PC

Thermal Properties

Polycarbonate has a glass transition temperature in the range of 140 to 150 degrees Celsius. As an amorphous thermoplastic, it does not have a distinct melting point. Its heat deflection temperature is between 120 and 140 degrees Celsius, while its continuous service temperature ranges from -40 to +115 degrees Celsius. With a thermal conductivity between 0.20 and 0.22 W/(m K), PC offers good insulation, making it suitable for applications requiring both high thermal stability and thermal insulation.

Mechanical Properties

The mechanical properties of PC make it a versatile material for technical applications. It possesses high tensile strength and stiffness, remains extremely impact-resistant even at low temperatures, and exhibits very good resistance to creep deformation. This combination allows polycarbonate to deform under stress without breaking, making it frequently used in load-bearing and safety-critical applications. At the same time, its transparency allows it to be used in areas where optical clarity is required.

Chemical Properties

Polycarbonate exhibits good resistance to water and diluted acids, but is sensitive to many organic solvents such as ketones, esters, or aromatic hydrocarbons. Strong acids and bases can attack its structure, so the chemical environment should be considered when selecting the material. Under UV radiation, PC can yellow or become brittle, which is why UV stabilizers are usually used for outdoor applications. Resistance to oils and greases depends heavily on the specific conditions.

Other Specific Properties

Special material characteristics include high electrical insulation properties, solid surface hardness, and remarkable notched impact strength even at low temperatures. PC withstands high temperatures and shows only minimal expansion during temperature fluctuations. Visually, it impresses with low haze, high light transmission, and the option of using variants with UV protection or flame retardancy. Furthermore, it is easy to process and recycle, which also makes it attractive for sustainable plastic solutions.

Automotive industry: In the automotive industry, PC is used for headlight lenses, taillights, interior lighting, dashboards, and door panels, among other things. The material combines impact resistance with low weight while allowing for a high degree of design freedom, making it indispensable for modern vehicle concepts.

Home appliances and electronics: Polycarbonate is frequently used for the casings of laptops, smartphones, and household appliances. Due to its heat resistance and electrical insulation properties, it is particularly suitable for technical components. Furthermore, PC is used for lampshades, light guides, and diffusers in lighting technology, as well as for optical storage media such as CDs and DVDs.

Construction: PC has a wide range of applications in construction. These include glazing, security windows, roof panels, conservatories, and swimming pool covers. The combination of high light transmission, impact resistance, and formability makes polycarbonate a sought-after material in architecture and construction projects.

Toys and leisure: PC is also widely used in the leisure and sports sectors. It's used in toy cars, figurines, safety helmets, eyewear for occupational safety and sports, and outdoor gear. Its durability and ability to form complex shapes make it particularly suitable for products that must withstand high levels of stress.