Scratch friction studies of polycarbonate

This paper describes a study of the surface properties of polycarbonate (PC) using a scratch friction technique. The scratch friction technique is shown to be a simple, effective method for investigating solvent induced changes to the surface mechanical properties of the polymer. The influence of the organic solvent p-xylene on the scratch friction of PC was studied and it was found that this solvent induces plasticisation in PC, evidenced by changes in the frictional properties. © 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd