UV degradation is the cracking or disintegration of materials exposed to UV radiation, more commonly due to sunlight exposure. Absorbed UV radiation energy from the sun stores enough energy within the material's molecular bonds to cause the breakdown of the intermolecular bonds that hold the structure together.
UV degradation is widely observed in materials with primary uses located outdoors, such as above-ground pipelines, surface storage tanks, and other structures exposed to sunlight and other elements for extended periods of time.
UV degradation and damage can be prevented by reducing sunlight exposure time and providing housing units for materials prone to UV degradation.
