Gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric separation, identification and determination of C-6-C-12 cyclic imides in thermally treated epoxy and alkyd resins to locate hot spots inside large electricity generators

A simple and rapid GC-MS method for separation, identification and quantita tive determination of long-chain cyclic imides in the 300 degrees C thermal ly treated epoxy and alkyd resins has been developed. The method provides a positive means of identifying C-6-C-12 cyclic imide derivatives by GC-MS a nd enables the specific area of overheating to be identified, thereby avert ing catastrophic failures of power generators in service. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.