What is Polycarbonate?

science engineering

Polycarbonate is a versatile, tough plastic used for a variety of applications, from bulletproof windows to compact disks (CDs). The main advantage of polycarbonate over other types of plastic is unbeatable strength combined with light weight. While acrylic is 17% stronger than glass, polycarbonate is nearly unbreakable. Bulletproof windows and enclosures as seen inside banks or at drive-throughs are often made of polycarbonate. Add to this the advantage that polycarbonate is just one-third the weight of acrylic, or one-sixth as heavy as glass, and the only drawback is that it is more expensive than either acrylic or glass.

Compact disks and digital versatile discs (DVDs) are perhaps the most readily recognized examples of polycarbonate. If you’ve ever archived files on a writable CD, then later tried to break it before throwing it away, you know just how tough polycarbonate can be!

Clear polycarbonate is used to make eyeglasses because of its excellent transparency, durability, and high infraction index. This means that it bends light to a far greater degree than glass or other plastics of equal thickness. Since prescription lenses bend light to correct vision, polycarbonate lenses can be far thinner than glass or conventional plastic, making polycarbonate the ideal material for heavy prescriptions. Thin polycarbonate lenses correct poor vision beautifully without distorting the face or the size of the eyes, yet this extremely thin lens is virtual indestructible, an important safety factor for children and active adults.

Polycarbonate lenses are also used in quality sunglasses that incorporate filters to block ultra-violet (UV) rays and near-UV rays. The lenses can also be polarized to block glare, and their high impact resistance makes them perfect for sports. Many sunglasses manufacturers choose polycarbonate because it can be easily shaped without problems like cracking or splitting, resulting in extremely lightweight, distortion-free, fashionable glasses that feature all of the health benefits doctors recommend.

Polycarbonate is also used in the electronics industry. Apple’s original iMac featured polycarbonate mixed with clear colors for a transparent computer case. Many cell phones, pagers, and laptops also use clear or opaque polycarbonate in their casings.

Other uses for polycarbonate include greenhouse enclosures, automobile headlights, outdoor fixtures, and medical industry applications, though the list is virtually endless. Somewhat less toxic than polyvinyl chloride (PVC) to produce, polycarbonate nevertheless requires toxic chemicals in its production phase. It is, however, recyclable and environmentally preferable to PVC in applications for which either material can be used.

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16
Is a polycarb lens easier to "see through" than a plastic lens, assuming that a glass lens would be the gold-standard of clarity? For instance, "seeing through" a glass window is always clear and easier than a plastic window. How does it compare? Dale in Humble, Texas
- anon43490
15
Does polycarbonate get more brittle with age? If so what causes that aging? (UV breaking the polymer chain /temperature, etc.)
- anon43109
14
Is it safe to clean the goggles with percept wipes (hydrogen peroxide)?
- anon42129
13
I am noticing that the lenses on my car headlights are turning yellow and dull. How can i fix this? What can i use to clean? Can i make my own cleaning solution with ordinary products?
- anon40160
12
hi. can you help?

What are the names of companies specialized in the production of plates polycarbonate in the world and what is the machines used in the industry plates polycarbonate used in the manufacture of cards.

thank you

- yaserfarouq
11
How do you differentiate between PET (Polyurethene Terapthalate used to make mineral water bottles) and polycarbonate
- anon35853
10
what can i use to dissolve polycarbonate on my injection moulding machine
- anon35435
9
Does polycarbonate outgased when it is used in food industry as food containers and drink dispensers?
- anon28628
8
I want to build semi-acoustic panels for a home theater. I have the fabric and foam. What is a good lightweight rigid substrate to use for the backing?
- anon26350
7
Is polycarbonate stain free or stain resistant? I want to buy a blender with the cup made out of this material. I will be using it to blend red chile for making tamales and want to know if it will stain.
- GrandmaSandi
6
Ernestpino,

There are optical quality grades of polycarbonate available. Sabic Innovative Plastics has multiple polycarbonate optical quality grades availabe depending upon the melt flow requirements of your application. One such grade is Lexan (tradename) OQ3820.

You can reduce scratches by having a silicone hardcoat applied over the top of the Lexan. This is typically done in as a secondary step after molding. You may want to reconsider who is molding your application, doesn't sound like they are very knowledgeable with regards to polycarbonate!

- anon16498
4
I'm looking to buy a food dehydrator for what is called "living Food" or "Raw Foods". My concern is one company that is recommended uses polycarbonate on their device. Does anyone know if there is Toxins being release into the food as you dehydrate? I believe the highest temp set is 145. We've been told the whole ordeal about heating plastics (microwave)....I understand that's a higher temp/ and works differently.

I'm buy a dehydrator to get the most benefits of my health......not hinder it.

- rmoratti
3
I have invented a safety product that is made of polycarbonate I need it to be polished so it is clear as my glasses. what specification should I ask for? Also the molder cannot answer my question of how to make it scratch resistant, is there something that can be added to the mix? last question: how to achieve the polarized effect on the lens.

Thanks Ernest

- ernestpino
1
What can I use to dissolve polycarbonate on my injection moulding machine nozzles?
- anon8955

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Written by R. Kayne
Last Modified: 29 August 2009

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