Polycarbonate

Polycarbonates (PC) are primarily amorphous Thermoplastics composed of polymeric esters of carbonic acid and bivalent alcohols. They are colourless and transparent and can be coloured as required.

Polycarbonates are impact resistant, hard, very strong and weather and radiation resistant. They also exhibit high rigidity and are electrically non-conductive. Key properties include Resistance to water, mineral acids, saline solutions and oxidising agents and they are also impervious to a number of non-polar hydrocarbons, as well as oils and greases. By contrast, they are sensitive to chlorinated hydrocarbons, alkaline solutions, amines and ammonia.

Polycarbonates are used in applications that require increased hardness, impact and scratch resistance and good dimensional stability.

Polycarbonates are processed using a number of methods including Injection moulding and Extrusion. They can be welded using ultrasonic and high-frequency techniques.

Application areas include:

• Optical lenses
• Car headlights
• Aircraft windows
• Protective glazing
• Safety helmets
• Optical storage media
• Solar panels
• Medical products