Heat ageing

Heat ageing is an important aspect with regard to polymeric plastics. These plastics consist of long, interconnected molecular chains. When thermoplastic plastics are exposed to a constant heat source over a prolonged period, the long polymer chains that give the material its strength begin to split.

This process causes the macromolecules to be shortened over time, which in turn leads to progressive embrittlement of the material. The mechanical strength of the material gradually decreases as the molecular structure changes. It can therefore be stated that heat ageing is an essential factor in the ageing of thermoplastics.