A GUIDE TO POLYCARBONATE

Polycarbonate isn’t as well-known as some other plastics, so we’ve created a guide with some basic information and some of the benefits this material offers. What is Polycarbonate? Polycarbonate is a thermoplastic polymer containing carbonate groups and is formed by the reaction between bisphenol A and phosgene. Another name for this material is ‘Polycarbonate of Bisphenol A’. This plastic can be put through the extrusion process, and has a high level of strength and durability as well as being easily worked and shaped. The raw material has outstanding levels of light transmission which makes it a close match for glass in lots of applications. Benefits of Polycarbonate Polycarbonate is widely used, especially in the construction industry where its properties, price and flexibility bodes well for its desirability. Strength This material is renowned for its incredible strength and durability. It is roughly 250 times stronger than glass, and 30 times stronger than other plastics that have similar properties, such as acrylic. Polycarbonate is great for applications and industries that demand a high level of safety guidelines. It’s highly resistant to force which makes any damage to the material unlikely. Transparency The transparency of polycarbonate means it is useful in a number of situations where other plastics or glass would not suitable. Sheets of polycarbonate are lighter than glass sheets of the same size which makes them safer and easier to transport. Polycarbonate sheets also come with UV protection filters, this is an added bonus when compared to glass, which is another reason that this material is often chosen over glass. Ease of Working The lightweight nature of polycarbonate makes it incredibly easy to work with and cut to different shapes to fit most applications. You can fix the material with bolts, screws and nuts which makes it flexible for using in most applications and industries. It can be made and constructed into many different shapes and sizes through the processes of thermoforming, cold curving or standard machining – in fact, it can often even be formed at room temperature without cracking or breaking, and has a fantastic response when heat is applied. Heat Resistance The melting point of polycarbonate is 155 degrees celsius, meaning that once it has hit this point the plastic can be cooled and reheated again without any damage. Applying heat to this material will not impact the effectiveness of the product or the applications in which it can be used. This also makes the material completely recyclable. Due to its high melting point, polycarbonate has a high resistance to heat in most everyday situations. It stays stable in high temperatures, which gives it great shock resistance and it’s also resistant to humidity making it perfect for warmer climates as well as cooler. How Do You Use Polycarbonate? Polycarbonate is produced to different grades, and the end-use of the materials depends on which grade, size and brand you use. Below we have listed some of the more general uses for Polycarbonate, these don’t tend to be dependent on the grade of the material: Safety glazing: Due to its transparency and durability, polycarbonate is an excellent replacement for glass when it comes to safety glazing. Polycarbonate is often used to create equipment such as riot shields; it’s strong and durable, but won’t smash when struck. Greenhouses: The UV transparency of polycarbonate makes it an ideal plastic to use in greenhouse structures. It is also less likely to be affected by the weather, either hot or cold. It can also be used in other similar applications, such as skylights and even glasses lenses as it’s so lightweight. It will also resist yellowing or colouring and generally look better aesthetically. Roofing: Polycarbonate, as we already know, is often used as a substitute for glass, so is often used in roofing. Different grades and types, such as twin wall or multiwall polycarbonate, also provide additional insulation, making them an even better choice. Technology: Polycarbonate’s lightweight nature makes it ideal for use in phones and laptops. It creates light but very robust equipment. As you can see, polycarbonate has a great number of benefits that set it aside as a fantastic plastic, especially when it comes to safety and resistance. If you’re looking to use polycarbonate in one of your next applications, contact us at Rayda to find out how we might be able to help you.

For more information on A GUIDE TO POLYCARBONATE talk to Rayda Plastics Ltd