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How Does Polycarbonate Fail?

You are here: Home / Plastic Failure Analysis & Testing / How Does Polycarbonate Fail?

June 17, 2022

EXPOSURE TO CHEMICALS

Polycarbonate (PC) is an amorphous (non-crystalline) plastic. PC is nicknamed “bullet-proof glass” because of its highly ductile response to high-speed impact. PC is highly impact resistant because of its “free volume” between the long chain molecules. However, the amorphous nature and high free volume between the molecules, causes PC to have exceptionally poor chemical resistance. PC readily absorbs many hydrocarbon chemicals causing it to become brittle and fail by a process known as Environmental Stress Cracking or ESC.

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