The Thermal Degradation and Decomposition of Brominated Epoxy FR-4 Laminates

The thermal decomposition of a brominated bisphenol A epoxy resin was studied by using a combination of mechanical, thermogravimetric, calorimetric, and infrared spectroscopic methods. Four distinct stages of degradation were identified: Slow-Rate degradation, Charring, Stabilization, and Combustion. The thermogravimetric and mechanical changes in each of these stages are correlated with the chemical changes inferred from the evolved gas analysis. The isothermal life of laminates are predicted based on the information obtained.