Plastic Properties of Polycarbonate (PC)
 
Polycarbonate (PC) is a linear polycarbonic acid ester prepared from a dihydric phenol. Polycarbonate possesses extraordinarily good dimensional stability with a high impact strength which is maintained over a wide temperature range. This makes PC ideal for the manufacture of laboratory safety shields, vacuum desiccators and centrifuge tubes.

Polycarbonate may be autoclaved (maximum continuous working temperature 130° Celsius, and 140° Celsius for short periods), but some loss in mechanical strength occurs on repeated autoclaving and the equipment should not then be used for vacuum applications. The carbonate linkages in the chain make the material subject to reaction with a variety of concentrated acids and bases and it is soluble in various organic solvents.

Polycarbonate Resistance:		Polycarbonate Quick Facts:
Excellent resistance (no attack) to dilute acids and mineral oils		• Max Temp: 250°F 121°C • Min Temp: -211°F -135°C • Autoclavable: Yes • Melting Point: 300°F 149°C • Tensile Strength: 10,000 psi	• Hardness: R75 • UV Resistance: Good • Clear • Rigid • Specific Gravity: 1.20
Good resistance (minor attack) to Alcohols and vegetable oils
Limited resistance (moderate attack and suitable for short term use only) to Aldehydes
Poor resistance (not recommended for use with) with Concentrated Acids, Bases, Esters, Aliphatic Hydrocarbons, Aromatic Hydrocarbons, Halogenated Hydrocarbons, Ketones and Oxidizing Agents
Polycarbonate Fabrication:		Additional Information:
• Polycarbonate is one of the toughest transparent sheets available, about 300 times stronger than single-strength glass. • Perfect for guards and glazing. Polycarb machines well and brake forms cold. • Can be joined mechanically, solvent bonded, and welded with lots of practice. • Typical uses include windows, machine guards, and demonstration shields. • Typical uses include windows, machine guards, and demonstration shields.		• Chemical Properties A-F • Chemical Properties G-Z • Physical Properties • Use and Care of Plastics The downloads above are Adobe PDF files and require Adobe Acrobat Reader	ABS Acetal Acrylic HDPE LDPE	Nylon PC PP PTFE PVC