Advantages

  • Creep resistance
  • Toughness
  • Dimensional stability

Limitations

  • Poor chemical resistance
  • Processing difficulties
  • Low fatigue endurance

Overview

Polycarbonate possesses excellent impact strength, high heat resistance and good dimensional stability. It was one of the first thermoplastics to offer these properties. Although it is stable to water, mineral and organic acids, it is partially soluble in aromatic hydrocarbons, soluble in the chlorinated ones, and decomposes in strongly alkaline substances. It has good electrical properties.

The strength and dimensional stability of polycarbonates are further enhanced with fibrous glass reinforcement.

Reinforcement with 40% glass reduces the thermal expansion to 1.0 in/in/degrees F x 10E-5 (1.8 cm/cm/degrees C x 10E-5), which is below that of most thermoplastics and some metals. The tensile modulus is increased fivefold. Flexural, tensile and compressive strengths are doubled. Mold shrinkage is reduced, making it possible to produce very precise parts.