Prospector

Polycarbonate (PC)

Polycarbonate (PC) - This material is formed by a condensation polymerization resulting in a carbon that is bonded to three oxygens. The most common system for this polymerization is formed by a reaction of bisphenol A and phosgene. Applications of polycarbonate are almost always those which take advantage of its uniquely high impact strength and its exceptional clarity. These unique properties have resulted in applications such as bulletproof windows, break resistant lenses, compact discs, etc. More recently however, additional interest has resulted because of the low flammability of polycarbonate.

Polycarbonates (PC) were first prepared by Einhorn in 1898 and extensively researched until 1930 where they were discarded. Research was then started in the mid 1950s by General Electric and in 1958 the Polycarbonate popularity expanded to a global community. Today, approximately 75% of the Polycarbonate market is held by SABIC Innovative Plastics and Covestro (formerly Bayer MaterialScience).

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  • Electrical/Electronic Applications (2396)
  • Automotive Applications (1145)
  • Appliances (1050)
  • Lighting Applications (924)
  • Electrical Parts (895)
  • Computer Components (801)
  • Cell Phones (789)
  • Housings (768)
  • Medical/Healthcare Applications (593)
  • General Purpose (507)
  • 203 more...
  • Flame Retardant (2091)
  • Good Mold Release (857)
  • UV Stabilized (739)
  • High Flow (660)
  • Good Impact Resistance (649)
  • High Heat Resistance (554)
  • PFAS not intentionally added (535)
  • High Impact Resistance (507)
  • Bromine Free (462)
  • Halogen Free (456)
  • 188 more...

Considerations

  • Subject to stress cracking
  • Fairly high processing temperatures required
  • Degrades upon extended residence time in processing equipment
  • Chemical resistance is only fair
  • Aromatic sensitivity