How Polycarbonate (PC) Resin Supports High-Performance Applications

Polycarbonate (PC) is a high-performance engineering thermoplastic known for its exceptional impact resistance, transparency, and thermal stability. It is widely used in automotive, electronics, construction, and optical applications, offering a lightweight yet durable alternative to glass and metals.

Composition and Properties

• Base Material: Polycarbonate polymers (aromatic carbonate groups)

• Additives: UV stabilizers, flame retardants, colorants, and impact modifiers

• Processing Methods: Injection molding, extrusion, blow molding, and thermoforming

PC combines high mechanical strength, dimensional stability, and optical clarity, making it ideal for demanding industrial and consumer applications.

Key Features

• High Impact Resistance: Exceptional toughness, resistant to breakage

• Optical Clarity: Transparent grades allow >85% light transmission

• Thermal Resistance: Continuous use up to 120°C; softening above 145°C

• Flame Retardancy: Self-extinguishing grades available

• Dimensional Stability: Maintains shape under mechanical stress

• Chemical Resistance: Resistant to oils, greases, and many solvents

Applications

• Automotive: Headlamp lenses, interior trims, and safety components

• Electronics & Electrical: Housings, connectors, and transparent panels

• Construction & Architecture: Skylights, glazing, and protective panels

• Optical Components: Lenses, eyewear, and protective visors

• Consumer Goods: Sports equipment, bottles, and protective cases

• Medical Devices: Surgical instruments, casings, and clear tubing

Advantages

• High toughness and impact resistance

• Lightweight yet durable alternative to glass

• Maintains optical clarity and transparency over time

• Can be flame-retardant for safety-critical applications

• Processable into sheets, films, and molded parts

Limitations

• Sensitive to scratching without coatings

• Can yellow under prolonged UV exposure (unless stabilized)

• Moderate chemical resistance; some solvents can cause crazing

Technical Parameters (Typical)

• Density: 1.20–1.22 g/cm³

• Tensile Strength: 60–70 MPa

• Flexural Strength: 90–110 MPa

• Impact Strength (Notched Izod): 60–75 kJ/m²

• Glass Transition Temperature (Tg): 145°C

• Light Transmittance: 85–90% for clear grades

• Processing Methods: Injection molding, extrusion, blow molding, thermoforming

FAQs

Q1: Why is polycarbonate widely used in automotive applications?
Because it has high impact resistance, thermal stability, and optical clarity, making it ideal for headlamps and interior trims.

Q2: How does PC compare with PMMA?
PC is tougher and more impact-resistant, while PMMA has better scratch resistance and higher optical clarity.

Q3: Can polycarbonate be used outdoors?
Yes, with UV-stabilized grades, it withstands sunlight without significant degradation.

Q4: What processing methods are compatible with PC?
Injection molding, extrusion, blow molding, and thermoforming.