Polycarbonate cast: properties and application

Monolithic (cast) polycarbonate appeared in the 50'syears 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 the manufacture of 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. Ease. Polycarbonate is a lightweight material, so it is mounted much easier than traditional glass.
2. Impact strength. The structure of the material is viscous, elastic and strong,so it does not fly apart 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 made from it street visors do not collapse from falling 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 throughpolycarbonate cast, which is comparable with the transparency of ordinary glass. Outdoor products made of this material are supplemented with ultraviolet protection if necessary. 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. Resistance to water and aggressive chemical materials. Polycarbonate cast does not retain or absorbwater, it simply slides down from its surface. Therefore, the material does not damp, is not moldy and does not rot. 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, sheets ofpolycarbonate can be given 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 anddrill with conventional tools. Laser cutting is possible. Better processing is obtained with milling cutting, 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 technologies allow the production of sheetsfrom monolithic polycarbonate of the most various colors that gives the chance to pick up it to concrete 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 forglazing 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.

Of polycarbonate are made hard drives, as well as other components for PC.

Food industry, advertising

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

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

Conclusion

Due to the expanded list of positiveproperties 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. On average, the life of this material is about 15 years, taking into account compliance with all norms of operation. Many manufacturers give a ten-year guarantee of quality on this plastic, which increases the demand.