Is Polycarbonate the Best Material for Durable CD Cases?

  • Thread starter LockyPhysics
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Fracture
In summary, polycarbonate fracture toughness is the ability of a polycarbonate material to resist cracking or breaking under stress or impact. It is typically measured using standard testing methods and can be affected by factors such as molecular structure, processing conditions, and environmental factors. Polycarbonate fracture toughness is important in applications where impact resistance is crucial and can be improved through techniques such as copolymerization, blending, and adding fillers or reinforcing fibers.
  • #1
LockyPhysics
7
0
Polycarbonate fracture toughness?

I am doing a project in which I have to make a cd case out of a material which is transparent, has a young's modulus not too different to polystyrene, can't cost more than twice polystyrene and has a fracture toughness better than polystyrene!

Polycarbonate looks good so far but I can't find the fracture toughness of it anywhere.

Please Help...
It's due tomorrow!

Thanks!
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
  • #2


Polycarbonate is highly resistant to fracture, which is why I always recommended it for kids' lenses. You can find shatter-resistance information if you look around.
 

1. What is polycarbonate fracture toughness?

Polycarbonate fracture toughness refers to the ability of a polycarbonate material to resist cracking or breaking under stress or impact. It is a measure of the material's durability and strength.

2. How is polycarbonate fracture toughness measured?

Polycarbonate fracture toughness is typically measured using standard testing methods, such as the Izod or Charpy impact tests. These tests involve subjecting the material to controlled amounts of stress or impact and measuring the amount of force required to cause a fracture.

3. What factors affect the fracture toughness of polycarbonate?

The fracture toughness of polycarbonate can be affected by various factors, including the molecular structure of the material, its processing conditions, and any additives or fillers used in its production. Additionally, environmental factors such as temperature and humidity can also impact the fracture toughness of polycarbonate.

4. Why is polycarbonate fracture toughness important?

Polycarbonate is often used in applications where impact resistance is crucial, such as in safety glasses, bulletproof windows, and automotive components. Therefore, understanding and testing the fracture toughness of polycarbonate is essential in ensuring the safety and reliability of these products.

5. How can the fracture toughness of polycarbonate be improved?

To improve the fracture toughness of polycarbonate, manufacturers can use techniques such as copolymerization, blending with other materials, or changing processing conditions to modify the molecular structure and enhance the material's strength and durability. Additionally, adding fillers or reinforcing fibers can also increase the fracture toughness of polycarbonate.

Similar threads

Difference between brittle fracture and fatigue crack growth
    • Materials and Chemical Engineering
Replies
2
Views
2K
Fracture Energy for JH2 Model (Ceramics and FEA)?
    • Mechanical Engineering
Replies
2
Views
1K
Effects of extreme pressure on materials
    • Materials and Chemical Engineering
Replies
8
Views
1K
Looking for a Material Suitable for Secondary glazing
    • Materials and Chemical Engineering
Replies
1
Views
2K
I Von Mises stress and real failures: Triaxial tension
    • Mechanics
Replies
4
Views
971
What polymer should I use instead of polycarbonate
    • Materials and Chemical Engineering
Replies
5
Views
8K
Fracture mechanics - understanding required
    • Mechanical Engineering
Replies
13
Views
3K
High Impact Strength/Low Cost Plastic
    • Materials and Chemical Engineering
Replies
2
Views
4K
Best material for a shock resistant phone case
    • Materials and Chemical Engineering
Replies
6
Views
4K
Shear stress damage due to thermal gradient
    • Mechanical Engineering
Replies
6
Views
1K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top