Feuchtezyklusprüfungen

Feuchtezyklusprüfungen, also known as humidity cycling tests, are a type of environmental stress testing used to evaluate the reliability and durability of materials, components, and products. These tests simulate the effects of fluctuating humidity levels that a product might encounter throughout its operational life. The core principle involves repeatedly exposing the test item to cycles of high and low humidity, often at varying temperatures.

The purpose of feuchtezyklusprüfungen is to accelerate potential failure mechanisms related to moisture absorption, diffusion, and chemical reactions. Materials can swell, degrade, or corrode when exposed to moisture, and these tests aim to detect such issues before a product is released to the market. Common phenomena observed in these tests include delamination, blistering, changes in electrical properties, and mechanical weakening.

The specific parameters of a feuchtezyklusprüfung, such as the humidity ranges, temperature profiles, dwell times at each condition, and the number of cycles, are defined by relevant industry standards or specific product requirements. These standards can vary significantly depending on the application, for example, electronics, automotive parts, or construction materials. Successful completion of these tests indicates that a product can withstand the expected environmental conditions without premature failure.