Polycarbonate
Polycarbonate is a thermoplastic polymer known for its exceptional strength, transparency, and heat resistance. It was first developed in the 1950s and is used in a wide range of industrial and everyday applications, including construction, electronics, automotive, and medical technology.
Physical and Chemical Properties
Polycarbonate has several remarkable physical and chemical properties:
High strength and impact resistance: Polycarbonate is a very strong material that withstands high mechanical stresses.
Transparency: Polycarbonate is extremely transparent, with light transmittance of up to 90%, making it an ideal substitute for glass.
Heat resistance: Polycarbonate retains its properties even at high temperatures and is heat resistant up to about 150 °C.
Lightness: Polycarbonate is lighter than glass, making it easier to handle and install.
Mouldability: Polycarbonate is a thermoplastic material that becomes formable at high temperatures and retains its shape when cooled.
Chemical resistance: Polycarbonate is resistant to many chemicals and solvents.
Applications of Polycarbonate
Thanks to its unique properties, polycarbonate is widely used in many fields:
Construction: Used in windows, roofing sheets, partitions, and protective covers due to its transparency and strength.
Electronics: Used in housings, displays, and other components of electronic devices because of its heat resistance and mouldability.
Automotive industry: Used in headlights, taillights, and interior trim because of its impact resistance and transparency.
Medical technology: Used to manufacture medical devices, syringes, and protective glasses due to its sterilizability and durability.
Security: Used in bulletproof glass, protective shields, and helmets because of its high strength and impact resistance.
Optics: Used in eyeglass lenses and optical lenses because of its optical clarity and lightness.
Advantages of Using Polycarbonate
The use of polycarbonate offers numerous benefits:
High durability: Polycarbonate provides high strength and impact resistance, making it suitable for demanding applications.
Versatility: Polycarbonate can be used in a wide range of products and applications, from construction and electronics to medical technology and security.
Resistance: Polycarbonate is resistant to high temperatures, chemicals, and mechanical stresses, extending its lifespan.
Transparency: Polycarbonate offers excellent light transmission and clarity, making it ideal for optical applications.
Lightness: Polycarbonate is lighter than glass, making it easier to handle and install.
Summary
Polycarbonate is a versatile and high-performance thermoplastic polymer with unique physical and chemical properties. It is widely used in construction, electronics, automotive, medical technology, security, and optics. The combination of high strength, transparency, heat resistance, and lightness makes polycarbonate an indispensable material in many fields.
Further Information
More information about polycarbonate and its applications can be found in textbooks on materials science and polymer chemistry as well as on specialised websites related to the plastics industry.