1. Resin Systems and Chemistry: Degradation Mechanisms and Durability

This chapter focuses on the chemistry of polymer resins and the changes that occur when resins are exposed to environmental factors that can cause degradation. The exposures that are considered are elevated temperatures (with or without oxygen); contact with water and other fluids; radiation; and mechanical loads. Some general observations about the types of effects to be expected for each exposure condition are outlined first. Then, the chemistries of the various classes of resins that are in current use as matrices for high-performance composites are described. Separate sections treat epoxies, bismaleimides, PMR-type thermosets, phenyethynyl-terminated imides, and high-temperature thermoplastics. For each resin type, the formulation and curing are briefly discussed. This discussion is followed by a review of the available literature on mechanisms of long-term degradation as determined by spectroscopy, chromatography, and other analytical techniques. Consequences to constituent properties are also described: increases or decreases in glass transition temperatures; shrinkage and cracking; and changes in mechanical stiffnesses, strengths, and toughnesses.