Polycarbonate (PC) is a transparent thermoplastic and contains carbon groups in its structure. It is a high-performance, tough and amorphous thermoplastic. It is lightweight and has exceptional impact resistance, tensile strength, dimensional stability, good electrical properties and optical clarity.
PC is similar to Acrylic but it is stronger and can be used in a wide temperature range. The polycarbonate sheet price is more than that of acrylic. The common methods used to manufacture PC parts are injection moulding, extrusion, blow moulding and thermoforming.
Polycarbonate is manufactured by condensation polymerisation of Bisphenol A and Phosgene. It has a unique set of physical and chemical properties and is preferred over other materials like glass, PMMA and more.
PC can be classified into aliphatic and aromatic PCs depending on their structure. PC that has the carbon group directly connected to the aromatic group is called aliphatic PCs.
Properties of PC
- PC is a tough thermoplastic and maintains its toughness between -20° C to 140° C and is virtually unbreakable.
- PC is transparent plastic and transmits nearly 90% of visible light. PC sheets are available in different shades which can be optimised as per the application.
- PC has high impact strength and this makes it resistant to impact and fracture. It is mainly used in applications that require safety, high reliability and performance.
- PC provides 100% protection from UV rays and it can be used to avoid harmful UV radiations.
- PC is lightweight and can be easily transported and installed. It is easy to work with and can be used to make complex shapes.
- PC has low-scratch resistance and therefore a hard coating is applied to it when it is used in applications like eyewear.
- PC has a high heat resistance and this can be improved by adding flame retardants.
- PC is easily attacked by alkalies and aromatic hydrocarbons therefore it must be cleaned using agents that do not affect its chemical structure.
- PC has excellent mechanical strength and can be easily processed. Pure PC will degrade slowly and it can be used in orthopedic applications and drug delivery.
- PC is osteoconductive and has good mechanical properties therefore it can be used in load-bearing bone fixation.
- PC is used in the manufacture of smartphones due to its benefit over materials like glass and metal.
Optimisation of PC
PC can be optimised as per the requirement of the application. When additives are added to PC the final product is much better and has the required properties. The product has more fractural strength and tensile strength.
Additives can be added to improve properties like thermal stability, flame retardancy and colour stability. UV stabilisers can be added to overcome long-term exposure to UV radiation.
PC sheets can be coated to withstand weather conditions.
