Polycarbonate Compatibility EIA 564

Scope:
The polycarbonate compatibility test determines the tendency for substances in contact with polycarbonate at varied levels of strain and temperature to cause stress cracking or crazing of the material. The crazing and cracking are evaluated on a scale ranging from zero to five. This test is used to simulate how the polycarbonate may perform when exposed to agents in end-use applications.

Test Procedure:
There are 5 standard strain levels that the bars can be exposed to and up to 4 temperatures evaluated. After the test specimens are annealed, they are strained on jigs. The agent is then applied to the bars. The exposed and fixtured bars are placed in different temperature ovens and one set is kept at room temperature. An additional set of bars, both strained and unstrained can also be evaluated as controls. After five days the sets are removed from the ovens and all specimens are visually inspected for crazing and cracking vs. the controls.

Specimen size:
Injection molded polycarbonate izod bars 64 x 12.7 x 3.2mm (2.5 x 0.5 x 0.125 in) are required. ASTM type I tensile bars can also be used on the standard strain jigs.

Data:
The craze rating is from zero to five with zero being no crazing or cracks and five being bars split into more than one piece. 

**Please note that this test description is intentionally generic in nature and aimed at providing a descriptive summary to enhance test understanding. Standards can be obtained from appropriate standard authorities.