EN
DE
PC
Material Type
Engineering Plastics
Material Full Name
Polystyrene
Process Compatibility
Injection Molding, CNC Machining
Basic Properties
Property |
Parameter/Performance |
Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical Name | Polycarbonate | Bisphenol-A type polymer with carbonate groups (-O-CO-O-) in backbone |
| Molecular Structure | Amorphous thermoplastic | High transparency, light transmission comparable to PMMA |
| Density | 1.20~1.22 g/cm³ | Heavier than PMMA, ~50% lighter than glass |
| Transparency | 88-90% light transmittance (3mm thickness) | Optical grades available (minimal blue light scattering) |
| Mechanical Properties | ||
| – Tensile Strength | 55-75 MPa | Superior creep resistance vs. PMMA/PS |
| – Impact Strength | 60-85 kJ/m² (notched Izod) | Unbreakable at room temperature; remains tough at -20℃ |
| Thermal Properties | ||
| – HDT (1.82MPa) | 130-140℃ | Increases to 145℃ with glass fiber reinforcement |
| – Service Temperature | -40℃~120℃ (short-term 135℃) | UL-rated long-term use temperature |
| Flammability | UL94 V0 (unreinforced)/V2 (glass-filled) | Inherently flame-retardant (no halogen additives required) |
| Electrical Properties | ||
| – Dielectric Strength | 15-22 kV/mm | Excellent high-frequency insulation |
Processing Characteristics
Drying Essential:
- 120℃ for 3-4 hours (moisture content <0.02%)
- Undried material causes silver streaks/bubbles
Melt Temperature:
- 280-320℃ (degrades above 350℃, releasing BPA)
Mold Temperature:
- 80-120℃ (higher temps reduce internal stress)
Post-Processing:
- Annealing (110-130℃ for 2 hours to relieve stress)
Common Application Areas
-
Optics: AR/VR lenses, laser protection windows
-
Electronics: Smartphone rear covers (5G antenna transparency), circuit breaker housings
-
Transportation: High-speed train windows, aircraft window inner layers
PC Modified Types
Type |
Characteristics |
Typical Applications |
|---|---|---|
| Standard PC | High transparency/impact resistance | Riot shields, safety goggles |
| Glass-Filled PC | 20-40% glass fiber, flexural strength >150 MPa | Drone frames, automotive dashboard structures |
| Light-Diffusing PC | Contains micron-scale scattering particles | LED covers, light guides |
| Medical-Grade PC | ISO 10993 biocompatibility compliant | Hemodialyzers, surgical instrument handles |
| PC/ABS Blend | Balanced heat resistance/flow/cost | Laptop housings, power tool casings |
Advantages & Disadvantages
Advantages |
Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Top-tier impact resistance (>30x PMMA at RT) | Poor solvent resistance (dissolves in acetone/chloroform) |
| Outstanding optical clarity | Prone to UV yellowing (requires stabilizers) |
| Inherent flame retardancy (V0) | Stress cracking risk (with oils/stress concentration) |
Other Engineering Plastics Selection
POM Materials
PA Materials
PI Materials
PET Materials
PEEK Materials
FAQ Of PC Materials
Visit our FAQ center for more questions.
What are the most outstanding performance advantages of PC plastic?
- Extremely high impact resistance (250x stronger than glass)
- Light transmittance up to 90% (can replace glass)
- Heat resistance (continuous use temperature around 120°C/248°F)
- Flame retardancy (some grades meet UL94 V-0 standard)
Why does PC plastic crack easily during processing? How to prevent it?
Root Causes:
- Notch sensitivity and susceptibility to stress cracking (exposure to solvents/oils or unrelieved processing stress)
Solutions:
- Thorough pre-drying (3-4 hours at 120°C/248°F, moisture <0.02%)
- Use high mold temperatures (80-120°C/176-248°F) to reduce residual stress
- Avoid contact with alcohols, acetone, etc.
- Select modified grades (e.g., PC/ABS blends for enhanced toughness)
How to choose between PC plastic and PMMA (acrylic)?
| Property | PC | PMMA |
|---|---|---|
| Impact Resistance | Excellent (safety gear) | Poor (brittle) |
| Light Transmission | 88-90% | >92% (higher clarity) |
| Scratch Resistance | Low (needs hard coating) | Slightly better than PC |
| Cost | Higher | Lower |
- Choose PC for impact-critical applications (e.g., helmet visors)
- Opt for PMMA when optical clarity and low cost are priorities (e.g., display cases)