Polycarbonate cast: properties and applications

Monolithic (cast) polycarbonate appeared in the 50s of the last century. This is a high-strength plastic, produced in the form of transparent sheets, which are most often used in construction, architecture and outdoor advertising.

Molded polycarbonate: size

The thickness of the sheets produced is from 1 to 12 mm, the pitch is 1 mm.

Standard dimensions of polycarbonate sheets :

• 122 x 224 cm;
• 205 x 305 cm;
• 205 x 610 cm.

Properties of polycarbonate material

1. Lightness . Polycarbonate is a lightweight material, so it is mounted much easier than traditional glass.
2. Impact strength . The structure of the material is viscous, resilient and strong, so it does not disperse when struck in pieces, which can, for example, injure people. A polycarbonate cast sustains a shot from a firearm, which makes it possible to use it as an "anti-vandal" material. The street visors made from it do not collapse from the fall of branches or stones. Also, thanks to this strength, this material is used as protective glasses and glasses for helmets.
3. Transparency . About 90% of the sunlight passes through the polycarbonate cast, which is comparable to the transparency of ordinary glass. Used on the street products of this material, if necessary, supplemented by protection from ultraviolet radiation. For this purpose, a special film or sheets are processed with a light-protective varnish.
4. Fire safety. Polycarbonate cast does not support combustion and is prone to spontaneous damping. At temperatures above 130 degrees it begins to melt, while water vapor and carbon dioxide are formed.
5. Resistance to temperature changes . The temperature range at which the material does not change its properties and structure is from -50 to + 120 degrees. At lower temperatures, the sheet simply decreases in size.
6. Resistant to water and aggressive chemical materials. Polycarbonate cast does not retain or absorb water, it simply rolls down from its surface. Therefore, the material does not damp, does not mold and is not susceptible to decay. Most of the reactive substances do not change its structure, except for products containing ammonia, alkali, methyl alcohol and acetone. Products made of this material are quite resistant to outdoor contamination, do not retain dust on themselves. If necessary, they can be cleaned with an ordinary detergent.
7. Thermal conductivity and noise protection . In comparison with glass, both indicators are slightly higher. Polycarbonate glass can protect against noise from the street, and also save on heating the building in the cold season.
8. Flexibility. Due to the viscous and elastic structure, polycarbonate sheets can be shaped into any shape. The material is subject to cold bending without impairing the physical properties. It can be rolled up, which is convenient for transportation. However, store it better on a flat surface to prevent curvature.
9. Uncomplicated handling . Polycarbonate sheets can be cut, sawed and drilled with conventional tools. Laser cutting is possible. Better processing is obtained when milling, especially if you want to make a figured product. The edge is straight, it does not melt and does not "bleach".
10. Aesthetic properties. Modern technology allows you to produce sheets of monolithic polycarbonate in a variety of colors, which makes it possible to choose it for a specific design development. Polycarbonate structures are light due to the small weight of the material, which facilitates and reduces the cost of installation. The term of polycarbonate usage, during which it does not change its appearance, is about 20 years.

Areas of polycarbonate use. Construction and architecture

Polycarbonate cast transparent is used for glazing and outdoor decoration of public and residential buildings, as well as in the manufacture of street canopies, visors, street pavilions, bulletproof partitions. There is a release of greenhouses and greenhouses, which can be collected independently. Suitable material for making glazed terraces in the country or in private homes.

Aviation and shipbuilding, computers

Molded polycarbonate is used in many areas. In particular, for the production of signal lights and glass aircraft, as well as portholes.

Polycarbonate makes hard drives, as well as other components for PC.

Food industry, advertising

Polycarbonate cookware is sturdy, does not break and does not react chemically with food or detergents.

Lightness, resistance to external influences and temperature changes, long service life without loss of the original appearance, high "vandal" characteristics, wide color palette, ease of processing and aesthetics allowed using this polymer for making outdoor and indoor advertising.

Conclusion

Due to the expanded list of positive properties of monolithic (cast) polycarbonate, it is becoming more popular among other types of sheet plastics. Today it is a modern, versatile and promising industrial material that is used in various industries, from construction and automotive, to medicine and electronics. The average life of this material is about 15 years, taking into account compliance with all operating standards. Many manufacturers give a ten-year guarantee of quality on this plastic, which increases the demand.