An Experimental Approach for Studies of the Photochemical, Thermal, and Environmental Degradation of Polymer-Coated Metals

Abstract
An experimental approach to the study of polymer film photodegradation by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, simultaneous with UV irradiation under varying thermal and environmental stresses, is described. Reflection spectra collected from polycarbonate-glazed gold mirrors undergoing irradiation in an environmental test chamber are presented as examples of the system's capability. The early degradative events in polycarbonate can be deduced from differences in these spectra.