Polycarbonate Sheet - Material Information

Polycarbonate (PC) is a transparent, amorphous thermoplastic polymer known for its exceptional impact resistance, optical clarity, and dimensional stability. Combining high toughness with good thermal resistance, polycarbonate is widely used in safety glazing, optical components, electronic housings, and medical devices. It remains ductile even at sub-zero temperatures, offering a unique combination of strength and processability among engineering plastics.

Material Overview

Polycarbonate exhibits a glass transition temperature (T_g) around 147 °C and maintains excellent mechanical properties across a broad temperature range. Its amorphous structure allows for high transparency and optical uniformity. According to Wei et al. (2024), PC’s nonlinear viscoelastic behavior contributes to superior energy absorption under dynamic loading, ensuring high impact resistance and deformation recovery. Sabet (2023) demonstrated that incorporating 0.2 wt% graphene oxide increased tensile strength by 26% and improved the glass transition temperature by nearly 5 °C, enhancing both thermal and mechanical stability. Moreover, Gallucci and DeRudder (2009) reported that PC’s inherent flame retardancy, stiffness, and optical clarity make it indispensable for applications in optical lenses, CDs, bullet-resistant panels, and automotive glazing. Hybrid materials such as PC/ABS blends, as investigated by Krache and Debah (2011), exhibit improved toughness and impact strength—achieving up to 88 kJ/m²—while maintaining transparency and heat resistance.

Applications and Advantages

Due to its balance of transparency, toughness, and thermal stability, polycarbonate is used in glazing systems, safety shields, helmets, and precision optical components. In electronics, it is favored for durable casings, light fittings, and lenses. Medical-grade PC is employed for sterilizable equipment, while construction and aerospace sectors use it for transparent panels, visors, and cockpit canopies. Zeng et al. (2023) further demonstrated the sustainability of polycarbonate-based copolymers synthesized from CO?-derived monomers, achieving similar strength (?52 MPa) and 92% optical transmittance, opening paths for greener, high-performance materials. Polycarbonate’s resistance to shattering and its ability to maintain mechanical integrity under heat and stress continue to make it a cornerstone polymer in engineering and consumer applications alike.

Goodfellow Availability

Goodfellow offers high-purity Polycarbonate (PC) sheets in various dimensions and thicknesses for research and industrial applications. Each sheet features consistent optical quality, low birefringence, and high mechanical uniformity. Custom formulations—including UV-stabilized and antistatic grades—are available upon request for precision engineering, optical, and safety applications.

Explore Polycarbonate (PC) and other advanced materials in Goodfellow’s online catalogue: Goodfellow product finder.

References

• Wei, G., Wang, J., Zhang, H., & Hu, J. (2024). Analysis and methods for studying the mechanical properties of polycarbonate subjected to dynamic loading situations. Mechanics of Advanced Materials and Structures. https://doi.org/10.1080/15376494.2024.2445350
• Sabet, M. (2023). The impact of graphene oxide on the mechanical and thermal strength properties of polycarbonate. Journal of Elastomers and Plastics, 55(2). https://doi.org/10.1177/00952443231160236
• Zeng, C., Ji, P., Qiu, Z., Li, Z., Wang, C., & Wang, H. (2023). Facile sustainable synthesis of polyester-polycarbonate and effects of the carbonate on thermal, mechanical, and transparency properties. ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering, 11(42). https://doi.org/10.1021/acssuschemeng.3c05515
• Krache, R., & Debah, I. (2011). Some mechanical and thermal properties of PC/ABS blends. Materials Sciences and Applications, 2(5), 537–543. https://doi.org/10.4236/MSA.2011.25052
• Gallucci, R. R., & DeRudder, J. L. (2009). Polycarbonate. In Encyclopedia of Polymer Science and Technology. Oxford University Press. https://doi.org/10.1093/oso/9780195181012.003.0078