Thermo-oxidative aging is best described as slow, controlled burning of the material. Temperatures under-the-hood have continued to rise due to smaller compartments with less air flow, increased use of turbo chargers, and air management systems that utilize exhaust gas return.
DSM, studies the chemical and mechanical behavior of polyamide-based plastics in high-heat environments to understand the mechanism of thermo-oxidation, and determine methods to slow down the process.