LAUSR

AbstractThe thermal and optical properties and flowability have been studied for bio-based and fossil-based polycarbonate (PC). Fossil-based PC is polymerized using bisphenol-A whereas bio-based PC is polymerized using isosorbide obtained from corn. The thermal properties were measured by differential scanning calorimetry, differential thermal analysis, and thermal gravimetric analysis. Flow properties were examined in terms of viscosity and flow length. Optical properties were measured using transmittance, haze, and birefringence. Bio-based PC showed a low glass transition temperature (Tg) and weak thermal resistance compared with those characteristics of fossil-based PC. Bio-based PC exhibited higher flowability than that of the fossil-based PC. Bio-based PC showed higher transmittance and lower haze than those characteristics of fossil-based PC. The birefringence of injection molded specimens of bio-based and fossil-based PC were also compared and the bio-based PC showed lower birefringence.