Abstract
The effect of UV-exposure on the properties of wood-polypropylene composites containing mineral fillers weathered in natural and accelerated conditions was studied. The changes in the colour of the composites after weathering were evaluated by spectrophotometry, and the changes of Charpy impact strength were measured with an impact tester. The outdoor weathering compared to accelerated weathering resulted in a greater colour change of the reference composite and composites containing calcium carbonate and wollastonite. The talc-containing composite, having low susceptibility to moisture, showed a greater colour change in the accelerated weathering test. The accelerated weathering resulted in severe degradation of the polymeric surface layer of the composites. The impact strength of a weathered composite depends on the type of weathering and the properties of the filler.