical strength) or produce yellowing.
There are also paints with metals inside them (absorbing UV) that
can protect polymers (still to be investigated).
In the development of an INTEGRALIS® project, Artemide can
suggest materials that are, by their nature, more suitable for these
exposures, even if a final comparison with the manufacturer of the
materials themselves will be necessary to verify their compatibility
of use.
• Sanification
• Not dimmable.
• Available as Pure UV-C and Hybrid
solution (white light + UV-C)
• Living beings presence is forbidden
• Safety sensors are necessary.
• Possible damage of finishing
materials.
Materials resistance
UV materials resistance
UVC
INTEGRALIS