1 History of Polycarbonate
2 Properties
3 Grades Available
4 Physical Properties
5 Resistance to Chemicals
6 Applications
6.1 Electrical & Electronics (E&E)
6.2 Automotive
6.3 General Industries / Packaging
7 Case Studies
7.1 Automotive
7.2 Traffic Lights
7.3 Cash Dispenser
7.4 Baby Bottle
7.5 Mobile
8 Looking to source PC or another polymer?
You will get efficient and thoughtful service from Songmei.
Polycarbonates are strong, stiff, hard, tough, transparent engineering thermoplastics that can maintain rigidity up to 140°C and toughness down to -20°C or special grades even lower. The material is amorphous (thereby displaying excellent mechanical properties and high dimensional stability), is thermally resistant up to 135°C and rated as slow burning. Special flame retardant grades exist which pass several severe flammability tests.
Constraints to the use of PC include limited chemical and scratch resistance and it's tendency to yellow upon long term exposure to UV light. However these constraints can be readily overcome by adding the right additives to the compound or processing through a co-extrusion process.
Polycarbonate is available in a number of different grades dependent on the application and chosen processing method. The material is available in a variety of grades such as film, flame retardant, reinforced and stress crack resistant, branched (for applications requiring high melt strength) and other speciality grades. Also blends of PC are available with e.g. ABS or Polyesters, widely used in automotive industry. Processing of PC generally falls into:
Note that these ratings are generalised. The resistance against specific substances can deviate and are dependent on temperature, applied stresses, exposure time etc.
In recent years Polycarbonate blends have become increasingly commercially important. PC is widely used in blends due to its excellent compatibility with a range of polymers. Typical blends include rubber modified PC, improving impact properties, PC/PBT blends, which allow toughness to be retained at lower temperatures and having improved fuel and weather resistance. Amongst the most significant are those incorporating ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene). PC/ABS blends exhibit high melt flow, very high toughness at low temperatures and improved stresscrack resistance compared to PC.
All Blends are produced using a compounding step to blend the polymers. This compounding technology is very important for creating the optimal morphology and interaction between the two phases. In combination with the right additive know-how (flame retardant, stabilisation, reinforcement) blends are obtained with an optimally balanced set of properties.
PC finds usage in a host of markets, notably in the automotive, glazing, electronic, business machine, optical media, medical, lighting and appliance markets
6.1 Electrical & Electronics (E&E)
The largest UK application for PC is in the optical media market (i.e. usage in computer and audio compact discs). This is followed by an assortment of sheeting and glazing applications. The rest of the market consists of electrical and electronics (hosting applications in the business machine and telecommunications market), followed by transportation (including automotive), appliances, packaging, and other miscellaneous uses.
Miniaturisation fast product cycles make the E&E market one of the most demanding for Engineering Plastics. Demands include high service temperature, spike temperature resistance, ductility and toughness in thin sections, and flammability. All of this must be delivered consistently throughout the world, with co-ordinated engineering, market development, and technical service. In the E&E market our materials are well suited to internal components and current carrying devices.
Typical examples of applications of technology are within:
6.2 Automotive
The use of Engineering Plastics in automotive applications is nearing its fiftieth anniversary. PC has been part of this history and continues to bring innovation, which allows automakers to produce lighter, stronger, and more durable components.
6.3 General Industries / Packaging
While automotive and E&E markets tend to drive the technological breakthroughs in materials, other industries develop their own unique uses for Engineering Plastics.
In most of these industries durability, cost effectiveness, and appearance are the driving factors in material selection. The largest of these markets include:
The British Plastics Federation have over 500 members many of which supply polycarbonate and other major polymers. The BPF offer a free 'source a supplier' service - simply complete the form below and we will send you enquiry direct to companies who can supply you with the product you are looking for.
If you do not wish your enquiry to appear in the secure BPF members’ area, please submit your enquiry here instead.
Polycarbonate plastic is one of the most frequently used and excellent form of plastic. They’re a great choice if you need a strong and robust plastic material for any application.
Today we’ll see some of the most exciting facts about polycarbonate plastic. If you’re a new user or thinking of buying a polycarbonate sheet for the first time, you’ll find these facts very useful.
So without further delay, let’s jump into the real thing.
You already know polycarbonate is a very strong and robust material. But did you know how strong it is compared to glass or plexiglass sheets?
This plastic material is 30 times stronger than acrylic and over 180-200 times stronger than glass material.
Dr. Hermann Schnell is considered to be the inventor of Polycarbonate resin. He invented it back in .
Although this one is superior in strength from other materials such as glass, it is significantly lighter. The material is lighter than glass or most plastics.
The lightweight nature makes it an even more excellent choice among buyers. And they’re easy to install as well.
The wide range of applications of PC plastic is genuinely impressive. From aerospace and bulletproof windows to sunglass lenses, they’re used everywhere.
They are mostly used for windows, roofing panels, the aerospace industry, automotive parts, bulletproof windows, riot shields, skylights, bubble tents, office chair mats, or other projects where you need transparent and strong plastic sheets.
Polycarbonate offers natural UV protection from the harmful UV rays, making it an even greater choice for the home roofing panel and greenhouses.
Polycarbonate was originally developed for astronauts to use on the outer visors. The plastic and gold layer protects astronauts from harmful rays and radiation.
Later because of the exceptionally well reputation and durability, PC sheets became a household item for many applications.
This robust material can be easily formed and shaped without the risk or breaking or chipping, despite its extreme strength.
Polycarbonate is a safe material with no toxic releasing or exposed to the flames. You can use them for any applications including items for infants or tiffin boxes.
For more Polycarbonate PC Sheetinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.
This plastic is approved by the food and drug administration. People use them for food applications like food trays, bowls or spoons. Especially in hospitals, you’ll find the most use of them.
Most of the dome lights, skylights and sound walls you see in the buildings are made of polycarbonate plastic.
This is entirely fire-resistant material, and also prone to flames. Because of this, they’re commonly used for electrical components due to safety and security. Also, the transparency and lightweight nature of polycarbonate is another reason for this to be used in this application.
The reason why this plastic material is widely used for automotive car parts is not only because of its strength. The main reason is the lightweight nature of polycarbonate material.
Automotive manufacturers always look for lighter materials to increase the performance of their vehicles. And while polycarbonate is excellent because of the other features, it’s also lightweight, making it a perfect choice for manufacturers. They need non-glare polycarbonate, ESD polycarbonate.
Polycarbonate is surprisingly temperature and impact-resistant, making it an excellent choice for cold or storm-prone areas. It also offers excellent transparency, which is why they’re used in lenses and sunglasses.
Advertising companies are now using polycarbonate plastic for making signs and boards. It offers excellent performance as well as durability and visibility compared to traditional boards.
You can find polycarbonate plastic in CDs and DVDs as well.
Durability is one of the strongest suits of this material. Polycarbonate plastic can last from 10-20 years, making it an excellent choice for long term applications like domes, roof panels or skylights.
Although PVC plastic is often used as an alternative, mainly because of the low cost, it can’t offer the same performance level that a PC sheet can offer.
The melting point of this material is 110°C. The fun thing is, you can melt it and after cooling down, you can melt it again. And you won’t find any significant degradation in the material.
If your polycarbonate roofing panels or sunlight turns yellow after years of use, know that it has been exposed to high UV rays and protect you from it.
Despite the incredible strength and robust nature, the plastic is very flexible and can easily be molded and shaped into many things. It’s not like that you can only use them as a flat line or straight sheets. Maybe, you want to know the methods of machining polycarbonate.
Due to the significant temperature resistant ability, transparency, extreme strength, UV protection and light transmission ability, polycarbonate makes the perfect choice for a greenhouse.
This is the first choice for people in cold countries for greenhouses, especially in places where it’s colder than in other countries, like in Europe.
The plastic is microwave safe, meaning you can heat or reheat the food using a PC bowl or plate. Also, you can wash it in a dishwasher without any problem.
You can find multiple PC plastic grades in the market, such as standard, hard-coated or anti-static grades, flame retardant etc. Make sure you’re choosing the right one based on your application and needs.
Both acrylic and polycarbonate look the same if you compare them. However, an easy way to differentiate is that you can find a slight bluish vibe on the PC plastic’s edge. While as acrylic edges will look clear as the rest of the sheet.
It is entirely safe for use as a water bottle or flask.
The great thing about this plastic is that it can be 100% recycled and made a new product with minimum to zero wastage. Make sure you’re sending it to recycle centres and not just throw it out of the way when you’re done with using it.
Polycarbonate plastic generally is cheaper than glass material. It is also effortless to handle and install.
Now that you know some amazing facts about this fantastic plastic, what’s your thought on this? Feel free to share your opinions or ask any questions in our chatbox. We’ll be available for your queries and suggestions.
UVPLASTIC is a leading manufacturer of polycarbonate, if you need it, you can contact us directly. You can find the most versatile grade of this plastic at a reasonable price from us. UV Plastic can help you grow your business by providing a world-class quality item in your budget.
Want more information on Polycarbonate PC Sheet factory? Feel free to contact us.