The radiation resistance of thermoset plastics. V : Epoxy plastics

Abstract Flexural strength, impact strength and dielectric properties of an epoxy plastic (bispherol A-based epoxy resin cured with aromatic diamines) with inorganic fillers remained unchanged after irradiation at high dose rate up to 10 MGy. Measurements of heat deflection temperature and sol fraction indicated, however, a deterioration of the resin. The same results were obtained after irradiation in the presence of air at extremely low dose rate (irradiation time: 10 years). Electrical surface resistance and tracking resistance worsened after irradiation. In addition, both of these surface-dependent properties were markedly influenced by the dose rate.