What Is Polycarbonate (PC) Resin and Its Applications

Polycarbonate (PC) resin is a high-performance engineering thermoplastic known for its excellent impact resistance, transparency, and heat resistance. It is widely used in electronics, automotive, construction, optical lenses, and other industries that require durable, lightweight, and high-strength materials.

Composition and Properties

• Base Material: Aromatic polycarbonate polymer

• Additives: UV stabilizers, flame retardants, colorants, and processing aids (depending on application)

• Processing Methods: Injection molding, extrusion, blow molding, and thermoforming

PC resin exhibits a unique combination of toughness, dimensional stability, and optical clarity, making it ideal for both structural and aesthetic applications.

Key Features

• High Impact Strength: Resistant to cracking and breaking under stress

• Heat Resistance: Service temperatures typically up to 120–130°C

• Transparency: Optical clarity similar to glass, with good light transmittance

• Dimensional Stability: Maintains shape under load and temperature changes

• Flame Retardant: Can be formulated to meet UL94 V-0 standards

• Chemical Resistance: Resists oils, greases, and some solvents

Applications

• Electronics & Electrical Components: Housings, connectors, and switchgear

• Automotive: Headlamp lenses, interior panels, and glazing components

• Construction & Architecture: Transparent panels, skylights, and protective barriers

• Medical Devices: Syringes, tubing, and protective casings

• Consumer Goods: Eyewear lenses, water bottles, and protective equipment

• Optical Components: Lenses, light guides, and display panels

Advantages

• Excellent Mechanical Strength: Superior toughness compared to many plastics

• Lightweight: Strong yet reduces weight in automotive and structural applications

• Easy to Process: Compatible with injection molding and extrusion

• Transparent & Aesthetic: Suitable for products requiring clear or colored finishes

• Versatile: Can be modified for flame retardancy, UV resistance, or increased toughness

Limitations

• Susceptible to scratching without coatings

• Sensitive to certain solvents (e.g., acetone, aromatic hydrocarbons)

• Higher cost compared to commodity plastics like PE or PP

Technical Parameters (Typical)

• Density: 1.20–1.22 g/cm³

• Tensile Strength: 60–70 MPa

• Flexural Strength: 90–100 MPa

• Impact Strength (Notched Izod): 600–800 J/m

• Heat Deflection Temperature (HDT): 120–130°C

• Transparency: >85% light transmittance

• Processing Methods: Injection molding, extrusion, thermoforming

FAQs

Q1: Can PC resin be used for transparent applications?
Yes, it is widely used for optical lenses, panels, and protective covers due to its clarity and strength.

Q2: How does PC compare with acrylic (PMMA)?
PC is tougher and more impact-resistant, while PMMA offers higher scratch resistance and better weathering.

Q3: Is PC flame-retardant?
It can be formulated to meet UL94 V-0 or similar flame-retardant standards.

Q4: Can PC be used outdoors?
Yes, with UV stabilizers, it can maintain clarity and mechanical properties under sunlight exposure.

Q5: What industries most commonly use PC resin?
Electronics, automotive, medical devices, construction, consumer goods, and optics are the primary users.