What is polycarbonate? Properties, applications and advantages
Polycarbonate is a transparent thermoplastic material that stands out for its high impact resistance, temperature resistance and versatility.
This material is often used as an alternative to glass, as it is significantly lighter and more break-resistant. Thanks to its outstanding properties, polycarbonate is used in many industries and is popular both indoors and outdoors.
Why polycarbonate?
Polycarbonate combines exceptional stability with flexibility. It is extremely resistant to mechanical loads while offering high optical clarity.
It is also heat-resistant and weather-resistant, making it suitable for a wide range of applications. Its versatility makes it an indispensable material in modern industry.
The outstanding properties of polycarbonate
Polycarbonate offers a wide range of advantages that make it one of the preferred materials for technical and design applications.
Key properties:
- High impact resistance (up to 250 times stronger than glass)
- Temperature resistance from -40 °C to +120 °C
- Low weight (half as heavy as glass)
- Excellent light transmission (up to 90 %)
- UV-resistant with additional coating
- Easy to process (cutting, bending, drilling)
In addition to its mechanical robustness, polycarbonate is also chemical-resistant and flame-retardant, which makes it particularly suitable for safety-critical applications.
How is polycarbonate produced?
Polycarbonate is produced by the chemical reaction of bisphenol A (BPA) and phosgene. This process, known as polycondensation, results in a plastic with a unique molecular structure that is responsible for its impressive mechanical and thermal properties.
Production advantages:
- Consistent material quality
- Customisable transparency and colour
- High reproducibility for industrial applications
Production makes it possible to offer polycarbonate in various forms and thicknesses, such as sheets, films, tubes or custom-made components.
Versatile applications of polycarbonate
Thanks to its outstanding properties, polycarbonate is used in numerous industries. From the construction industry to the automotive industry and medical technology, it finds versatile applications.
Key areas of application:
- Construction industry: rooflights, roof glazing, partition walls
- Automotive industry: headlight covers, protective glazing
- Medical technology: sterile containers, medical devices
- Electronics: housings for devices, protective covers
In advertising, polycarbonate is used for illuminated displays and transparent advertising signs. It is also a popular material for safety glazing and protective covers in public buildings or industrial facilities.
Innovative areas of application:
- Sport and leisure: protective visors, spectacle lenses
- Aerospace: windows, technical covers
- Agricultural engineering: greenhouses, protective structures
The advantages of polycarbonate
The use of polycarbonate offers numerous advantages:
- Durability: resistant to impacts and scratches
- Weather resistance: suitable for outdoor applications
- Transparency: high light transmission at low weight
- Safety: flame-retardant and chemical-resistant
Polycarbonate is an ideal material for projects that place high demands on load-bearing capacity, safety and design.
Specifications of our polycarbonate sheets
Our polycarbonate sheets are available in various versions to meet the requirements of a wide range of projects. They are available in clear, tinted or opaque versions and offer customised solutions for every application.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Density | 1.2 g/cm³ |
| Temperature resistance | -40 °C to +120 °C |
| Light transmission | Up to 90 % |
| UV resistance | Excellent (with coating) |
| Impact resistance | 250 times stronger than glass |
Impact resistance, transparency and weather resistance
Polycarbonate is a versatile plastic that is used in numerous industries. Its impact resistance, transparency and weather resistance make it an excellent choice for demanding applications. Whether as safety glazing, lightweight construction material or decorative element – polycarbonate offers the ideal combination of functionality and design. Thanks to its sustainability and long service life, it remains a preferred material choice for future projects as well.
