2018
Overview
Polycarbonates are a class of strong, transparent thermoplastic polymers in which monomer units are joined by carbonate linkages in the polymer backbone. The most common type is produced from bisphenol A, typically reacted with phosgene or made by transesterification, yielding a material prized for its exceptional impact resistance, optical clarity, dimensional stability and heat tolerance. These properties make polycarbonates widely used in eyeglass and safety lenses, optical discs, electronic and automotive components, protective glazing, and many household and engineering products. Because bisphenol A is a building block of conventional polycarbonates and can be released during their manufacture, use or degradation, the chemistry of these materials intersects with concerns about endocrine-disrupting chemicals. Research in OpenAccessPub titles addresses this dimension, with work on endocrine-disrupting chemicals examining their epigenetic relevance and mechanisms of action, relevant to compounds such as bisphenol A that are associated with polycarbonate production. As a journal covering chemistry, New Developments in Chemistry publishes research on polymer materials, their synthesis and the behaviour and safety of the chemicals involved. This page gathers peer-reviewed, open-access research relevant to polycarbonates and polymer chemistry.
Research published in this journal
1 peer-reviewed article, ranked by relevance. Each links to its DOI.