Hydrolysis of polycarbonate/polybutylene terephthalate blend

Abstract
The hydrolysis of a polycarbonate/polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) blend (50/50) was investigated by immersing molded samples in water baths between 21 and 98°C. Samples were also placed in a 100°C air circulating oven (dry environment). Changes in impact properties, dynamic mechanical properties, molecular weight, and thermal properties were followed. In 80°C water bath the material was found to embrittle in five to six days, and in circulating air oven at 100°C in less than 90 days. A sharp decline in molecular weight and changes in thermal and mechanical properties were observed. The activation energy for the embrittlement process in water was found to be 22 kcal/ mole. This value is between the activation energy for the hydrolysis of PC and that of PBT.

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