Thermal and radio-oxidation of epoxy coatings

Degradation induced by thermal (50–110 °C) and radio-oxidation of low Tg 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 Tg decrease and soluble fraction increase due to chain scission process, have been correlated with chemical modifications.