From The Blog
UV Degradation of Plastics and UV Resistant Additives
Sunlight May Degrade Plastics
Many plastics will degrade in sunlight without the addition of light blockers, stabilizers or UV absorbers. Materials may discolor, crack or completely disintegrate. While the UV degradation of a polymer in sunlight is usually only .05 deep in the material’s surface the highly brittle nature of some plastics may lead to complete component failure.
Signs of UV Degradation
*Brittle outer layer (loss of tensile elongation)
*Reduction in molecular weight
*Loss in mechanical properties
*Change in chemical properties
*Discoloration,…
Nylon Fasteners: Screws, Hex Nuts, Flat Washers and Nylon Custom Parts
Nylon 6/6 is a polyamide plastic made up of two monomers. Each monomer contains 6 carbon atoms of hexamethylenediamiine and adipic acid. We have written about the reasons not to use nylon in our blog some time ago.
Six Reasons Not to Use Nylon
Nylon is hygroscopic meaning is absorbs water even from the natural environment. This can cause changes in a part’s dimensions.
It is not UV resistant without additives.
It is not particularly chemically resistant as it performs poorly in acids and halogens.…
The Rise of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastics
Carbon Fibers in Plastic Materials
The use of carbon fibers in plastic materials has a long history. As early as 1879, Thomas Edison was experimenting with carbon fibers made from cotton threads and bamboo slivers. In fact, the first incandescent light bulb heated by electricity contained carbon fibers.
In the 1960’s, Dr. Akio Shindo at the Agency of Industrial Science and Technology in Japan developed a carbon fiber based on polyacrylonitrile (PAN). …