PC Plastic (Polycarbonate) Selection Guide

Features of PC

Advantages

• Impact Resistance: Polycarbonate is virtually unbreakable and has high impact resistance, making it suitable for applications where safety is a concern.

• Optical Clarity: Polycarbonate offers exceptional optical clarity, which is important in applications requiring visibility and aesthetics.

• Lightweight: Polycarbonate is lightweight, which is advantageous in applications where weight reduction is important.

• High Temperature Resistance: Polycarbonate can withstand moderately high temperatures without significant degradation, making it suitable for a wide range of environments.

• Chemical Resistance: Polycarbonate is resistant to many chemicals, ensuring its stability in various industrial environments.

Disadvantages

• Scratch Sensitivity: Polycarbonate is prone to scratching, so it may require additional coatings or treatments to enhance scratch resistance.

• Not Suitable for High-Temperature Environments: Polycarbonate has a lower heat resistance compared to some other engineering plastics. It may soften or deform at elevated temperatures.

• Environmental Concerns: Polycarbonate is not easily biodegradable and can persist in the environment for a long time if not properly managed, contributing to plastic waste.

Common Applications of PC

• ​​Automotive: Polycarbonate is used for automotive applications, such as headlamp lenses, interior components, and safety glass due to its impact resistance and optical clarity.

• Construction and Architecture: Polycarbonate is employed in architectural glazing, skylights, and noise barriers due to its transparency, impact resistance, and UV stability.

• Electrical and Electronics: Polycarbonate is used for electrical enclosures, connectors, and insulators due to its electrical insulating properties and flame resistance.

• Optical Components: Polycarbonate is used in eyeglass lenses, camera lenses, and optical components due to its exceptional optical properties.

• Aerospace: Polycarbonate may find use in aircraft windows, cockpit displays, and aircraft interior components due to its lightweight nature and impact resistance.

• Safety and Security: Polycarbonate is used for security applications, including safety barriers, riot shields, and bullet-resistant panels.

• Medical Devices: Polycarbonate is used in medical device components, such as incubators and medical equipment housings due to its biocompatibility and chemical resistance.

• Consumer Goods: Polycarbonate is used in consumer products like water bottles, sunglasses, and smartphone cases due to its lightweight and impact-resistant properties.