Natural and Artificial Weathering Effects on Cold-Cured Epoxy Resins

Three cold-cured epoxy resins, specifically designed as structural adhesives for rehabilitation or renewal applications of civil infrastructures and cultural heritage, were submitted to natural and artificial weathering. We evaluated the variations in the thermal and mechanical properties and color changes after an artificial treatment carried out at 70 degrees C and 75% relative humidity and after natural weathering, performed in two areas of South Italy, both located adjacent to the Mediterranean Sea. The variations in properties due to both natural exposure and artificial weathering were qualitatively similar. However, the selected artificial weathering procedure appeared excessively severe compared to the weathering that occurred after outdoor exposure. (C) 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 119: 1635-1645, 2011