• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer
Plastic Expert Group

Materials Testing & Plastic Consultants

  • HOME
  • ABOUT US
  • SERVICES
    • Overview
    • Plastic Failure
    • Pipe Failure Analysis
    • Injection Molding Defects
    • Materials Testing
    • CPVC Fire Sprinkler Piping
  • LEARN
  • CONTACT US

At What Temperature Does Plastic Become Brittle?

Categories

You are here: Home / Plastic Failure Analysis & Testing / At What Temperature Does Plastic Become Brittle?

June 24, 2022

The strength of plastics decreases at cold temperatures. For example, polycarbonate (PC) is an extremely tough plastic at normal use temperature and is sometime used as “bullet-proof glass”. However, at very cold temperatures (-40F), PC becomes brittle and will shatter like regular glass if struck at high impact speed. Every plastic has a ductile to brittle transition temperature (DBTT) at which the plastic becomes brittle and shatters upon high-speed impact. The DBTT varies depending upon the plastic. Generally, as plastic parts age, the DBTT temperature increases.

A CASE STUDY 

The following case study is the property of Plastic Expert Group and cannot be copied or distributed without prior permission. Our case analysis does not imply that this specific plastic failure will happen systematically. Every case is unique and should be treated accordingly.

PROBLEM: AT WHAT TEMPERATURE DOES PLASTIC BECOME BRITTLE?

The strength of plastics decreases at cold temperatures. For example, polycarbonate (PC) is an extremely tough plastic at normal use temperature and is sometime used as “bullet-proof glass”. However, at very cold temperatures (-40F), PC becomes brittle and will shatter like regular glass if struck at high impact speed. Every plastic has a ductile to brittle transition temperature (DBTT) at which the plastic becomes brittle and shatters upon high-speed impact. The DBTT varies depending upon the plastic. Generally, as plastic parts age, the DBTT temperature increases.

brittle plastic breaking

Footer

Plastic Molding Defects
Our plastic consultants can help you discover the best process to make your part or product. If you’ve already discovered a defect, we will root out the source of the problem and recommend the best countermeasures and solutions to remedy the issue.
Find out more
Plastic Pipe Failure Analysis
Plastic isn’t perfect. CPVC, PEX and PVC pipes and components fail from time to time. Our consultants investigate pipe failure including failure analysis in our state-of-the-art testing laboratory.
Find out more
Material Testing
If a single component made from defective material goes into production, the entire product may be compromised. Using cutting edge tools and analysis, our team of expert consultants can prevent product failure, and accurately predict component lifespan based on the proposed application.
Find out more

Plastic Expert Group & Failure Labs Copyright © 2023 Toll Free USA: (877) 668-4345   •   International: +1 (989) 281-4465

www.plasticpipefailure.com   •   www.plasticfailure.com

Plastic Failure Services:  Molding Defects   •   Pipe Failure Analysis   •   Materials Testing Consultants   •   Plastic Failure   •   PEX Failure   •   Polymer Consulting