Resin Families

Polycarbonate (PC)

All Resin Families

PC is an amorphous thermoplastic with a glass transition temperature of approximately 150ºC, allowing it to be used at elevated temperatures. Probably its most notable property is its very high impact resistance. PC offers some of the highest impact/toughness properties of any thermoplastic material.

Because it is an amorphous polymer, PC offers very good dimensional stability, uniform mold shrinkage and low tendency for warpage. PC is inherently transparent and therefore is very suited for use in applications requiring transparency, such as lenses, windows, signs, etc. PC also offers good mechanical properties such as strength, stiffness and creep resistance as well as good temperature resistance. In addition, a wide range of additives can be used to produce PC products that have excellent UV resistance or flame retardancy. Because PC has good electrical properties it is often used in electrical / electronic applications such as housings, cell phones, computers, etc

Polymer Characteristics

  • Very high impact / toughness
  • Transparency / clarity
  • Good temperature resistance
  • Dimensional stability / low warpage
  • Good mechanical properties
  • Good creep resistance
  • Good electrical properties
  • Can be made flame retardant, UV resistant

Grades

  • Carbon fiber
  • Glass fiber
  • Glass fiber/milled
  • Stainless steel fiber
  • Flame retardant
  • UV stabilized
  • Lubricated
  • Medical
  • Lighting/Diffusion
  • Branched

Processing Methods

  • Injection molding
  • Extrusion
  • Blow molding

Typical Applications

  • Vacuum cleaners
  • Lenses, eyewear
  • Safety helmets
  • Computer, phone housings
  • Electrical appliances
  • Automotive headlamps
  • Sporting goods
  • CD /DVD
  • Sheet

Trade Names

Covestro Makrolon®, Covestro Apec®, Ravago Hylex®, Mitsubishi Iupilon®, Enviroplas®