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What is Polycarbonate: All you Need to Know

Polycarbonate is a highly transparent and durable resin material known for its widespread use in industrial and general applications. What is Polycarbonate (PC), and why is it such a standout material within plastic materials? In this article, we’ll explain the characteristics and applications of polycarbonate, as well as the differences between it and acrylic, another well-known transparent resin.

What is Polycarbonate (PC)?

Polycarbonate, or PC, is a type of thermoplastic resin that falls under the category of engineering plastics. It is characterized by its high transparency and impact resistance. Often abbreviated as PC in material designations, this material is also referred to as “organic glass.” Polycarbonate is widely used in a broad range of applications, including optical devices like camera lenses and headlights, interior furnishings such as partitions and aquariums, as well as in the production of bulletproof materials.

Advantages of Polycarbonate

High Transparency

Polycarbonate ranks among the top within resins in terms of transparency, which is nearly comparable with glass.

High Impact Resistance

It surpasses other transparent resins by a factor of 50 and even exceeding glass by 200 times in terms of impact resistance.

High Weather Resistance

Thanks to this quality, polycarbonate is a durable choice for outdoor applications.

Low Water Absorption

This material has low water absorption, which means it is less likely to undergo dimensional changes due to moisture.

Excellent Machinability

Its high machinability allows for a wide range of processing options.

High Flame Resistance

Polycarbonate is difficult to ignite and does not support the spread of flames. This makes it suitable for applications like the outer casings of electrical equipment.

The remarkable combination of high transparency and impact resistance sets Polycarbonate apart. Its ability to withstand UV exposure and humidity, low water absorption, dimensional stability, and versatile machinability are additional advantages.

Disadvantages of Polycarbonate

Despite its numerous advantages, Polycarbonate (PC) comes with some drawbacks that need to be considered:

Sensitivity to Organic Solvents

Polycarbonate is vulnerable to certain chemicals, particularly organic solvents and surfactants. When exposed to these substances under stress, it can exhibit cracking, leading to deformation.

Susceptibility to Scratches

Polycarbonate is not very hard, making it prone to scratching, which can impact its transparency, aesthetics, and visibility. Therefore, it requires careful handling to prevent scratches.

Relatively High Cost

Polycarbonate tends to be more expensive compared to some other resins. As a result, it may not be the material of choice for cost-sensitive products, such as everyday items.

Differences Between Polycarbonate and Acrylic

Polycarbonate and acrylic (PMMA) are both high-transparency resins. Although acrylic offers slightly higher transparency, we will explain there are some other core differences:

Impact Resistance: Polycarbonate exhibits significantly higher impact resistance compared to acrylic, approximately 50 times greater. Therefore, in applications where strong impacts are expected, such as in bulletproof materials, polycarbonate is often the preferred choice.
Processability: While both materials are highly processable, polycarbonate can be more challenging for tasks like bending and bonding when compared to acrylic.
Flame Resistance: Polycarbonate has superior flame resistance and is less prone to combustion. With its high self-extinguishing properties and a higher continuous heat resistance temperature, polycarbonate is more suitable for applications like partitions, surpassing acrylic.
Cost: Acrylic is generally more cost-effective. Polycarbonate, while possessing various advantageous properties, is relatively expensive as a resin material. Therefore, for products that require large quantities, frequent replacements, or those that don’t demand high impact resistance, considering alternative materials like acrylic may be a more cost-effective choice.

Please note that these differences should be considered when choosing between polycarbonate and acrylic for specific applications.a

Conclusion

Polycarbonate, a type of thermoplastic engineering plastic, is highly transparent and known for its outstanding impact resistance. It offers several advantages, such as high weather resistance, excellent processability, self-extinguishing properties, and low water absorption, contributing to its high dimensional accuracy. On the downside, it is vulnerable to organic solvents and surfactants and exhibits stress corrosion cracking. Additionally, it is susceptible to scratches, and it tends to be relatively expensive.

Polycarbonate finds applications in various products, including camera lenses, DVD substrates, car headlights, signage, and ballistic materials. While acrylic is a similar material, polycarbonate excels in impact resistance and flame resistance, while acrylic is superior in terms of processability and cost-effectiveness.