AERO PLASTICS & SUPPLY CO.
CNC MACHINING & FABRICATION
Polycarbonate
Unfilled Polycarbonate is a tough, transparent engineering thermoplastic which offers very high impact strength and high modulus of elasticity. It also has a high heat deflection temperature and absorbs very little moisture. These properties, plus good low frequency and high voltage insulating characteristics, make polycarbonate a prime material for electrical and electronic components. Its strength, impact resistance and transparency (unfilled grades only) also make it an ideal material for certain transparent structural applications.
NOTE: Use caution when specifying polycarbonate for applications in which transparency is critical. For example, Westlake Plastics' Zelux® M product is machine-grade polycarbonate, while their Zelux® W is window-clear material for applications where transparency is an important consideration. SABIC (formerly GE) brand Lexan® polycarbonate sheet is available in many different grades, with varying properties and transparency. Contact Boedeker Plastics for details on polycarbonate product size and shape availability for your application.
GLASS FILLED GRADES
Glass fibers may be added in various amounts (10%, 20%, 30% and 40%) to increase tensile strength, stiffness, compressive strength, and lower the thermal expansion coefficient. NOTE: Glass-filled polycarbonate is typically NATURAL (greenish white) in color, and is sometimes also available in BLACK color. Properties for 30% glass-filled polycarbonate are shown below for reference. Contact us for properties of other grades.
KEY PROPERTIES
• high impact strength • excellent strength retention at elevated temperatures • high tensile, shear, and flexural strength • high modulus of elasticity • low deformation under load • excellent creep and cold flow resistance • low coefficient of thermal expansion • good electrical insulation properties • easy to fabricate & machine
TYPICAL APPLICATIONS
Polycarbonate exhibits a broad range of outstanding properties for applications in: • electrical connectors • brush holders • coil bobbins & forms • insulators • relay components • dialysis equipment parts • medical tubing • gamma sterilizable reusables • instrument covers • covers • handles • rollers • machine guards • fittings
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ASTM or UL test |
Property |
Unfilled |
30% Glass |
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PHYSICAL |
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D792 |
Density (lb/in³) |
0.043 |
0.052 |
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D570 |
Water Absorption, 24 hrs (%) |
0.12 |
0.12 |
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MECHANICAL |
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D638 |
Tensile Strength (psi) |
9,500 |
19,000 |
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D638 |
Tensile Modulus (psi) |
320,000 |
- |
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D638 |
Tensile Elongation at Break (%) |
60 |
10 |
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D790 |
Flexural Strength (psi) |
15,000 |
23,000 |
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D790 |
Flexural Modulus (psi) |
375,000 |
1,100,000 |
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D695 |
Compressive Strength (psi) |
12,000 |
18,000 |
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D695 |
Compressive Modulus (psi) |
240,000 |
500,000 |
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D785 |
Hardness, Rockwell |
M70 / R118 |
M92 |
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D256 |
IZOD Notched Impact (ft-lb/in) |
13 |
2 |
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THERMAL |
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D696 |
Coefficient of Linear Thermal Expansion |
3.9 |
1.2 |
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D648 |
Heat Deflection Temp (°F / °C) |
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D3418 |
Glass Transition Temp (°F / °C) |
293 / 145 |
300 / 149 |
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- |
Max Operating Temp (°F / °C) |
250 / 121 |
270 / 132 |
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C177 |
Thermal Conductivity |
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UL94 |
Flammability Rating |
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ELECTRICAL |
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D149 |
Dielectric Strength (V/mil) short time, 1/8" thick |
390 |
470 |
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D150 |
Dielectric Constant at 60 Hz |
3.17 |
3.35 |
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D150 |
Dissipation Factor at 60 Hz |
0.0009 |
0.0011 |
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D257 |
Volume Resistivity (ohm-cm)at 50% RH |
1016 |
1016 |
NOTE: The information contained herein are typical values intended for reference and comparison purposes only. They should NOT be used as a basis for design specifications or quality control. Contact us for manufacturers' complete material property datasheets.
All values at 73°F (23°C) unless otherwise noted.
