synopsisThe wavelength dependence of photodegradation of three ,,high temperature" a r e matic polyamide polymers has been very accurately determined by means of a fast grating spectrograph used in conjunction with a high pressure xenon arc. One of these polymers, the poly-(isophthalamide) of 4,4'-bis(p-aminophenyl)-2,2'bithiazoleJ was found to be degraded significantly by visible light, especially that of 4140 A, wavelength. Both the poly-terephthalamide of 1,3-bis(3-aminobenzamido) benzene and Du Pont Nomex, also an aromatic polyamide, were damaged primarily by radiation in the near ultraviolet region. Degradation band maxima for these polymers were observed a t 3700 A and 3600 A, respectively. All three thermally resistant polymers were thus found to be degraded by light of much longer wavelength than that which is harmful to other common polymers.