Under hygrothermal conditions, the glass transition temperature of an amine-cured epoxy resin decreased over time. This decrease originated from a progressive reduction in the cross-linking density rather than from the plasticization effect of sorbed water. Degradation reactions involving scission of ether bonds occurred, producing bisphenol A and its derivatives. This bond scission was initiated by radical-mediated thermal decomposition, followed by hydrogen donation from sorbed water.
- Ko Yamaguchi
- Atsuomi Shundo
- Keiji Tanaka
