Polycarbonate is a plastic polymer belonging to the class of thermoplastics and is widely used in various fields: in construction, in instrumentation and engineering, in the electrical engineering industry, in lighting, in decoration, in furniture production, in packaging production, etc.
Properties of polycarbonate:
High hardness
· High impact resistance (one of the most impact-resistant thermoplastics, which makes it possible to use it as a construction material that replaces metals)
· Low specific gravity (much lighter than glass and acrylic)
· Heat resistance (operating temperature range from -50 to +120 оС)
· Chemical resistance (resistant to dilute acids, solutions of mineral salts, to lubricating oils, gasolines, but is destroyed in solutions of alkalis and ammonia)
· High soundproofing properties
· High thermal insulation properties
Good dielectric properties
· Low water absorption
· Low gas permeability
· Good optical properties (high transparency and uniform dispersion)
· Resistance to light aging (introduction of UV stabilizers)
· Fire resistance (introduction of flame retardants)
Has no smell and taste
· Physiologically harmless (inertness to food)
· Colorless
· Transparent
· Well-colored
· Simplicity of machining and assembly
· Recyclable
· Durability (as a consequence of all physical and chemical properties)
The physical and mechanical properties of polycarbonates are improved when reinforcing fibers are introduced into them. Reinforced polycarbonates are used in the manufacture of critical parts of machines, for example rolling bearings, cams, etc. They retain their properties and operational reliability in the temperature range from -200 to + 110 ° C, and also in vacuum.