Thermoplastique Degradation under Heat and Irradiation

Abstract

The aim of the article is to highlight the effect of the environment on the properties of a polycarbonate (PC). It consists in aging this material under Ultra-violet (UV) combined with temperature for different periods of time, and to reveal the physicochemical and mechanical changes caused by aging. PC is a highly valued technical material for its various important characteristics and low cost. It finds its application in various fields but mainly in those whose requirements are the transparency and the impact resistance. The physicochemical and mechanicals characterizations of the marketed polycarbonate are necessary in order to highlight its intrinsic properties and to develop strategies that can improve its lifespan. In this work, we highlight the physicochemical and mechanical characteristics of virgin and aged polycarbonate. For this, analytical techniques and mechanical tests were used. A comparison of the characteristics revealed the combined effects of temperature and ultraviolet rays.