Polycarbonate (PC) is a transparent thermoplastic with carbonate functional groups. Its high strength makes it resistant to impact and fracture. It is lightweight so an excellent alternative to glass. PC is melted and forced into a mold with high pressure to give it the desired shape. It is widely used owing to its eco-friendly processing and recyclability.
As PC shows excellent compatibility with certain polymers, it is widely used in blends, such as PC/ABS, PC/ PET, and PC/PMMA. Some of the common applications are compact disc, safety helmets, bullet-proof glass, car headlamp lenses, baby feeding bottles, roofing, glazing, etc.
The solid polycarbonate sheet is a perfect solution for a glazing roof. It is virtually unbreakable, lightweight, easy to install, and flame resistant. Different colors and sizes are available. Solid polycarbonate sheet colors are clear, green, blue, opal, brown, and customized colors.
The chemical composition of polycarbonate primarily consists of carbon (C), hydrogen (H), and oxygen (O) atoms. Polycarbonate is synthesized from the reaction between bisphenol A (BPA), which contains carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, and phosgene (COCl2). The polymerization process combines these elements to form the polycarbonate polymer chain, which is composed of repeating carbonate units (C-O-(C=O)-O-) connected by bisphenol A units.
Mechanical Properties
| UNITS | ASTM TEST | POLYCARBONATE | POLYCARBONATE 20% GLASS-FILLED | |
| TENSILE STRENGTH | psi | D638 | 9,500 | 16,000 |
| TENSILE MODULUS OF ELASTICITY | psi | D638 | 345,000 | 860,000 |
| TENSILE ELONGATION | % | D638 | 135 | 5 |
| FLEXURAL STRENGTH | psi | D790 | 13,500 | 19,000 |
| FLEXURAL MODULUS OF ELASTICITY | psi | D790 | 345,000 | 800,000 |
| COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH | psi | D695 | 12,500 | – |
| HARDNESS | scale as noted | D785, D2240 | M70, R118, Shore D 80 | M91, R122 |
| IZOD IMPACT | ft-lbs/in | D256 | 12.0 – 16.0 | 2.0 |
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