What impact do environmental factors have on the performance of plastic storage boxes

Plastic storage boxes are widely used in logistics, warehousing and households due to their lightness, durability and waterproofness. However, environmental factors have a significant impact on the performance and service life of plastic storage boxes, mainly in terms of temperature, humidity and ultraviolet radiation.

In terms of temperature, the performance of plastic storage boxes varies with temperature, especially under extreme temperature conditions. Temperature has an important impact on the physical and chemical properties of plastic materials, specifically in terms of brittleness and flexibility as well as thermal expansion. Many plastics show obvious embrittlement in low temperature environments, which makes them easy to break or break. For example, the toughness of polyethylene (PE) decreases significantly below 0°C, increasing the risk of damage during transportation. In contrast, plastic materials may soften in high temperature environments, resulting in deformation or loss of their original load-bearing capacity. In addition, plastic materials will produce thermal expansion and contraction during temperature changes, which will affect the sealing performance of storage boxes. This phenomenon is particularly evident in polypropylene (PP) materials, where expansion at high temperatures may cause the box to deform, affecting its stacking and stability, and thus affecting the safety of stored items.

Humidity is also an important environmental factor affecting the performance of plastic storage boxes. High humidity may cause mold growth inside the storage box, especially when storing food and other perishable items, which not only affects the safety of the items, but may also cause damage to the storage box itself. In addition, some plastic materials may undergo hydrolysis in a humid environment, which may lead to a decrease in material performance. For example, polyurethane (PU) may degrade under high humidity conditions, affecting its strength and durability. Therefore, when selecting and using plastic storage boxes, the humidity of the storage environment should be considered to ensure its long-term stable performance.

Ultraviolet radiation also has a significant impact on the performance of plastic storage boxes. When exposed to sunlight for a long time, ultraviolet (UV) radiation can cause photoaging, resulting in fading of the color of plastic materials, cracks on the surface, and reduced strength. In particular, plastic materials that have not been UV treated, such as polyethylene and polypropylene, are particularly susceptible to UV damage, which significantly shortens their service life. In addition, high-intensity UV radiation may also cause thermal decomposition of plastics, further reducing their physical properties, resulting in a decrease in the strength and toughness of the storage box. Therefore, reasonable protective measures, such as the use of UV-resistant materials or shielding measures under direct sunlight, can effectively extend the service life of plastic storage boxes.