Polycarbonates general properties

In general, properties of polyether sulfones are similar to those of polycarbonates, but they can be used at higher temperatures. Figure 12-6 shows the maximum use temperature for several thermoplastics. Aromatic polyether sulfones can be extruded into thin films and foil and injection molded into various objects that need high-temperature stability. 

The general properties of two raw pol3rmers of polycarbonate and ABS are given in Table 1. These properties may be optimized in the blend and some of them can be synergistic because of use of special compatibiUzers and/or special techniques. 

Though, most of the discussion is limited to notched izod property and its retention upon aging, several general properties might also be of interest to the reader. A few representative properties have been presented in Table 3. Clearly, the transparent copolymer material has excellent optical properties, impact retention of up to temperatures as low as -50°C. Because of the transparent nature of the starting material, this can be colored, just like polycarbonate to create numerous custom colors. Both new copolymer materials deliver an improvement on heat and hydrolytic aging resistance while retaining most of the... 

Fig. 23. Correlation between properties (general characteristics), melt flow index (MFI), and mol wt for standard BPA polycarbonate and CD-modified...

Although the general electrical properties of the polycarbonates are less impressive than those observed with polyethylene they are more than adequate for many purposes. These properties, coupled with the heat and flame resistance, transparency and toughness, have led to the extensive use of these resins in electrical applications. 

The range of blends now available comprises a broad spectrum of materials superior in many respects, particularly heat deformation resistance, to the general purpose thermoplastics but at a lower price than the more heat-resistant materials such as the polycarbonates, polyphenylene sulphides and polysulphones. At the present time the materials that come closest to them in properties are the ABS/ polycarbonate blends. Some typical properties are given in Table 21.1. 

Good electrical insulation properties with exceptional tracking resistance for an engineering thermoplastic and, in particular, for an aromatic polymer. In tracking resistance most grades are generally superior to most grades of polycarbonates, modified PPOs, PPS and the polyetherimides. 

These compds may be modified by monocar-boxy lie acids or poly hydroxy alcohols. This definition includes the polycarbonates (qv), which are a well-defined segment of the general class of polyesters. Unsaturated polyesters, which are produced when any of the reactants contain non-aromatic unsaturation, can be cross-linked or copolymerized with an un-saturated copolymerizable monomer. The formulas and properties of the class polyester are as varied and extensive as the reactants themselves. For specific information on the various sub-classes and sub-sub classes, the following refs should be consulted 9, 10, II, 16a, 17,18,... 

The polymerization of cyclic low-molar-mass polycarbonates, polyarylates, and PBT to high-molar-mass thermoplastics has been extensively studied by the General Electric Company during the last decade.57,58 Due to very low viscosity, cyclic oligoesters can be processed like thermosetting resins but retain thermoplastic properties in the final state, after polymerization in the presence of suitable... 

A Comparison of Polyiminocarbonates and Polycarbonates The Effect of the NH Group on Polymer Properties. The replacement of the carbonyl oxygen by an NH group presents the only molecular difference between polyiminocarbonates and polycarbonates. In spite of the overall structural similarity between these two types of polymers, we found very significant differences between their respective material properties. In general, polyiminocarbonates and polycarbonates tend to complement each other in several aspects. 

Illustrative performance properties for a "general purpose polycarbonate," and for the same resin modified with the additive formulations "700" (without PTFE) and "800" (with PTFE) are summarized in Table IV (adapted from reference 32). It is clear that the objective of minimal effect on performance properties has been attained for this system. It is evident that flame retardant effectiveness attained with minimal levels of additive can provide optimum solutions to the problem of decreasing flammability without sacrifice in performance properties. Work documented to date suggests that in depth studies of thermal degradation such as reported for aromatic sulfonates in polycarbonates (28) would be rewarding for other systems. 

Much the most important polycarbonate in commercial terms is made from 2,2-di(4-hydroxyphenyl)propane, commonly known as bisphenol A. This polymer was discovered and developed by Farbenfabriken Bayer [92], The synthesis and properties of this and many other polycarbonates were described by Schnell in 1956 [93], The polymer became available in Germany in 1959, and was given the trade name Makrolon by Bayer (in the USA, Merlon from Mobay). General Electric (GE) independently developed a melt polymerisation route based on transesterification of a bisphenol with DPC [94], Their product, Lexan, entered the US market in 1960. The solution polymerisation route using phosgene has since been displaced by an interfacial polymerisation. 

While polycarbonate has the desirable qualities as the basic material for information storage, it also has some debits. First, polycarbonate is relatively expensive in comparison with many polymers. Its superior combination of properties and ability for a large cost markup allows it to be an economically feasible material for specific commercial uses. Second, the polar backbone is susceptible to long-term hydrolysis so that water must be ruthlessly purged. The drying process, generally 4 h, is often achieved by placement of polycarbonate chips in an oven at 120°C with a dew point of — 18°C. 

In general, substitution of polar atoms and polar groups for nonpolar or less polar moieties results in an increase in the Tg and such mechanical properties as yield stress and modulus. Thus condensation polymers such as nylons, polycarbonate (PC), and polyesters are typically higher-melting and exhibit higher Tg s, tensile strength and associated properties, but typically lower impact strengths and associated properties which require some flexibility (Table 5.3). 

Property Summary Nylons are recommended for general-purpose gears and other mechanical components. Acetals for maximum fatigue life, for highly accurate parts, or exposure to extremely humid conditions. Phenolic-fabric laminates for low-cost, thin stamped gears or parts. Polycarbonates for intermittent, very high impacts (not recommended for applications involving repeated cyclical stress). TFE-filled acetals for heavy-duty applications. 

Property Summary Acrylics recommended for general-purpose applications, especially for optical decorative, and outdoor use. In sheet stock, cast acrylic has greater strength and transparency extruded acrylic costs less (especially in thin members), and has better formability. Polycarbonates for maximum strength, as in explosion shields. Butyrates for excellent impact resistance, and deep formability. Vinyls for maximum formability and printability. Acetates and vinyls for flexible glazing and guards. Medium-impact styrene and rigid vinyls for lowest-cost molded transparent parts. 

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