How does UV exposure affect nylon canopy fabric?

How does UV exposure affect nylon canopy fabric?

• A. It strengthens fibers and increases durability.
• B. It weakens fibers, causing brittleness and reduced strength; repeated exposure accelerates degradation.
• C. It has no effect on nylon canopy fabric.
• D. It only affects color, not strength.

Answer: (B)

UV exposure breaks down nylon canopy fibers rather than strengthening them. When nylon sits in sunlight, UV light triggers chemical reactions in the polymer, causing chain scission and oxidation. This weakens the fiber, lowers tensile strength, and makes it more brittle, so the fabric loses its ability to flex and absorb loads. Repeated exposure compounds the damage, accelerating degradation and increasing the risk of tears or failures during deployment. That’s why UV-damaged canopy fabric often feels tacky or chalky, may yellow, and shows embrittlement or cracking with use. In contrast, UV doesn’t just affect color badly; it alters the mechanical properties that are critical for a safe parachute.

UV exposure breaks down nylon canopy fibers rather than strengthening them. When nylon sits in sunlight, UV light triggers chemical reactions in the polymer, causing chain scission and oxidation. This weakens the fiber, lowers tensile strength, and makes it more brittle, so the fabric loses its ability to flex and absorb loads. Repeated exposure compounds the damage, accelerating degradation and increasing the risk of tears or failures during deployment. That’s why UV-damaged canopy fabric often feels tacky or chalky, may yellow, and shows embrittlement or cracking with use. In contrast, UV doesn’t just affect color badly; it alters the mechanical properties that are critical for a safe parachute.