PC

Polycarbonate (PC) is an amorphous thermoplastic with good mechanical and optical properties. The material is transparent with high light transmission, and can be used in both indoor and outdoor applications.

Polycarbonate is used for lighting, automotive, electronics, medical devices and optics, among others. In particular, its high impact toughness is a distinguishing feature. It is well suited for use at low temperatures and is often combined with other thermoplastics such as ABS and PBT thanks to its excellent impact resistance.

Some less good aspects of polycarbonate are that it is not particularly scratch resistant, so the material is surface treated in some applications such as automotive headlight lenses. The material should not be exposed to oxidising acids or kept in hot water above 60 degrees for prolonged periods.

Polycarbonate is a crystal-clear material that is very easy to colour. It is available in both transparent and opaque shades. The material is relatively easy to flame retard and variants with high flame retardancy requirements are available. Partially bio-based Lexan polycarbonate variants are also available.

Polycarbonate can be processed by the most common methods such as injection moulding and extrusion.

Main properties:

● Amorphous structure with a continuous service temperature of 115-120° C
● High stiffness, hardness and toughness across a broad temperature range (up to 135° C)
● Easy to colour
● Flame retardant qualities
● Limited chemical resistance (particularly sensitive to stress cracking and hydrolysis)
● Glass transition temperature of 150° C