ISO

ISO 11443 and ASTM D3835 tests to study Polymer Degradation

by Instron

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Thermal degradation of polymers corresponds to deterioration at a molecular level, for example as a result of (over-)heating. Polymer degradation is normally undesirable since related to the loss of properties in the finished product. Some of the recently developed thermoplastics, used as neat or reinforced high-performance materials, are suitable for high-temperature applications, but they are also exposed to high temperatures during compounding and molding processes. Therefore, they're highly sensitive to processing conditions and may undergo thermal degradation before becoming the finished product. This applies for example to LCP (liquid-crystal polymers). One of the key parameters when processing this type of materials is their degradation time and temperature.