Photodegradation of bisphenol A polycarbonate under blue light radiation and its effect on optical properties

In this investigation, the degradation mechanisms of Bisphenol A Polycarbonate (BPA–PC) plates under blue light radiation are studied. The BPA–PC plates are used both in light conversion carriers in LED modules and encapsulantes in LED packages. Optical degradation of the products is mainly due to the degradation of BPA–PC encapsulants under blue light radiation. In this study, BPA–PC plates are irradiated with blue light at elevated temperature of 140 °C for a period up to 1920 h. Optical and chemical properties of the photo-aged plates were studied using UV–Vis spectrophotometer, FTIR-ATR spectrometer, integrated sphere, and Lambda 950 spectrophotometer. The results show that increasing the exposure time leads to the discoloration, loss of optical properties, decrease of light transmission, decrease in the relative radiant power value, and increase in the yellowing index (YI) of BPA–PC plates. The results also show that there are two stages in the yellowing of polycarbonate plates. The first stage is the so-called induction period in which there is no major change in the value of YI and the rate of yellowing is very slow. This stage takes until 500 h, followed by the second yellowing regime, where the yellowing is accelerated and the rate of yellowing is comparatively faster. Both photo-Fries and photo-oxidation products are identified as the mechanisms of photo-degradation, with photo-Fries predominating as ageing time increases.

► Degradation of bisphenol A polycarbonate under blue light radiation is studied.
► Increasing the exposure time is associated with yellowing.
► Two stages are observed in the yellowing of polycarbonate plates.
► Combination of photo-Fries and photo-oxidation leads to yellowing.