Originally Posted by
spaceworm
One significant issue with polycarbonate is it's vulnerability to attack by aromatic hydrocarbons, such as lacquer thinner, acetone, xylol, MEK, dope thinner and all paints thinned or reduced with the same. It will be destroyed by those. Aliphatic solvents such as naptha, mineral spirits, turpentine, do not seem to affect polycarbonates. nor will alcohol. Nitromethane is an aromatic solvent so it will attack polycarbonate. Polypropylene is resistant to almost everything.
Valid point spaceworm and also very good news. It shows that Polycarbonate(PC) is not nearly as inert as PP and lends itself to glueing. Attacks by acetone and nitromethane does not bother me, I have used Makrolon for years in various places on my planes and glow fuel with up to 10% nitro is no problem. BTW, which airplane canopy can withstand acetone or concentrated nitromethane..?!?