Evaluation of the Mechanical Behavior of Bisphenol-A Polycarbonate after Thermal Degradation

Abstract

This work investigates the mechanical behavior of a PCLIGHT type of polycarbonate (PC). PC samples display interesting results after thermal degradation at different temperatures. Samples of PC in sheet form were exposed for a period of 5 hours at temperatures of 50, 100, 150 e 200°C. After, thermogravimetric test, flexural, impact and tensile tests were performed. The results show that the samples treated at 200oC have their mechanical performance affected. This indicates that the temperature acts on the PC embrittlement behavior. Thus, it can be inferred that temperatures above 150oC can negatively influence the mechanical behavior of the polycarbonate indicating that this material should not be used in association with high temperatures.