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The durability of pultruded GFRP composites is critical to their performance in civil engineering applications, for which comprehensive and validated data is limited. To address this issue, this study presents an extensive experimental programme on the effects of hygrothermal ageing on the performance of pultruded GFRP profiles made of two alternative resin systems – unsaturated polyester (UP) and vinyl ester (VE) – both comprising identical fibre architecture. The ageing environments included immersion in demineralised and salt water at three different temperatures (20°C, 40°C, and 60°C), and continuous condensation at 40°C, for durations up to two years. Physical, viscoelastic and mechanical (tensile, flexural, in-plane and interlaminar shear) properties were assessed after a desorption period. As expected, the VE profile had overall better performance than the UP profile. After 24 months, the highest reductions in tensile strength occurred for water immersion at 60°C, namely 45% and 33% for the UP and VE profiles, respectively. This paper provides a wealth of test data that can be used for degradation models for the prediction of their long-term mechanical property retention.

Fibre reinforced polymer (FRP) composites are being increasingly used in the construction sector, especially in corrosion-prone applications. However, there is still a lack of knowledge about their long-term behaviour under real service conditions. This paper presents a study about the in-service performance of FRP constructions, which involved the field inspection of 410 FRP constructions included in 31 water and sewage treatment plants in various locations in Portugal. The analysis of the data gathered in these inspections allowed (i) validating a classification system previously proposed by the authors for anomalies, causes, inspection methods and rehabilitation techniques for FRP constructions; determining (ii) the most common anomalies that occur during their service stage and (iii) their most probable causes; and (iv) predicting the most suitable diagnosis and rehabilitation techniques for each anomaly. Moreover, this study provided a better understanding of the long-term in-service behaviour of FRP constructions when exposed to different environmental conditions. The analysis of the data obtained in the field study allowed identifying the main parameters governing the in-service performance and durability of this type of constructions. The results obtained show that non mechanical anomalies are the most common. As expected, the durability performance is very different in indoor and outdoor constructions, the latter presenting much more frequent and severe anomalies. UV radiation and chemicals are found to be the most aggressive exposure environments. The results obtained also show that visual inspection is the most effective diagnosis method for this type of constructions and that surface cleaning and protection is the most commonly recommended rehabilitation technique.

In the past few decades, the construction industry has been increasingly using fibre reinforced polymer (FRP) materials, due to their advantages in comparison with traditional materials, especially in aggressive environments. However, the information regarding the long-term behaviour of FRP constructions under real service conditions is limited and scattered. In this paper, a system for the inspection, diagnosis and rehabilitation of FRP constructions is presented and validated, providing a standardized and systematic tool for the maintenance of these constructions during their service life. A classification system for the anomalies and most probable causes is first presented. To assist the diagnosis of the anomalies, several in situ non-destructive methods are included in the system, as well as various rehabilitation techniques, able to maintain and/or restore the functionality of FRP elements. Several correlation matrices are proposed, interrelating different anomalies, and relating them with probable causes, and diagnosis and rehabilitation techniques. The system is validated and calibrated through an extensive field campaign of inspections of 410 substructures in 31 facilities. Although developed for FRP profiles and moulded gratings of all-FRP constructions, the system can also be used to inspect FRP components of sandwich or hybrid structures. The implementation of this system supports the inspection activities of a proactive maintenance strategy and, at the same time, the standardization of inspections, resulting in an increase of the effectiveness and objectivity of the actions to be taken upon the occurrence of anomalies in FRP constructions.

This study aims to evaluate the effect of mineral fillers on bitumen ageing. Two different bitumens and four mastics were investigated in the unaged and long-term aged states, based on different properties (consistency, rheology, fatigue resistance and ductility). Mastics stiffened less due to ageing treatment than bitumens, especially with granite filler. However, the results of the performance tests were not definitive regarding the effect of the filler. Aged bitumen showed greater fatigue resistance and higher specific energy of ductile fracture than unaged bitumen, whereas the mastics showed minor variations in the specific energy of ductile fracture with ageing treatment, which is indicative of less ageing, but the fatigue resistance decreased significantly in mastics with one of the bitumens.

This paper presents an experimental and numerical study about the durability of adhesively bonded joints between pultruded glass fibre reinforced polymer (GFRP) adherends for civil engineering applications. Single lap joint (SLJ) specimens were manufactured using either epoxy (EP) or polyurethane (PUR) adhesive and exposed to the following hygrothermal and outdoor ageing conditions for up to 730 days: water and salt water immersion at 20 °C and 40 °C, continuous condensation at 40 °C, salt fog spray at 35 ºC, and outdoor ageing in Lisbon, Portugal. At predetermined times, the mechanical behaviour of the SLJs was assessed through shear tests, in a dry condition. Results obtained show that hygrothermal ageing detrimentally affected the failure load and stiffness of the SLJs made with both adhesives, although this degradation was balanced to some extent by post-curing effects and the desorption period. The magnitude of such degradation was not significantly influenced by the immersion media, but was largely affected by temperature. Outdoor ageing did not cause significant changes in terms of stiffness; for both adhesives, ultimate load presented a moderate increasing trend, with cyclic pattern, reflecting the effects of seasonal changes in weather. For both adhesives, failure always initiated in one of the GFRP adherends, regardless of the ageing process. However, ageing seemed to affect the portion of bond area with either (light) fibre-tear or adhesive failure: in EP-GFRP specimens, the area with adhesive failure (initially null) increased due to ageing, while in PUR-GFRP specimens (significant in unaged joints) it decreased. The final part of the paper presents non-linear finite element (FE) models of the SLJs; these models were developed to numerically simulate the mechanical performance of the joints and to estimate the influence of ageing on the bond vs. slip laws that describe the interaction between the GFRP adherends.

Fibre Reinforced Polymer (FRP) composites have been the source of an increasing interest in the field of rehabilitation, namely for repair and strengthening of reinforced concrete (RC) structures. One of the most effective techniques comprises externally bonded FRP composites, in which the efficacy of rehabilitation depends considerably on the integrity and durability of the bond established between the FRP and the substrate, which is provided by a structural adhesive. This paper presents a concise review of critical durability issues associated with the structural bond between FRP and concrete for rehabilitation purposes. A number of factors determining the durability of FRP-concrete bonded joints have been identified and grouped into the following categories: materials – adhesive and adherends, joint characteristics and in-service conditions. For each of those factors, the main findings obtained in previous studies are summarized and the aspects that need fuarther investigation are outlined.

This paper presents an experimental study about the effects of thermal cycles on adhesively bonded joints between pultruded glass fibre reinforced polyester (GFRP) adherends used in civil engineering structural applications. Single lap bonded joints were produced with two commercial polymeric adhesives - epoxy (EP) and polyurethane (PUR) - and exposed to a mild (Mediterranean) range of thermal variations (-5 °C to 40 °C) for up to 350 cycles in a dry condition. The mechanical performance of the adhesively bonded joints was assessed by means of single lap shear tests. Regardless of the inherent differences between both adhesives, results obtained show that the global effect of thermal cycles on the load vs. displacement response of EP-GFRP and PUR-GFRP joints was similar. For both adhesives, thermal cycles caused considerable reduction of joint stiffness and strength, with maximum reductions of 18% and 22% for EP-GFRP joints, respectively, and 19% and 11% for PUR GFRP joints. The degradation of performance was influenced by post-curing effects, more relevant in the PUR adhesive. Before exposure to thermal cycles, both types of specimens exhibited similar failure mechanisms, which generally (80-90% of cases) involved light fibre tear and fibre tear modes, attesting the effectiveness of the adhesion process and material compatibility. Exposure to thermal cycles did not influence the failure modes of the PUR-GFRP joints; however, EP-GFRP joints became more prone to adhesive failure after being subjected to thermal cycles. Overall, the results obtained indicate that thermal cycles degrade bonded joints between pultruded GFRP adherends; however, for the conditions used in this study, this degradation seems to be compatible with the structural use of this type of joints in civil infrastructure.

This paper presents an experimental study about the effects of hygrothermal and outdoor ageing on a polyurethane (PUR) adhesive used in civil engineering applications. Small scale adhesive coupons were exposed to different types of ageing environments for up to two years: (i) immersion in demineralised water at 20 and 40 °C, (ii) immersion in salt water at 20 and 40 °C, (iii) continuous condensation environment at 40 °C, and (iv) outdoor ageing in Lisbon, Portugal. At predetermined times, after a desorption period until constant mass, the effects of such exposure on the physical and mechanical responses of the PUR adhesive was investigated using the following techniques: (i) water sorption, (ii) dynamic mechanical analyses (DMA); (iii) flexural; and (iv) in plane shear tests. The diffusion mechanisms observed were not purely Fickian; a long relaxation period was noticed, with water molecules being continuously incorporated in the adhesive until the end of the experiments; two alternative analytical modelling approaches were successfully used to simulate the diffusion processes. After immersion in water and salt water for two years, the viscoelastic behaviour of the adhesive showed signs of post-curing phenomena, and some of the physical degradation was found to be reversible due to drying, although it was not explicitly quantified; accordingly, the Tg showed increasing trends (11 14%). The mechanical properties of the adhesive showed signs of irreversible degradation mechanisms, more relevant on the in-plane shear properties, with reductions up to 26% in strength and 44% in modulus under the harsher conditions. Flexural properties also exhibited irreversible degradation, with maximum reductions up to 30% in strength and 36% in modulus. Increased temperature did not have a significant effect in the flexural and shear strength, but caused higher degradation in the corresponding moduli. The degradation caused by salt water immersion and continuous condensation was comparable to that in demineralized water immersion (at the same temperature).

This paper presents an experimental study about the durability of a cold curing structural epoxy (EP) adhesive exposed to different hygrothermal and outdoor ageing environments, typical of civil engineering applications, for up to two years: water and salt water immersion at 20 °C and 40 °C, continuous condensation at 40 °C, and outdoor ageing in a mild Mediterranean climate. After specific exposure periods, changes in the following physical properties and mechanical behaviour of the adhesive were assessed: (i) media diffusion, through water uptake (in hygrothermal environments); (ii) viscoelastic behaviour, through dynamic mechanical analyses (DMA); and (iii) flexural and (iv) in plane shear behaviour. Regarding media diffusion, water uptake did not follow a Fickian behaviour and a final saturation stage was not reached; two alternative non Fickian analytical models were successfully fitted to the test data and the corresponding diffusion parameters were determined. In what concerns the viscoelastic behaviour, while continuous condensation and outdoor ageing caused negligible changes, the Tg of the adhesive generally decreased due to immersion (around 20% in water and 10% in salt water after two years); in addition, at later stages of water immersion, the tan ? curve showed significant shape differences, with the usual curve peak being replaced by two different peaks; a generalised reduction of the storage modulus at the glassy plateau was also noted. In terms of mechanical performance, such plasticization effects were visible in the flexural and shear stress strain behaviours. The flexural properties exhibited irreversible degradation, with the highest reductions (two years of ageing in water at 40 °C) being about 24% and 30% in strength and modulus, respectively. Regarding the shear properties, in hygrothermal environments the shear modulus showed similar decreasing trends to the flexural modulus (43% reduction after one year), but the shear strength increased (~25%); the outdoor ageing affected the shear properties in the same way, but the magnitudes of the changes were lower.

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Asphalt recycling is nowadays a requirement that accounts for demands on sustainability and energy efficiency. Despite being a minor component, the bitumen binder plays an important role in asphalt performance and also contributes for pavement deterioration. During its full lifetime bitumen faces different aging processes, mainly due to interactions with environment, which involve changes in chemical composition, in structure and microstructure and, by consequence, changes in rheological behavior (rheological material functions and material constants). From the perspective of bitumen regeneration, there are some relevant aspects like: (1) To what extent is it possible revert the ageing of bitumen? (2) To what extent can regeneration processes restore original bitumen properties? (3) What kind of response can we expect from regenerated bitumen when facing a new ageing cycle? There is no single answer to these questions, since several factors are to be considered such as the degree of ageing of bitumen in RAP (Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement), the RAP content and the properties of the new binder added to RAP. The methodology used to evaluate bitumen properties is behind those answer, since it provides the tools for understanding the phenomena that are taking place. The [ageing-regeneration-ageing] life cycle of bitumen used in Portuguese road construction was evaluated following a methodology based on chemical, structural and rheological characterization. Chemical analysis included the follow up of generic fractions (SARA, saturates+aromatics+ resins+asphaltenes) at different stages of the ageing and regeneration processes, as well as the pursuit of oxidation by infrared spectroscopic index. Structure and microstructure were assessed by using gel permeation chromatography (under extreme conditions) and atomic force microscopy. Furthermore, a rheological characterization was done, by measuring the relevant material functions in different regimes (dynamic and permanent (steady)).

A degradação prematura de infra-estruturas de betão armado devido à corrosão das armaduras é um problema corrente e que pode acarretar custos de reparação elevados. A aplicação de produtos de protecção superficial que restringem o acesso de substâncias agressivas ao interior do betão e às armaduras, nomeadamente do ião cloreto, pode contribuir para aumentar a durabilidade das estruturas. Os produtos de protecção superficial mais comuns, nomeadamente as tintas, as membranas, os produtos de impregnação ou os hidrófugos, são materiais de natureza polimérica - de base acrílica, poliuretanos, poliureias, silicones, epoxídicos, fluorados – ou com base em silanos e oligómeros da família dos siloxanos. Atualmente os produtos para protecção superficial do betão encontram-se abrangidos pela norma europeia harmonizada EN 1504-2 e são objecto de marcação CE. Essa norma define as propriedades, os métodos de ensaio para as avaliar e os respectivos requisitos mínimos para vários tipos de produtos que, depois de aplicados na superfície de betão, produzem uma camada superficial protectora ou penetram no betão, impregnando os poros ou tornando a sua superfície hidrofóbica. No entanto, não basta conhecer o tipo de produto e a natureza química do polímero para o seleccionar para uma situação específica de utilização, pois produtos da mesma família podem possuir propriedades de desempenho muito diferentes, que dependem da formulação e do teor dos vários constituintes. Para além disso, as condições de aplicação podem ter uma grande influência nas características do revestimento formado ou no modo como o produto de impregnação penetra no betão. Um dos factores que condiciona o desempenho em situações reais de utilização e também durante a fase de caracterização em laboratório é que o produto aplicado tenha as condições adequadas de secagem e cura. Nesta comunicação apresentam-se os resultados de um estudo experimental demonstrando a influência da eficácia da cura de um revestimento por pintura fotorreticulável, nas suas propriedades de barreira ao ião cloreto.

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Este documento apresenta o resumo do trabalho de investigação realizado no âmbito do estudo relativo à durabilidade do poli(cloreto de vinilo) estabilizado, para aplicações exteriores no âmbito da construção. Neste estudo desenvolvem-se e caracterizam-se 4 formulações de PVC estabilizado, adequadas a aplicações exteriores e avalia-se a sua durabilidade mediante comparação de resultados obtidos sob diferentes condições de fotoxidação (exposição natural em Lisboa e envelhecimento artificial acelerado), de forma a avaliar a representatividade e fiabilidade dos métodos de envelhecimento acelerado. Analisam-se os factores da degradação e desenvolvem-se modelos que traduzam a evolução das propriedades químicas e mecânicas do PVC durante o envelhecimento, permitindo fazer uma previsão do seu tempo de vida

Este documento apresenta o resumo do trabalho de investigação realizado no âmbito do estudo relativo à resistência termoxidativa do polietileno estabilizado para tubagens de plástico, usadas para a distribuição de água, drenagem, saneamento, e canalização de gás. Neste estudo, avalia-se a resisência termoxidativa de vários tipos de polietileno, correntemente usados na constituição de tubagem aplicada no interior e no exterior de edifícios. Determina-se também a energia de activação da reacção de oxidação e prevê-se o tempo de vida nas condições de serviço.

This work aims to study the water resistance of intumescent coatings used for protection of steel structures. The vulnerability of the flame retardant system to water can compromise the performance of the coating due to the solubility of the components. In order to evaluate the water resistance of three selected commercial coatings available in the market, they were exposed to different environments (continuous condensation chamber at 40 ºC and immersion in water). The effects of the mentioned conditions in the flame retardant system were analysed by Thermogravimetry (TG), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). In addition, to analyse the foam layer behaviour, the coatings exposed to the above mentioned conditions, were heated up to 750 ºC in a muffle furnace. The results obtained suggested that under high humidity environments the coatings can lose the components responsible for the intumescent process, with adverse consequences to the formation of the insulate barrier layer that protects the structure.

The main purpose of this Paper is to present a state of the art about weathering and polymer degradation. This review was presented during a training course promoted by the 5th European Weathering Symposium EWS (XXVIIth Colloquium of Danubian Countries on Natural and Artificial Ageing of Polymers), which was held in Lisbon on September 21 - 23, 2011, organised on behalf of CEEES (Confederation of European Environmental Engineering Societies) by the German Management Society for Environmental Engineering GUS (Gesellschaft für Umweltsimulation e.V.) and supported by SOPSAR (Sociedade Portuguesa de Simulação Ambiental e de Avaliação de Riscos), APIP (Associação Portuguesa da Indústria de Plásticos) and LNEC (Laboratório Nacional de Engenharia Civil). The main topics of this review are the weathering of polymers and composites, the determination, simulation and effects of relevant climatic quantities, innovative polymer additives, new test procedures and devices, instrumental methods of analysis to evaluate polymer degradation, recent developments in polymeric materials and composites designed for outdoor applications and methods for service-life prediction.

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A presença de Compostos Orgânicos Voláteis (COV) em tintas e vernizes, nocivos à saúde humana e ao meio ambiente, fez com que a Comissão Europeia restringisse os seus teores nestes produtos. O Decreto-Lei (DL) n.º 181/2006 de 6 de Setembro (transposição da Directiva nº 2004/42/CE do Parlamento Europeu e do Conselho) estabelece os limites do teor de COV que podem ser utilizados em tintas e vernizes e define os métodos (ISO 11890-2 e ASTM 2369:2004) para a sua determinação. A norma ISO 11890-2 (ISO 11890-2 Paints and varnishes – Determination of volatile organic compound (VOC) content – Part 2: Gas-chromatographic method) define a metodologia para a determinação do teor de COV por Cromatografia Gasosa (GC). Neste estudo foram analisadas quatro tintas de base aquosa, de acordo com a norma, utilizando-se a Cromatografia Gasosa acoplada à Espectrometria de massa (GC-MS) para a identificação dos COV presentes nos produtos e a Cromatografia Gasosa com um detector de ionização de chama (GC-FID) na quantificação do teor COV. O estudo permitiu verificar que a deficiente interpretação de alguns parâmetros da norma (por exemplo, a selecção do composto marcador) e a escolha inadequada de alguns desses parâmetros (nomeadamente do solvente de diluição) podem ter implicações na determinação do teor de COV. Para além da selecção adequada dos parâmetros referidos, a determinação do teor de COV implica uma “pré análise” da tinta por GC-MS, para a identificação dos COVs presentes na tinta. Caso contrário, desconhecendo os COVs, não se determina o factor de resposta para cada composto e admite-se um factor de resposta igual a 1 (como previsto na norma), o que pode ter repercussões no resultado final.

Neste artigo apresentam-se os resultados preliminares de um projecto de investigação em curso, cujo objectivo é analisar os efeitos de diferentes agentes de degradação ambiental (água desmineralizada, água salgada, condensação em contínuo, nevoeiro salino, ciclos térmicos e radiação ultravioleta) nas propriedades físicas, químicas, estéticas e mecânicas de perfis pultrudidos de polímero reforçado com fibras de vidro (GFRP), constituídos por resina de poliéster ou viniléster

No presente relatório apresentam-se os dados meteorológicos do ano de 2019 recolhidos na estaçãometeorológica existente no Núcleo de Materiais Orgânicos do Departamento de Materiais do LNEC, em Lisboa

No presente relatório apresentam-se os dados meteorológicos do ano de 2020 recolhidos na estaçãometeorológica existente no Núcleo de Materiais Orgânicos do Departamento de Materiais do LNEC, em Lisboa

No presente relatório descrevem-se os procedimentos adotados pelo LNEC, no âmbito do estudo a efetuar para a concessão de um Documento de Aplicação (DA), relativo a revestimentos por pintura elastoméricos para rebocos de cimento e para betão aplicados em paredes exteriores de edifícios. Consideram-se as condições de exposição atmosférica no exterior sem a influência de ações químicas severas. Indicam-se, também, as ações a desenvolver periodicamente para comprovar que continuam reunidas as condições que terão permitido a concessão do DA.

No presente relatório descrevem-se os procedimentos adotados pelo LNEC para a concessão de um Documento de Aplicação (DA) relativo a revestimentos por pintura de base aquosa para aplicação em paredes e tetos de interiores de habitações, sobre superfícies de estuque de gesso, de gesso cartonado, de reboco de cimento ou de betão. Indicam-se, também, as ações a desenvolver periodicamente para comprovar que continuam reunidas as condições que permitiram a concessão do DA.

No presente relatório apresentam-se os dados meteorológicos do ano de 2016 recolhidos na estação meteorológica existente no Núcleo de Materiais Orgânicos do Departamento de Materiais do LNEC, em Lisboa

No presente relatório descrevem-se os procedimentos adotados pelo LNEC no âmbito do estudo a efetuar para a concessão de um Documento de Aplicação (DA) relativo a revestimentos por pintura para rebocos de cimento e de betão aplicados em superfícies exteriores (tintas não elastoméricas). Consideram-se as condições de exposição atmosférica no exterior, sem influência de ações químicas severas. Indicam-se, também, as ações a desenvolver periodicamente para comprovar que continuam reunidas as condições que terão permitido a concessão do DA. Este relatório constitui uma revisão do relatório do LNEC nº 252/2013-DM/NMO.

No presente relatório apresentam-se os dados meteorológicos do ano de 2014 recolhidos na estação meteorológica existente no Núcleo de Materiais Orgânicos dom Departamento de Materiais do LNEC, em Lisboa

No presente relatório apresentam-se os dados meteorológicos do ano de 2013, recolhidos na estação meteorológica existente no Núcleo de Materiais Orgânicos do Departamento de Materiais do LNEC, em Lisboa.

No presente relatório descrevem-se os procedimentos adoptados pelo LNEC no âmbito dos estudos para concessão de um Documento de Aplicação (DA) a produtos de pintura para proteção de superfícies madeira, em condições de exposição atmosférica no exterior. Indicam-se também as ações a desenvolver periodicamente para comprovar que continuam reunidas as condições para a concessão do DA.

Nesta publicação apresenta-se o critério presentemente seguido pelo LNEC para concessão de homologação com certificação, bem como posterior controlo periódico da qualidade a sistemas de tubagem de poli(cloreto de vinilo) não plastificado (PVC-U) destinados à extração de água em profundidade. Após uma breve introdução e a definição do objetivo, indicam-se: - Os requisitos para o sistema da qualidade seguido pelo fabricante; - as caraterísticas e as especificações para a matéria-prima constituinte dos tubos e acessórios; - as caraterísticas e as especificações para os produtos finais, designadamente os tubos e as suas uniões; - a classificação das condições de serviço; - as recomendações para a utilização dos produtos, relativamente ao seu transporte e manuseamento, armazenagem e instalação; - os requisitos do LNEC para o autocontrolo do fabricante; - os requisitos de amostragem do LNEC durante as auditorias técnicas ou campanhas de recolha realizadas ao fabricante pelos técnicos do LNEC, no âmbito da concessão e manutenção da homologação.

Os resultados experimentais, obtidos através da medição de propriedades dos materiais e produtos, requerem tratamento específico e adequado, de forma a garantir a sua qualidade. É por isso muitas vezes necessário recorrer a métodos estatísticos para fazer a análise do tipo de distribuição dos resultados, proceder à deteção de valores suspeitos num conjunto de observações e à eventual rejeição de resultados anómalos. Este tipo de tratamento estatístico é principalmente adequado a ensaios de intercomparação, quer do foro metrológico (comparação de valores de padrões ou materiais de referência, mediante medição efetuada por operadores de diferentes laboratórios metrológicos, com incerteza variável), quer do âmbito dos laboratórios de ensaio. Os ensaios de Comparação Interlaboratorial realizados por laboratórios de ensaio, constituem uma ferramenta de garantia da Qualidade e são utilizados para a validação de métodos de ensaio (incerteza e robustez) e como um meio para a determinação das características de desempenho dos laboratórios, nomeadamente da reprodutibilidade e da repetibilidade. Nesta publicação faz-se uma descrição dos vários parâmetros que devem ser determinados em ensaios interlaboratoriais do tipo “Intercomparações com valor de consenso” e respetivos métodos de cálculo. A estatística aqui apresentada pode, numa boa parte dos casos, ser também aplicada à análise de resultados de medições experimentais correntes.

The main purpose of this Paper is to present a state of the art about weathering and polymer degradation. This review was presented during a training course promoted by the 5th European Weathering Symposium EWS (XXVIIth Colloquium of Danubian Countries on Natural and Artificial Ageing of Polymers), which was held in Lisbon on September 21 - 23, 2011, organised on behalf of CEEES (Confederation of European Environmental Engineering Societies) by the German Management Society for Environmental Engineering GUS (Gesellschaft für Umweltsimulation e.V.) and supported by SOPSAR (Sociedade Portuguesa de Simulação Ambiental e de Avaliação de Riscos), APIP (Associação Portuguesa da Indústria de Plásticos) and LNEC (Laboratório Nacional de Engenharia Civil). The main topics of this review are the weathering of polymers and composites, the determination, simulation and effects of relevant climatic quantities, innovative polymer additives, new test procedures and devices, instrumental methods of analysis to evaluate polymer degradation, recent developments in polymeric materials and composites designed for outdoor applications and methods for service-life prediction.

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