PC
Polycarbonate
PC is a high-molecular polymer with carbonate groups, uniquely transparent among the top five
engineering plastics. Renowned for its mechanical strength, it is widely hailed as “Unbreakable Glass” or “Transparent Metal.”
90%+
Optical Clarity
130°C
Heat Resistance
Extreme
Impact Resistance
Core Material Advantages
Light Transmittance
89%-91%
ASTM D1003 Standard
Izod Notched
650-850J/m
Impact Strength at 23°C
HDT (0.45MPa)
132-142°C
Thermal Distortion Threshold
Flammability
V-2/V-0
UL94 Safety Classification
PC Properties and Key Characteristics
| Property | Unit | General Purpose | Reinforced (20% GF) | Flame Retardant (V-0) | Optical Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Density | g/cm³ | 1.19 - 1.22 | 1.30 - 1.35 | 1.25 - 1.32 | 1.19 - 1.20 |
| Transmittance | % | 88 - 90 | Opaque | 85 - 88 (Transparent) | 90 - 92 |
| Melt Flow Rate (MFR) | g/10min | 10 - 20 | 5 - 12 | 10 - 25 | 20 - 60 |
| Tensile Strength | MPa | 60 - 70 | 90 - 120 | 60 - 75 | 60 - 65 |
| Flexural Modulus | MPa | 2300 - 2500 | 5000 - 7000 | 2400 - 2700 | 2200 - 2400 |
| Notched Impact Strength | J/m | 600 - 850 | 100 - 150 | 400 - 600 | 500 - 700 |
| Heat Deflection Temp (HDT) | °C | 125 - 135 | 140 - 150 | 120 - 130 | 120 - 125 |
| Flammability (UL94) | Grade | V-2 / HB | V-0 / HB | V-0 | V-2 / HB |
| Dimension | Advantages (Pros) | Disadvantages (Cons) |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanical Properties | High Impact Strength: Top toughness among general plastics; extremely difficult to break. | Stress Sensitive: Prone to stress cracking and poor fatigue resistance. |
| Optical Properties | Highly Transparent: Light transmittance of 89% - 92%, comparable to glass. | Easily Scratched: Low surface hardness makes it susceptible to scratches. |
| Thermal Performance | Good Temperature Resistance: Long-term use up to 120°C, higher for short durations. | Hydrolytic Stability: May undergo hydrolysis when used in high-heat and high-humidity environments. |
| Processing Performance | Dimensional Stability: Extremely low mold shrinkage allows for high part precision. | Difficult Processing: High melt viscosity requires high pressure from injection molding machines. |
| Environmental Safety | Odorless & Non-toxic: Classified as an environmentally friendly material. | Fair Chemical Resistance: Poor resistance to strong alkalis, ketones, esters, and aromatic solvents. |
| Dimension | Selection Reason (The "Why") | Practical Value |
|---|---|---|
| Extreme Impact Resistance | Impact strength is 250 times that of ordinary glass. | Safety & Durability: Product won't break under high drops or heavy impacts, reducing after-sales costs. |
| Superior Transparency | Transmittance around 90% with stable optical performance. | Glass/Acrylic Replacement: Achieves a glass-like look while solving fragility and brittleness issues. |
| High Thermal Stability | Long-term service temperature up to approx. 120°C. | Adaptability: Ideal for automotive heat, high-power appliances, and industrial lighting. |
| Precision Control | Very low mold shrinkage (0.5%-0.7%) and low water absorption. | Precision Manufacturing: Perfect for electronic components and light guide plates with high assembly accuracy. |
| Flame Retardancy | Inherent self-extinguishing properties; easily modified to UL94 V-0. | Compliance: Simplifies passing global safety certifications like UL and CE. |
| Medical & Food Grade | Withstands steam/radiation sterilization; available in food-safe grades. | Market Entry: Ideal for medical devices and high-end infant products (e.g., bottles, cups). |
| Property | PC (Polycarbonate) | PMMA (Acrylic) | Glass |
|---|---|---|---|
| Impact Strength | Extreme (Rank 1) | Low (Brittle) | Very Low (Fragile) |
| Heat Resistance | High (120°C) | Low (85°C) | Very High |
| Transmittance | Excellent (89%) | Superior (92%) | Excellent (90%) |
| Surface Hardness | Fair (Easy to scratch) | Excellent (Scratch resistant) | Superior (Hard) |
| Weight | Lightweight | Lightweight | Heavy |
| Processability | Excellent (Injection/Extrusion) | Good | Poor (Requires deep processing) |
| Process Stage | Parameter | Recommended Range | Technical Key Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-drying | Temp / Time | 120°C / >4 Hours | Critical Metric: Moisture must be below 0.02%; otherwise, hydrolysis occurs, leading to total loss of strength. |
| Melt Temperature | Temp Range | 270°C - 320°C | High processing temperatures; avoid excessive residence time in the barrel to prevent degradation. |
| Mold Temperature | Temp Range | 80°C - 120°C | High mold temp helps reduce internal stress and improves surface gloss. |
| Injection Pressure | Pressure Level | 80 - 150 MPa | High viscosity; requires high injection pressure to ensure proper mold filling. |
| Shrinkage Rate | Ratio | 0.5% - 0.7% | Extremely high dimensional accuracy; first choice for precision structural components. |
| Modification Type | Additives | Purpose of Improvement | Application Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| PC/ABS Alloy | ABS Blend | Reduce cost, improve processing fluidity, and increase low-temperature toughness. | Car interiors, laptop shells, power banks |
| Reinforced PC | Glass Fiber (GF) | Greatly increase modulus and rigidity; lower thermal expansion coefficient. | Structural brackets, industrial fans, pump housings |
| Wear-Resistant PC | PTFE (Teflon), Silicone Oil | Lower friction coefficient and improve wear resistance. | Gears, shafts, precision transmission parts |
| Diffusion PC | Light Diffuser | Achieve "light-transmitting but non-transparent point" effect with soft light. | LED lampshades, backlights |
Industry Applications
Transparent Chargers
High thermal stability paired with UL94 V-0 flame retardancy for next-gen consumer electronics.
Tail Lights & Exterior
UV resistance and weatherability for critical automotive lighting components.
Optical (VR Lenses)
Molecular precision for ultra-high light transmission and low haze.
Industrial Structures
Unparalleled impact resistance for protective shields and safety panels.
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