Polycarbonate

What are Polycarbonates?

Polycarbonates are considered to be special types of polyesters in which groups of dihyudric phenols are linked through carbonate groups. Perhaps one of the best known trade names in plastics is Lexan which is a polycarbonate. Polycarbonate, with its mechanical and engineering applications, will be reviewed here.

While more than a dozen performance characteristics of polycarbonate are utilized singly or in combinations, seven are most commonly relied on. These are high impact strength, water-clear transparency, good creep resistance, wide use temperature range, dimensional stability, abrasion resistance, hardness, and rigidity despite its ductility.

Polycarbonate’s properties are unique for a thermoplastic material. It is the toughest material that you can see through. Polycarbonate is many times stronger than acrylic, yet has the toughness and ductility associated with the softer and more rubbery materials. Polycarbonate has high resistance to deformation under load and at temperature extremes and its thermal expansion and contraction is significantly below that of acrylic or butryate.

Zelux® W – Polycarbonate Sheet
Zelux polycarbonate is a transparent engineering plastic with excellent dimensional stability and good mechanical and electrical properties. It is used for structural applications when clarity and impact strength are essential including lenses, manifolds, site glasses, and machine guards. Zelux is used for a wide range of electrical applications since it has low moisture absorption and good insulating properties.

In addition to clear and colored sheet, polycarbonate is available in rod, tubing, extruded profiles, and film.