When exposed to hot air or hot coolants, plastic components eventually see their properties affected through various chemical reactions. The degradation of glass filled polyamide 66 cooling components was evaluated using a Gel Permeation Chromatography combined with classical mechanical analysis. The effect of exposure to engine coolant at various temperatures and for various durations have first been analysed in a controlled environment to afterwards make the link with the chemical degradation seen on parts recovered from the field. Such an approach allows a better understanding of the chemical reactions taking place on the complete surface of a polyamide cooling component and quantifies the remaining part strength on parts from the field, thereby allowing better optimization of the part design, and eventually reduce manufacturing costs.
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