When polycarbonate plastic is heated and then returns to room temperature, the material will ________.

When polycarbonate plastic is heated and then allowed to return to room temperature, the material can lose some of its structural integrity, leading to increased brittleness. This change occurs because heating can affect the molecular structure of the polycarbonate, potentially causing some rearrangement or degradation of the polymer chains. As a result, while the material may initially become softer and more pliable when heated, its cooling process might not restore its original toughness and flexibility. This can lead to a state where the material is more susceptible to cracking or breaking under stress, thus becoming more brittle.

Understanding this behavior is important for applications involving polycarbonate, as the processing and temperature conditions can significantly influence the performance and durability of the final product. The other potential choices reflect incorrect perceptions of how polycarbonate responds to temperature changes, overlooking the material's characteristics and reaction to thermal treatment.