Thermal and radio-oxidation of epoxy coatings

Degradation induced by thermal (50-110 degrees C) and radio-oxidation of low T-g epoxy-amine networks has been studied. It has been found that oxidation leads mainly to amide groups formation at the vicinity of tertiary amines whatever ageing conditions (thermal or radio-oxidation at 200 Gy h(-1)). In addition, some species as acids, peracids or formates have been revealed indicating a chain scission process. Physical modifications as T-g decrease and soluble fraction increase due to chain scission process, have been correlated with chemical modifications. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.