Effect of ultraviolet absorber on photo-degradation of epoxy coating studied by slow positron beam

Abstract

The photo-degradation progress of epoxy coating and the effect of ultraviolet absorber under UV-B irradiation have been investigated in slow positron beam and by the Fourier transform infrared spectrometer. After 120 h of irradiation, the value of S parameter in sample bulk is reduced while compared with the virgin sample. The result is mostly due to post-cure process happening in this initial irradiation stage. As the irradiation time increases to 360 h, the S parameter decreases sharply. This is due to the growth of carbonyl group and the generation of free radical. After 528 h or longer time of irradiation, a very low S value was obtained near sample surface, indicating the formation of a dead surface layer. Positron results also reveal that the addition of ultraviolet absorber suppresses the development of the dead layer after long-term UV-B irradiation. Ultraviolet absorber has a suppressing effect on generation of polar groups towards sample bulk. The addition of ultraviolet absorber is a key factor that a ects the photo-degradation of epoxy coating.