ABSTRACT
An important phenomenon that often occurs during the air aging of polymers is spatially varying (heterogeneous) oxidation. This chapter first presents a general theoretical treatment appropriate to diffusion-limited oxidation, the most common cause of heterogeneous effects. Reviews are then given of a number of experimental techniques which have proven capable of profiling (mapping) spatial variations in oxidation across the relatively small distances of practical interest (approximately 1 mm or less). Discussion is presented on the uses of the experimental profiles (often in conjunction with theoretical models) for improving materials and predicting degradation behaviors and rates.
