Chain Dynamics and Structure Property Relation in High Impact Strength Polycarbonate Plastic.

A study of chain dynamics in the solid state of the high impact resistant polycarbonate of bisphenol-A and structural analogues is carried out using nuclear magnetic resonance methods. The object is to quantitatively characterize both the structural geometry and the energetics of local motions occurring in these glassy polymers. It is the belief that only through a detailed knowledge of the solid state dynamics can one establish the structural origin of the bulk properties of these materials. It is important that such a study yield a direct connection to the dynamical mechanical properties which form the basis for characterization of high impact materials. One of the first quantitative demonstrations of this connection is noted in this study. The selection of NMR to probe structure and dynamics in the solid state is well established and the present study focuses on both lineshape and relaxation time analysis using both carbon-13 and deuterium as probes. The study clearly reveals the strengths and weaknesses of the various NMR approaches. Originator-supplied keywords include Polycarbonates, Impact Strength, Molecular Structure, Plastics, Polymers, Glassy Polymers.