Weathering

Weathering

There are two dominant weathering or degradation phenomena that degrade wattle containments, ultraviolet attack (UV) and biodegradation or attack by microorganisms.

Synthetic polymers like polyester and polypropylene are vulnerable to ultraviolet attack. Both polymers can be and are protected against UV (photdegradation) except where noted otherwise.

Cotton fiber, like all natural fiber, is vulnerable to biodegradation in aerobic wet environments, that is environments where microorganisms thrive. These conditions are typical of wetlands where the wattle is exposed to intermittent wetting and drying. The cotton fibers used in Supertex EarthKnit wattles are custom treated for protection against moisture and UV attack.