Damp-Heat Ageing of Resin Insulation Materials (Epoxy Resin and Phenolic Resin as Examples) and Their Effects on Flame Retardancy

As power equipment insulation materials, epoxy resin and phenolic resin are inevitably exposed to damp-heat environments during long-term operation, leading to ageing degradation. This study systematically investigates the effects of damp-heat ageing (85 °C, 90% RH, 0–56 days) on the flame retardancy of both resins through oxygen index tests, vertical combustion experiments, and microstructural analysis (SEM/EDS). Results indicate that ageing unexpectedly enhances flame retardancy: Epoxy resin: Oxygen index rapidly increased from 64.4% (0 days) to 76.5% (21 days), then stabilised at 75–76%. Afterflame time decreased from 143 s to 109 s after 56 days. Phenolic resin: Oxygen index rose continuously with ageing; afterflame time dropped sharply from 211 s (0 days) to 0 s (56 days). Mechanistic analysis reveals that ageing promotes surface enrichment of flame-retardant elements (Ca, Mg, Si in epoxy; Al, Mg in phenolic) and structural changes (e.g., porous carbonisation), which facilitate barrier effects against heat/oxygen diffusion. This work challenges conventional views on ageing-induced degradation, providing new insights for evaluating insulation safety in humid environments.