Polycarbonate – what is it?
Polycarbonate is a polymeric material, which means that it consists of long chains of molecules linked together. Due to its chemical structure, polycarbonate has exceptional strength and flexibility. Its history dates back to the 1950s, when it was discovered by scientists looking for a material with better impact resistance than traditional glass.
The popularity of polycarbonate is due to its numerous advantages, which make it readily used in various industrial fields. Among the most important features of this material are:
– High transparency
– Low weight
– Impact resistance
Thanks to these properties, polycarbonate has found applications not only in the construction industry, but also in the automotive, aerospace and electronics industries.
Physical properties of polycarbonate
One of the most important properties of polycarbonate is its high transparency. Depending on the thickness of the panel, solid polycarbonate transmits 64% to 82% of light, making it an excellent substitute for glass in many applications. In addition, polycarbonate is much lighter than glass – its weight is about half that of traditional glass. This makes it easier to transport and install.
Not to forget the exceptional impact resistance of polycarbonate, which sets polycarbonate apart from other materials. The impact strength of polycarbonate is as high as 10 kJ/m², which is significantly higher than that of Plexiglas, whose impact strength is only 1.5 kJ/m². Thanks to this, polycarbonate as one of the most interesting types of plastics is used not only in construction, but also as a material for protective covers or bulletproof glass.
Thermal and chemical properties of polycarbonate
Polycarbonate is a material that stands out for its wide temperature range of use. Polycarbonate can be used in extreme conditions, from -30°C to +120°C, making it extremely versatile. As a result, it is used in various industries, such as heavy industry and aviation. Polycarbonate’s insulating abilities are equally impressive. Polycarbonate effectively protects against heat loss, which is particularly important in the construction industry, where it is often used to build modern greenhouses and conservatories.
When it comes to chemical resistance, polycarbonate is an extremely durable material. Polycarbonate is resistant to most inorganic acids and many organic acids and oxidants. Standard cleaning agents do not adversely affect its structure, although it is worth avoiding abrasive preparations that can scratch the surface. However, it should be remembered that some chemical compounds, such as acetone or toluene, can damage polycarbonate. Therefore, when cleaning surfaces made of polycarbonate, be careful and avoid aggressive solvents.
Types of polycarbonate
Polycarbonate is available in two main forms: solid and cellular. Each type of polycarbonate has its own unique properties and applications, which are worth learning about before making a choice. Solid polycarbonate is characterized by a uniform structure, which makes it extremely strong and impact-resistant. Thanks to its transparency, it is often used as a substitute for glass in areas where high resistance to mechanical damage is required. Cellular polycarbonate, on the other hand, consists of multiple layers that form air chambers, giving it excellent insulating properties. It is lighter than its solid counterpart and is used where both structural lightness and thermal insulation are important.
The choice between solid and cellular polycarbonate depends on the specific needs of the user. If the priority is maximum transparency and strength, solid polycarbonate will be the ideal solution. On the other hand, in situations requiring better thermal insulation and lighter weight, cellular polycarbonate will do just fine.
Application of polycarbonate
In the construction industry, polycarbonate is used in the construction of windows, doors, as well as canopies and balcony covers. Thanks to its lightness and durability, polycarbonate is an excellent substitute for traditional materials such as glass. Its weather resistance makes it indispensable in areas exposed to rain, snow or UV radiation.
The advantages of polycarbonate in construction cannot be overestimated. The material is not only lightweight, but also has high impact resistance, making it a safe choice for outdoor structures. Polycarbonate is also easy to work with, making it possible to create complex shapes and forms.
Another application of polycarbonate is glazing for storefronts. This material is much lighter than tempered glass, which makes installation easier and reduces the load on the structure. In addition, its high impact resistance means that polycarbonate glazing can serve an anti-theft function. Store owners often choose polycarbonate for its durability and aesthetics, which go hand in hand with safety.
Another interesting application of polycarbonate is burglar proofing. Thanks to its mechanical strength, this material is ideal for reinforcing various types of security features.
Summary
Polycarbonate’s physical properties, such as its high transparency and light weight, make it an excellent substitute for glass in many applications. Its impact resistance is superior to many other materials, making it ideal for protective shielding or bulletproof glass. Polycarbonate is available in solid and chambered forms, allowing it to be customized to meet specific user needs. In construction, it is used in the construction of windows, doors and canopies, offering excellent thermal insulation and UV protection.
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