Instructions / Assembly
22
Chemical Resistance
The mechanism of chemical attack on PALSUN & PALTUF diers signicantly from the mechanism of corrosion of metals,
which results in a gradual loss of surface material as a result of electrolytic action by the relevant chemicals. In the cases where
chemical attack on polycarbonate sheet occurs, all or a portion of a range of eects can be observed. Ethylene-chloride,
chloroform, tetrachloroethane, m-cresol, pyridene and other chemicals can cause partial dissolution of polycarbonate.
Swelling agents include benzene, chlorobenzene, tetralin, acetone, ethyl acetate, acetonitrile and carbontetrachloride.
Additional eects include color change and/or whitening. These eects may not always lead to product failure, especially
for non-loaded sheets. Nevertheless, the level of measured mechanical properties will be signicantly reduced. The most
critical eect of chemical attack is stress cracking or crazing, which may range in size from being visible to the naked eye to
being only observable under a microscope. Stress cracks will always result in sheet failure which will emanate from areas of
greatest stress (screws, xings, bends, etc.)
PALSUN & PALTUF are generally not recommended for use with acetone, ketones, ethers, and aromatic and chlorinated
hydrocarbons in addition to aqueous or alcoholic alkaline solutions, ammonia gas and its solutions and amines.
PALSUN & PALTUF are resistant to mineral acids, many organic acids, oxidizing and reducing agents, neutral and acid
salt solutions, many greases, waxes and oils, saturated, aliphatic and cycloaliphatic hydrocarbons and alcohols, with the
exception of methyl alcohol. The resistance of polycarbonate to water may be described as good up to approximately
60°C. At higher temperatures, degradation occurs, the extent of which depends on time and temperature. Polycarbonate
should therefore not be exposed for long periods of time to hot water. However, brief contact with hot water has no eect.
For example, polycarbonate tableware can be washed over 1000 times in a dish washing machine with no adverse eects
being observed.
For a wide listing of the resistance of PALRAM polycarbonate products to common chemicals and other corrosive media
please refer to “Chemical Resistance of Polycarbonate Products” pamphlet (Available at the PALRAM web site).
Adhesives and Sealants
Adhesives and sealants are often required when installing PALSUN. Detailed information on compatible adhesives and
sealants can be found in the pamphlet “Recommended Adhesives and Sealants for Polycarbonate Products”.
PALSUN Gas station light xtures