What material is polycarbonate made of?

Polycarbonate is a polyester made by the condensation of carbonic acid HO–CO–OH and bisphenol A HO–(C6H6)–C(CH3)2–(C6H6)–OH.

Is polycarbonate a hard material?

Polycarbonate is a thermoplastic that comes in a transparent sheet. It is incredibly tough and absorbs minimal moisture, making it resistant to impact damage as well as water damage.

What are the different grades of polycarbonate?

Types of Polycarbonate Sheet

  • Clear Polycarbonate.
  • Colored/Tinted Polycarbonate.
  • Mirrored Polycarbonate.
  • Bulletproof Polycarbonate.
  • Abrasion-Resistant (AR) Polycarbonate.
  • Anti-Static Polycarbonate.
  • Flame Retardant Polycarbonate.
  • FDA-Approved Polycarbonate.

What is the raw material of polycarbonate?

Polycarbonate, like other plastics, starts with the distillation of hydrocarbon fuels into lighter groups called “fractions” some of which are combined with other catalysts to produce plastics (typically via polymerization or polycondensation).

What are the disadvantages of polycarbonate?

The main disadvantage of polycarbonate is that it isn’t resistant to scratches. For example, if a branch should happen to fall on a patio canopy made of polycarbonate, it may be scratched. This problem can be solved by polishing the polycarbonate.

Is used to make polycarbonate?

Polycarbonate, or specifically polycarbonate of bisphenol A, is a clear plastic used to make shatterproof windows, lightweight eyeglass lenses, and such. We call it polycarbonate of bisphenol A because it is made from bisphenol A and phosgene.

Which is strong plastic or polycarbonate?

Let us compare polycarbonate and plastics in a few areas of functionality to see which one proves better. Polycarbonate provides up to 89% light transmission while plastic provides 80%. Polycarbonate provides excellent impact and weather resistance, compared to the average resistance in case of plastics.

What is the strongest polycarbonate?

referred to Lexan® (SABIC) or Makrolon® (Bayer) Polycarbonate Sheets. Polycarbonate is by far one of the strongest (highest impact resistant) plastic materials, and is warranted against breakage.

How expensive is polycarbonate?

Clear LEXAN 9034 Polycarbonate Sheet

Stock Description Price
43041 0.375″ (9.5mm) x 12″ x 12″ Clear LEXAN ™ 9034 Polycarbonate Sheet $21.99/Sheet In Stock $21.99/Sheet In Stock
43042 0.472″ (12.7mm) x 12″ x 12″ Clear LEXAN ™ 9034 Polycarbonate Sheet $29.35/Sheet In Stock $29.35/Sheet In Stock

How long will polycarbonate last?

about 10 years
Advantages of a Polycarbonate Greenhouse Though polycarbonate is durable, it should be treated with UV protectant to prevent it from turning yellow or breaking down. With proper care, polycarbonate can last about 10 years, a fraction of how long glass lasts.

What are the pros and cons of polycarbonate?

Polycarbonate: Advantages and Disadvantages

Key polycarbonate advantages Polycarbonate disadvantages
Fire-resistant Vandal-proof Hardwearing Insulating Lightweight Easy to machine Sensitive to scratches Can expand

Does polycarbonate absorb water?

Polycarbonate absorbs water in two stages: in the initial period of absorption at an elevated temperature all of the water was found in an unassociated state when cooled to room temperature; and, in the second stage, most of the additional water absorbed by the polymer was identified in a separate liquid phase ( …