Aging Effect of Zylon

Zylon fibers, which are made of high-strength polymer, are used at the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory for structural reinforcement of high field pulsed magnet coils. Most polymers are subject to chain scission, which is the result of aging degradation of the fibers in the absence of chemical agent. We studied chain scission of Zylon fibers stored with and without visible light. No mechanical strength degradation was found in Zylon stored without exposure to visible light for 8 years. Prolonged exposure to lab-lighting rendered formation of surface defects, resulting in reduction in mechanical strength.