PC

Amorphous unbranched thermoplast; mostly applied in unreinforced (crystal clear) grades but also reinforced (with glass fibers, glas balls or carbon fibers). Also blended with ABS, ASA, PET, PBT and nowadays even with LCP for improved properties.
Polycarbonate combines a lot of good properties of metals, glass and plastics, such as the stiffness, impact strength, transparency, shape stability and thermal and electrical insulation properties.

Specific properties
Mass: 1,20 - 1,24 g/cm3
Mechanical properties: High strength and stiffness, good shape stability and little creep (up to 130 ºC). Tough at low temperatures (down to -100ºC). Hard and scratch resistant with a relatively low charpy resistance.

Thermal properties: good heat resistance and good shape stability up to +130ºC.. Sterilisable, even with steam sterilisation. Hard to burn but burns with lighting flame, flame retardant, very low smoke development although some will occur.

Colour/surface
In unreinforced grades: crystal clear. Reinforced grades opaque.
Can be coloured in almost every colour, transparent as well as opaque. High surface polish.

Processing
Well injection mouldable;
Well gluable with solvents although there is an existing risk of cracking due to tension caused by solvents.
Good weldability through different weld techniques;
Printable with special printing inks (tampon, film, silk screen printing)

Applications
- E&E/mechatronics: cores for solenoids, LED-lenses, lamp covers, connector housings, switchboxes, computer housings, CD ROM’s, DVD’s
- Optics: parts for microscopes, lenses, unbreakable glasses, scratch resistant coated headlights, housings for camera’s, light guiding elements
- Domestic appliances: cups and plates, baby bottles, lighters, hairdryers, coffee machines, shaver housings, parts for kitchen aids,
- Misc: helmet shells, helmet screens, safety glasses…