Polycarbonate is a thermoplastic material offering the designers and manufacturers an independence to design, cost reductions and aesthetics enhancement. It is a tough, transparent plastic material encompassing outstanding strength, stiffness and impact. The thermoplastic polymer contains organic functions which is linked to carbonate groups.
The character of polycarbonate is similar to polymethyl methacrylate. It is stronger and can be used in wide temperature range and blends such as PC/ABS, PC/ PET, PC/PMMA. The tough transparent engineering has high impact strength, elasticity and heat deflection temperature absorbing little moisture.
These properties have good low frequency, high voltage insulating properties making it a primary component for electronic goods. If you are looking for Polycarbonate in Sydney, Australia, do not hesitate to contact us.
A common method used to produce polycarbonate
Before taking out the final product, Polycarbonate is melted and forced with high pressure to give in the desired shape. Before using one must dry it for 2-4 hours at 120°C temperature as the target moisture content should be 0.02%.
The ideal maximum residence time should be in between 6 and 12 minutes. The techniques involved in polycarbonate processing are as follows:
- Extrusion
- Injection molding
- Thermoforming
- Blow molding
Product features
- Good optical clarity
- Durable and high toughness
- Good electrical insulation
- Easy to blend with solvent cements
- Easy to machine, fabricate and thermoform
Product applications
- Outdoor and indoor signs
- Skylights
- Helmet or face shields
- Graphic holders and POP displays
- Architectural glazing in government or retail buildings
- Sight glasses or machine guards
- Transparent main folds
Standard Sizes
Sheet
Dimensions
12 in x 12 in – 72 in x 120 in
Thickness
0.030 in – 4 in
Rod
Outside Diameter:
0.125 in – 8 in
Tube
Outside Diameter:
0.375 in – 6 in
Grades
- FDA compliance
- UV resistant
- Low Flammability
- Flame Inhibiting
- Containment Grade
- Print Grade
- General purpose
- Abrasion Resistant
- Light Diffusing
Note: Length, width, diameter, thickness can vary by brand, manufacture and grade.
Additional Polycarbonate Properties
An ideal material that can be used in different industries due to its versatile characteristics, which are eco-friendly approach and recyclability. The material consists of unique set of physical and chemical properties over glass, PE and PMMA.
- High impact strength & toughness – The polymer has a density of 2 – 1.22 g/cm3 allowing the material to maintain toughness up to 140 °C and down to -20 °C.
- Transmittance – It is transparent and hence transmits light over 90%. The polycarbonate sheets are available in different shades depending on the end-user application.
- Optical nature – The material can be designed to block ultra-violet radiation offering 100% protection from the harmful UV rays.
- Chemical resistance – It offers good chemical resistance against diluted acids alcohols and aliphatic hydrocarbons.
- Heat resistance – These are thermally stable up to 135 °C and can be improvised by adding flame retardants without affecting the actual properties.
General Polycarbonate Properties
|
Properties |
Units |
ASTM tests |
Polycarbonate |
||
|
Tensile strength |
psi |
D638 |
9,500 |
||
|
Water absorption |
% |
D570 |
0.15 |
||
|
Izod impact |
|
D256 |
12.0-16.0 |
||
|
Flexural modulus |
psi |
D790 |
345,000 |
||
|
Maximum temperature |
F |
240 |
248 |
||
|
Heat deflection temperature |
F |
D648 |
270 |
||
|
Coefficient of linear thermal expansion |
in/in/°Fx10-5 |
D696 |
3.8 |
Note: Values may differ according to the brand.
