Polycarb vs Acetone: Why Does Acetone Damage Polycarbonate?

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Why does Acetone damage Polycarbonate?

 

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Why does Acetone damage Polycarbonate?

see here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acetone


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Acetone is a strong solvent that is commonly used in many industrial and household products, such as nail polish remover, paint thinner, and cleaning agents. It is known for its ability to dissolve or break down various materials, including plastics. Polycarbonate, on the other hand, is a type of plastic that is widely used in the manufacturing of various products due to its strength, durability, and transparency.

The reason why acetone damages polycarbonate is due to its chemical composition. Polycarbonate is made up of long chains of repeating units called monomers, which are linked together by ester bonds. Acetone, being a strong solvent, is able to break these ester bonds and weaken the structure of the polycarbonate. This results in the plastic becoming brittle, discolored, and in some cases, completely dissolved.

Moreover, polycarbonate is also sensitive to certain chemicals, including ketones like acetone. When exposed to acetone, the plastic can undergo a process called crazing, where small cracks or fissures form on the surface. This is due to the swelling of the plastic caused by the acetone, which puts stress on the material and causes it to crack.

In addition, acetone can also cause stress cracking in polycarbonate. This occurs when the plastic is exposed to acetone for a prolonged period, causing the material to become stressed and weakened. Any external force or pressure applied to the plastic can then cause it to crack or break.

In conclusion, acetone damages polycarbonate due to its strong solvent properties and the chemical composition of the plastic. It is important to be cautious when using acetone around polycarbonate products and to avoid prolonged exposure to prevent damage.