Polycarbonate (PC) is an amorphous engineering thermoplastic characterized by excellent mechanical, optical, thermal, and electrical properties. Owing to its well-balanced performance profile, PC is extensively used across automotive, electronics, construction, optical, medical, and consumer goods industries. It is particularly suitable for applications requiring high transparency, impact resistance, and dimensional stability.

1. Key Performance Characteristics

1.1 Optical Properties

• Light transmittance: 89%–92%, comparable to glass

• Refractive index: ~1.586, ideal for precision optical components

• Optical clarity and low birefringence for demanding light transmission applications

1.2 Mechanical Properties

• Impact strength: Exceptional (Izod impact strength >850 J/m, notched), far surpassing PMMA and PS

• Tensile strength: ~60 MPa

• Flexural modulus: Up to 2.3 GPa

• Maintains ductility at low and high temperatures

1.3 Thermal Properties

• Heat deflection temperature (HDT): 130–140°C

• Continuous use temperature: Up to 120°C

• Thermal expansion coefficient: Stable for dimensional control

1.4 Electrical Properties

• Volume resistivity: >10^16 Ω·cm

• Surface resistivity: >10^15 Ω

• Excellent dielectric strength and arc resistance

1.5 Weatherability / UV Resistance

• Base PC has limited UV stability, but performance can be significantly enhanced via UV stabilizers or co-extruded UV-resistant layers

• Suitable for long-term outdoor applications with proper treatment

1.6 Processability

• Versatile for injection molding, extrusion, blow molding, and thermoforming

• Available in a wide range of melt flow indices (2–30 g/10min) to suit different manufacturing needs

2. Application Areas and Performance-Driven Material Selection

3. Common Modification Types

1. Glass Fiber Reinforced PC

   • Improved stiffness, dimensional accuracy, and HDT

   • Suitable for structural applications and enclosures

2. Flame Retardant PC

   • Halogen-free or halogenated systems to meet UL94 V-0 rating

   • Widely used in E&E components and appliances

3. UV-Stabilized PC

   • Enhanced outdoor durability for transparent parts

   • Prevents yellowing and mechanical degradation

4. PC Alloys (Blends)

   • PC/ABS: Improved low-temperature impact strength and processability

   • PC/PBT: Superior chemical resistance and toughness

   • PC/PMMA: Balanced optical and mechanical properties

5. ESD/Conductive PC

   • For anti-static or electrostatic discharge protection

   • Used in cleanroom equipment, electronics packaging

Conclusion

Polycarbonate is a high-performance thermoplastic offering an exceptional balance of optical clarity, mechanical strength, and thermal resistance. Its versatility is further enhanced through targeted modification, enabling tailored solutions across a wide range of demanding industries. With continuous advances in compounding and processing technologies, PC continues to be a material of choice for durable, safe, and aesthetically refined components.

Should you require support in selecting a specific PC grade for your application—whether optical, structural, flame-retardant, or outdoor-use—we are ready to provide tailored material recommendations and samples upon request.