Polycarbonate

About: Polycarbonate is a research topic. Over the lifetime, 14032 publications have been published within this topic receiving 141740 citations. The topic is also known as: PC & Polycarbonate, PC.

Effects of oxygen plasma treatment on the surface of bisphenol A polycarbonate: a study using SIMS, principal component analysis, ellipsometry, XPS and AFM nanoindentation

Abstract: The effects of oxygen plasma treatment and the subsequent air exposure on the surface composition and properties of bisphenol A polycarbonate (BPA-PC) were analysed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), ellipsometry, static time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) with principal component analysis (PCA) and nanoindentation using an atomic force microscope (AFM). PCA showed systematic changes in the film chemistry after short treatment times (0.1 s), with the main sites of attack being the carbonate and aromatic ring structure. On the basis of this multitechnique analysis, it was unambiguously determined that extended oxygen plasma treatment times resulted in the formation of low-molecular-weight material (LMWM) within the first 50 nm on the surface, and not in a cross-linked skin as has been proposed by other researchers. The study shows that controlled surface modification of BPA-PC polymers is possible, allowing surface oxygen incorporation without degradation of the polymer structure. This result is relevant for improved adhesion of coatings applied to BPA-PC polymers. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Polycarbonate/aromatic polyester blends modified with a grafted olefin copolymer

Abstract: A polycarbonate blend of good impact strength, solvent resistance and weldline properties is prepared by admixing with polycarbonate an aromatic polyester, a grafted olefin/carbon monoxide copolymer and, optionally, an elastomeric toughening agent such as a rubber, and, optionally, a filler

Gamma-induced modifications of polycarbonate polymer

Abstract: Gamma-induced modifications in polycarbonate polymer have been studied in the dose range of 101–106 Gy. Thin films of polycarbonate have been irradiated with different gamma doses from a Co60 source. To monitor the modifications caused by gamma radiation, FT-IR, differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray diffraction studies have been performed. The studies have indicated that at the dose of 106 Gy, phenolic group forms through scissioning of ester linkage. Though the effect of radiation is most significant at the highest dose, the process of modifications starts at 103 Gy. Scissioning of the polymeric chain initiates a different morphological zone within the polymer matrix, and the polymer becomes more crystalline with increasing dose. Owing to chain scissioning, the mobility of the polymer increases, which in turn reduces the glass transition temperature of the polymer.

Method of dispersing solid additives in polymers and products made therewith

Abstract: A method for dispersing solid forms of additives in polymers involves adding dispersions or solutions of additive(s) to a solution of polymer in a tubular mixer (preferably in the presence of a stationary mixer). The mixer leads to a steam precipitation step wherein all fluid ingredients in the mixture are volatilized leaving the solid additive and resin in the desired ratio. This results in a uniform dispersion of the additives in the polymer matrix. As a result of the high dispersion, physical properties of a thermoplastic resin, to which the polymer matrix has been added are preserved. In one illustration, PTFE as a drip inhibitor additive, is added to polycarbonate to obtain a highly dispersed PTFE concentrate of improved drip-inhibition without loss of mechanical properties when added to a thermoplastic molding resin.

UV Curable Hard Transparent Hybrid Coating Materials on Polycarbonate Prepared by the Sol-Gel Method

Abstract: UV curable, hard, transparent inorganic/organic composites with covalent links between the inorganic and the organic networks were prepared by the sol-gel method. These hybrid coating materials were synthesized using a commercially available, acrylate end-capped polyester or polyurethane oligomeric resin (EBC80, EBC284), hexanedioldiacrylate (HDDA) as a reactive solvent, 3-(trimethoxysilyl)propoxymethacrylate (TMSPM) as a coupling agent between the organic and inorganic phase, and a metal alkoxide, tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS). The materials were applied on primer or oxygen plasma pretreated polycarbonate sheets and UV cured, followed by a thermal treatment to give a transparent coating with a good adhesion and abrasion resistance. The high transmission and the thermogravimetric behavior indicate the presence of a nanoscale hybrid composite, as is confirmed by SAXS and TEM measurements. In a Taber Abrasion Test, uncoated polycarbonate sheets exhibit a 48% decrease in light transmittance at 600 nm after 300 wear cycles, whereas the EBC80 hybrid coating system containing 9 wt% SiO2 (EBC80/25Si) shows only 28% decrease in light transmittance. A maximal improvement of the abrasion resistance is achieved when 23 wt% SiO2 is incorporated (EBC80/60Si, EBC284/60Si) with only 20% decrease in light transmittance. The abrasion resistance of glass is not yet encountered. For optimal results, it is essential that the rate of condensation of the silanol groups is sufficiently high to form a dense three-dimensional network.