Chemical resistance of polycarbonate/poly(butylene terephthalate) blends

Mechanical characteristics and chemical resistance have been investigated for PC/PBT blends. The changes in mechanical performance of PC/PBT blends was monitored during the treatment with both the PC thinner and general-purpose thinner to figure out the chemical resistance. The PC thinner greatly affected the mechanical properties of PC/PBT blends compared with general-purpose thinner. In the case of PC thinner treatment, the mechanical performance was improved with increased PC content at lower PC content ranges, say below 50%. However the mechanical performance was dropped rapidly at higher PC content ranges due to poor chemical resistance of PC. Transparent pure PC specimen became opaque after chemical treatment with PC thinner, and this can be interpreted by solvent-induced crystallization.