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PC Polycarbonate Material Properties and Grades Selection Guide
Complete guide to polycarbonate (PC) engineering plastic. Covers optical properties, impact strength, UV resistance, flame retardant grades, and application selection criteria.
Introduction
Polycarbonate (PC) is a transparent engineering thermoplastic with exceptional impact strength (250-900 J/m notched Izod). Its unique combination of transparency, toughness, and heat resistance makes it irreplaceable in many applications.
PC Material Fundamentals: Optical and Mechanical Properties
PC fundamentals: (1) Light transmission: 88-90% (clear grade); (2) Refractive index: 1.586; (3) Notched Izod impact: 600-900 J/m (vs 50-100 for PMMA); (4) Continuous service temperature: 115-125°C; (5) Density: 1.2 g/cm3.
UV Resistance and Weatherability Solutions
Standard PC has poor UV resistance and yellows within 1-2 years outdoors. Solutions: (1) Co-extruded UV-protective cap layer; (2) UV-absorbing additive packages; (3) PC/Acrylic alloy (better UV resistance); (4) Surface hard-coating for dual UV + scratch protection.
Flame Retardant PC Grades: UL94 Compliance
Flame retardant PC grades achieve UL94 V-0 at 1.5mm thickness without halogens (phosphorus-based FR systems). NAGOMER CR12N series meets: UL94 V-0, GWFI 850°C, and low smoke density (EN 45545-2 for railway applications).
Glass-Fiber Reinforced PC: Properties and Applications
Glass-fiber reinforced PC (10-40% GF) offers: (1) Increased tensile modulus (to 12 GPa); (2) Improved creep resistance; (3) Reduced thermal expansion; (4) Enhanced HDT (to 145°C at 1.82 MPa with 30% GF). Trade-off: reduced impact strength and opacity.
Conclusion: PC Grade Selection Workflow
PC grade selection workflow: (1) Is transparency required? Yes → standard/clear PC. No → consider opaque PC alloys. (2) UV exposure? Yes → UV-stabilized or PC/Acrylic alloy. (3) Flame resistance? Yes → FR PC grade. (4) High temperature/creep? Yes → GF-reinforced PC. NAGOMER‘s PC portfolio covers all these variants with technical datasheets available.
Contact NAGOMER today for a free sample and technical datasheet.