POLYCARBONATE - PC : range of processed raw materials
Characteristics of the PC
SPECIFIC CHARACTERISTICS
Remarkable impact resistance, high degree of
stiffness.
Good dimensional stability and low tendency to
warp.
Good electrical and dielectric properties.
Food-use approved, non-toxic (odourless and
tasteless).
Sterilisable.
Transparency.
PC has very good optical properties.
Refractive index: ND25 = 1.585+1.
Light transmission: 90% (+1)
PC dissolves in methylene chloride, the solution used to bond it.
PC can be sterilized, but continuous immersion in water at over 60°C causes it to undergo hydrolysis and lose its mechanical properties.
PC can be used for applications where it is in contact with food products.
SPECIFIC PROPERTIES
PC stands out for its excellent impact
resistance, both in the cold and up to 100°C.
Impact resistance may decrease at low
temperatures (-10°C to -30°C) or in the
presence of chemicals that cause cracking.
It also has good rigidity, a flexural modulus
greater than 2300 N/mm2, low elongation at
break, and elastic behaviour until break.
PC has a large usage range
-100°C to +135°C.
Heat distortion temperature under load
(HDT - 1.8 N/mm2) 138°C.
Glass transition temperature: Tg = 150°C.
Fusion zone @ 250°C.
PC has good electrical properties;
temperature and humidity have little effect.
Breakdown voltage: 16 to 19 KV/mm at a
thickness of 3.2 mm, similar to epoxy, HDPE,
PP, PBT, PET.
Tracking resistance.
(IEC 112, 3.2 mm thick) 280 V. The tracking resistance is quite low due to the high proportion of benzene rings in the molecule > charring > conductivity.