다양한 온 · 습도 조건에서 폴리카보네이트 소재의 가속열화 거동 분석

Polycarbonate (PC) is known as a representative material of engineering plastics, characterized by its amorphous polymer structure. PC exhibits excellent mechanical properties, impact resistance, and dimensional stability, making it widely utilized across various industrial sectors. However, in real-life applications, exposure to prolonged high temperature and humidity environments leads to degradation, resulting in a decrease in mechanical properties. In this study, the accelerated degradation behavior of PC materials under various temperature and humidity conditions was analyzed. After conducting aging tests for up to 2688 h under conditions of 85°C and 85% RH; 95°C and 85% RH; and 85°C and 50% RH; as well as at 95°C, tensile tests were conducted, confirming a significant decrease in mechanical properties. GPC and surface analyses revealed that changes in molecular weight and moisture diffusion played a significant role in the deterioration of mechanical properties when PC materials underwent degradation. This provides insights into the relationship between material properties and chemical changes, facilitating a better understanding of the degradation mechanisms.