Properties and Uses of Polycarbonates

Polycarbonates, known for their toughness in molded parts, typify the class of polymers known as engineering thermoplastics. These materials, designed to replace metals and glass in applications demanding strength and temperature resistance, offer advantages of light weight, low cost, and ease of fabrication.

Materials made from polycarbonates are transparent, strong, and heatand break-resistant. However, these materials are subject to stress cracking and can be attacked by weak alkalies and acids. Table 1.1 compares the properties of polycarbonates with other thermoplastic resins. Polycarbonates are used in a variety of articles such as laboratory safety shields, street light globes, and safety helmets. The maximum usage temperature for polycarbonate objects is 125°C.

Table 1.1:Properties of polycarbonates compared with some thermoplastics