Chemical Resistance of Thermoplastics

This one-of-a-kind reference source, Chemical Resistance of Thermoplastics, is a thorough cross-referenced compilation of chemical resistance data that explains the impact of thousands of exposure media on the properties and features of common thermoplastics. Polymer chemical resistance is often assessed by submerging specimens in test media at various temperatures. The specimens are removed after a specific amount of time has passed, and changes in their mass, size, and mechanical characteristics are assessed. However, due to the fact that the internal and external stresses encountered in use can have a significant impact on the character of the chemical assault, this is only of limited practical utility in establishing the fitness of a polymer for a certain application. Environmental stress cracking ESC is the name given to the process of embrittlement of polymers under these circumstances, and the environment is typically a liquid or a vapour that would not attack the polymer if the stress weren't there. The first sign of ESC, a time-dependent phenomena, is frequently the appearance of tiny, light-reflecting hairline fractures on the polymer surface. Extended polymer strands that are still able to convey some load actually span these tiny gaps. However, they will behave as stress concentrators under impact loads, leading to failure. They have the potential to become fractures in their own right over time. The Achilles heel of amorphous thermoplastics is frequently thought to be their poor chemical resistance.