Thermomechanical and Mechanical Properties of Titanium Dioxide Pigmented Polycarbonate: Impact of Thickness Free Quenching and Activation Energy for Αlpha Relaxation Mode

Abstract

Researchers investigated into how thickness and quenching temperature affect the mechanical and thermomechanical properties of titanium dioxide-pigmented polycarbonate. By using compression molding, specimens free of morphological effects have been generated. Dynamic mechanical analysis was used to evaluate plates with thicknesses of 0.6, 1, 2, and 3 mm under flexion, Izod impact strength, density, and tensile testing. Two distinct heat treatments annealing and second quenching were applied. The results indicate that a second quenching at 40°C for samples 3 mm thick and 35°C for samples 2 mm thick can enhance the impact strength and elongation at break, and a relationship between the mechanical, physical, and thermomechanical properties is detected. At the expense of other characteristics like elastic modulus, density, and yield stress, these properties are improved. A relaxation mode about 30°C is associated with improved impact strength and elongation at break following the second quench.