Polycarbonate
POLYCARBONATE
Polycarbonate (PC) is one of the most versatile and popular engineering plastics globally. A high-performance, amorphous thermoplastic, it is renowned for combining ultra-high impact resistance with excellent optical clarity and dimensional stability.
Virtually unbreakable, Polycarbonate is the material of choice for demanding applications where safety, security, and durability are paramount. At Plastock, we offer a comprehensive range of Polycarbonate in sheet, rod, and tube forms, including engineering grades and UV-stabilized versions (UV2) for outdoor longevity.
Key Properties
Mechanical & Physical
- Exceptional Impact Strength
Up to 200–250 times stronger than glass and significantly tougher than acrylic. - High Optical Clarity
Transmits approximately 88–90% of light, providing a clear view similar to glass. - Lightweight
Less than half the weight of standard glass, making it easier to handle and install. - Dimensional Stability
Low moisture absorption ensures parts remain consistent in size and shape.
Chemical & Thermal
- Wide Temperature Range
Maintains structural integrity in extreme environments, typically from -40°C to +120°C. - Flame Retardant
Excellent fire performance, with many grades achieving UL94 V-0 or V-2 ratings. - Workability
Easily machined, drilled, and CNC routed. It can also be cold-bent or thermoformed into complex shapes.
COMMON APPLICATIONS
Technical Details
| TEST METHOD | VALUE | VALUE (IMPERIAL) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| PHYSICAL PROPERTIES | |||
| Density | ISO 1183 | 1.20 g/cm³ | 0.043 lb/in³ |
| Water Absorption (24h) | ISO 62 | 0.15% | 0.15% |
| Water Absorption (Saturation) | ISO 62 | 0.35% | 0.35% |
| MECHANICAL PROPERTIES (at 23°C) | |||
| Tensile Strength at Yield | ISO 527 | 65 MPa | 9,400 psi |
| Tensile Modulus of Elasticity | ISO 527 | 2,350 MPa | 340 ksi |
| Elongation at Yield | ISO 527 | 6% | 6% |
| Elongation at Break | ISO 527 | >50% | >50% |
| Flexural Strength | ISO 178 | 90 MPa | 13,000 psi |
| Flexural Modulus | ISO 178 | 2,300 MPa | 333 ksi |
| Charpy Impact (Notched) | ISO 179 | 35 kJ/m² | 16.6 ft-lb/in² |
| Rockwell Hardness | ISO 2039-2 | R 118 | R 118 |
| THERMAL PROPERTIES | |||
| Melting Temperature | ISO 11357 | 225-250°C | 437-482°F |
| Heat Deflection Temp (1.8 MPa) | ISO 75 | 135°C | 240°F |
| Max. Service Temp (Long Term) | 115°C | 212°F | |
| Min. Service Temp | -40°C | -40°F | |
| Thermal expansion (CLTE) | ISO 11359 | 6.5 x 10⁻⁵/K | 3.6 x 10⁻⁵/°F |
| Thermal Conductivity | ISO 8302 | 0.20 W/(K·m) | 1.39 BTU·in/(hr·ft²·°F) |
| Flammability Rating | UL 94 | V-2/HB | V-2/HB |
| ELECTRICAL PROPERTIES | |||
| Dielectric Strength | IEC 60243 | 30 kV/mm | |
| Volume Resistivity | IEC 60093 | 10¹⁴ Ω·cm | |
| Surface Resistivity | IEC 60093 | 10¹⁵ Ω | |
| Dielectric Constant (1 MHz) | IEC 60250 | 2.9 | |
| Dissipation Factor (1 MHz) | IEC 60250 | 0.001 |
These values are typical averages and should be used for material selection and design guidance only.
Technical Details
| TEST METHOD | VALUE | |
|---|---|---|
| PHYSICAL PROPERTIES | ||
| Density | ISO 1183 | 1.20 g/cm³ |
| Water Absorption (24h) | ISO 62 | 0.15% |
| Water Absorption (Saturation) | ISO 62 | 0.35% |
| MECHANICAL PROPERTIES | ||
| Tensile Strength at Yield | ISO 527 | 65 MPa |
| Tensile Modulus of Elasticity | ISO 527 | 2,350 MPa |
| Elongation at Yield | ISO 527 | 6% |
| Elongation at Break | ISO 527 | >50% |
| Flexural Strength | ISO 178 | 90 MPa |
| Flexural Modulus | ISO 178 | 2,300 MPa |
| Charpy Impact (Notched) | ISO 179 | 35 kJ/m² |
| Rockwell Hardness | ISO 2039-2 | R 118 |
| THERMAL PROPERTIES | ||
| Melting Temperature | ISO 11357 | 225-250°C |
| Heat Deflection Temp (1.8 MPa) | ISO 75 | 135°C |
| Max. Service Temp (Long Term) | 115°C | |
| Min. Service Temp | -40°C | |
| Thermal expansion (CLTE) | ISO 11359 | 6.5 x 10⁻⁵/K |
| Thermal Conductivity | 0.20 W/(K·m) | |
| Flammability Rating | UL 94 | V-2/HB |
| ELECTRICAL PROPERTIES | ||
| Dielectric Strength | IEC 60243 | 30 kV/mm |
| Volume Resistivity | IEC 60093 | 10¹⁴ Ω·cm |
| Surface Resistivity | IEC 60093 | 10¹⁵ Ω |
| Dielectric Constant (1 MHz) | IEC 60250 | 2.9 |
| Dissipation Factor (1 MHz) | IEC 60250 | 0.001 |
These values are typical averages and should be used for material selection and design guidance only.
CHEMICAL RESISTANCE
| CATEGORY | REPRESENTATIVE SUBSTANCE | RATING | NOTES |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acids (Weak) | Acetic Acid, Boric Acid | A | Excellent stability against most organic and dilute mineral acids |
| Acids (Strong) | Sulfuric or Hydrochloric Acid | B | Generally resistant at low concentrations, but highly concentrated strong acids can cause surface etching. |
| Alcohols | Ethanol, Isopropyl | B | Acceptable for short-term contact (cleaning), prolonged exposure or high concentrations can lead to crazing. |
| Alkalis (Bases) | Sodium Hydroxide | C | Alkalis chemically attack the polymer chain, leading to rapid embrittlement and loss of transparency. |
| Aromatic Hydrocarbons | Benzene, Toluene | C | Acts as partial solvents, causing immediate and severe stress cracking (crazing) upon contact. |
| Chlorinated Solvents | Methylene Chloride | C | Highly aggressive, will dissolve or significantly swell the material, destroying its structural integrity. |
| Fuels | Petrol, Diesel, Kerosene | B | Resistant to most standard fuels, though certain additives may cause minor surface changes over long periods. |
| Ketones | Acetone, Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) | C | xtremely high risk of stress cracking. Even small amounts of vapor can damage the surface finish. |
| Oxidizing Agents | Hydrogen Peroxide, Ozone | B | Generally stable, though high concentrations can cause slight yellowing or surface oxidation over time. |
| Water / Steam | Boiling Water, Pressurised Steam | C | While water-resistant at room temp, hot water above 60°C causes hydrolysis making the plastic brittle. |
RATING SCALE:
A (Excellent): Little to no effect.
B (Good/Fair): Minor swelling or slight changes in properties; acceptable for short-term exposure.
C (Poor): Severe degradation or stress cracking. Not recommended.
CHEMICAL RESISTANCE
| CATEGORY | EXAMPLE | RATING |
|---|---|---|
| Acids (Weak) | Acetic Acid, Boric Acid | B |
| Acids (Strong) | Sulfuric or Hydrochloric Acid | C |
| Alcohols | Ethanol, Isopropanol | A |
| Alkalis (Bases) | Sodium Hydroxide | A |
| Aromatic Hydrocarbons | Benzene, Toluene | A |
| Chlorinated Solvents | Methylene Chloride | B |
| Fuels | Petrol, Diesel, Kerosene | A |
| Ketones | Acetone, Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) | A |
| Oxidizing Agents | ydrogen Peroxide, Ozone | C |
| Water / Steam | Hot Water (>60°C) | B |
RATING SCALE:
A (Excellent): Little to no effect.
B (Good/Fair): Minor swelling or slight changes in properties; acceptable for short-term exposure.
C (Poor): Severe degradation or stress cracking. Not recommended.
FAQ
SERVICES
Plastock has extensive experience in all cutting, laser and manufacturing techniques across a huge range of industries and materials using the latest technologies. With expert engineering knowledge and world class equipment, we can help with the design, development, fabrication and installation or your project. No job is too big or too small.
SERVICES
Plastock has extensive experience in all cutting, laser and manufacturing techniques across a huge range of industries and materials using the latest technologies. With expert engineering knowledge and world class equipment, we can help with the design, development, fabrication and installation or your project. No job is too big or too small.
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