IUVA Task Force on Material Degradation Publishes New Study in Standards (MDPI)
The IUVA Task Force on Material Degradation has published a peer-reviewed study introducing a standardized, reproducible method for assessing UV-C exposure effects on polymer materials. The multi-laboratory effort involved 17 contributors from industry and academia, testing six common polymers under three UV-C wavelengths (222 nm excimer, 254 nm mercury and 280 nm LED) across five labs, with independent post-exposure analysis. The results demonstrated consistency among laboratories, validating the method. PVC showed significant color change and gloss loss at all exposure levels, aligning with real-world observations, while polycarbonate and acrylic exhibited greater stability. Mechanical properties, including tensile strength and modulus, remained largely unchanged up to 500 J/cm², indicating degradation is primarily surface-level at these doses. The study provides the most comprehensive quantitative dataset on UV-C polymer degradation to date and establishes a foundation for future ASTM and ISO standardization efforts. To read the full paper, visit www.mdpi.com/2305-6703/6/2/23 or see page 20.
A Call for Members to Join the IUVA Manufacturers Council
The International Ultraviolet Association (IUVA) welcomes inquiries and nominations for its newly formed Manufacturers Council. The council will serve as the collective voice of UV equipment producers, advising the IUVA Board on market trends, supply chain issues, standards and advocacy needs. Corporate members in good standing may nominate senior leaders, technical directors or regulatory affairs professionals from UV lamp, system, component, sensor or validation equipment manufacturers. Terms are two years, with quarterly virtual meetings, one annual in-person meeting and participation in at least one working group. For more information, visit www.uvsolutionsmag.com/press-release/2026/a-call-for-members-for-the-iuva-manufacturers-council/.
Asia Pacific UV Technology Innovation Symposium Successfully Held in Shanghai
By Wenjun Sun, Jiangyong Hu, Kumiko Ogama, Ted Mao
The Asia Pacific UV Technology Innovation Symposium successfully was convened in Shanghai from July 8-9, 2026. As a branch venue of Disinfection and Disinfection By-Products Conference 2026 (IWA DDBPs 2026), this symposium was jointly organized by the International Ultraviolet Association (IUVA), the Chinese Ultraviolet Association (CUVA) and the National University of Singapore (Suzhou) Research Institute (NUSRI) and IWA. The symposium brought together experts and scholars from academia, industry and government agencies around the world to explore advances and innovative applications of UV technology in water treatment and environmental protection.
This event was co-chaired by Professor Jiangyong Hu from the National University of Singapore and Professor Wenjun Sun from Tsinghua University, who delivered opening remarks and officially inaugurated the event. Multiple oral presentation sessions were held, delving into the advantages and challenges of Far UV-C and UV LED technologies in terms of disinfection efficacy, energy efficiency and disinfection byproduct control. These discussions underscored the significant role of UV technology in enhancing public health and ensuring water quality. A number of research reports showcased the latest advances in free radical generation mechanisms, pollutant degradation pathways and system optimization. The panel discussion session brought together a number of renowned experts and scholars from across the Asia-Pacific region and beyond to engage in in-depth exchanges and discussions on topics including the development of novel UV materials, core technological breakthroughs in UV LED and regional collaborative development. The symposium also featured a poster presentation session, showcasing a number of application-oriented innovative research outcomes. For more detail and photos, visit https://uvsolutionsmag.com/press-release/2026/asia-pacific-uv-technology-innovation-symposium-successfully-held-in-shanghai/.