What Is Polycarbonate? A Complete Guide for Architects, Engineers, and Buyers
250x stronger than glass. Half the weight. Infinite design possibilities.
Polycarbonate (PC) is a high-performance engineering thermoplastic trusted across construction, automotive, and aerospace. From Bayer's first synthesis in 1958 to today's IATF 16949 production lines in Suzhou — here is everything you need to know.
Key Physical Properties of Polycarbonate
| Property | Value | Test Method |
|---|---|---|
| Density | 1.20 g/cm3 | ISO 1183 |
| Tensile Strength | 60-70 MPa | ISO 527 |
| Flexural Modulus | 2300 MPa | ISO 178 |
| Izod Impact | 600-850 J/m | ASTM D256 |
| Light Transmission | 88-90% | ASTM D1003 |
| Refractive Index | 1.586 | ASTM D542 |
| Tg | 147 C | DSC |
| HDT | 125 C | ISO 75 |
| Service Temp | -40 to +120 C | Application Range |
| Thermal Expansion | 65×10-6/K | ISO 11359 |
| Water Absorption | 0.15% | ISO 62 |
Common Grades of Polycarbonate
General Purpose
Clear, strong sheet for indoor glazing, guards, covers, and machine housings. Not designed for long-term outdoor UV exposure.
UV-Stabilized
Co-extruded UV protection helps resist yellowing and embrittlement. Used for skylights, canopies, facades, and roofing.
Flame Retardant
Formulated for electrical, transport, and regulated interiors where ignition performance must be specified.
Abrasion-Resistant
Hard-coated surface improves wear performance in exposed panels and applications with repeated wiping.
Heat-Insulating
Selective additives reduce solar heat gain while preserving daylight for roofing, canopies, and warm-climate glazing.
Polycarbonate vs Other Transparent Materials
| Property | Polycarbonate | Acrylic | PETG | Glass |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Impact Strength | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Optical Clarity | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ |
| Weight | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★☆☆☆ |
| UV Resistance | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ |
| Flame Resistance | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ |
| Scratch Resistance | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★★★ |
| Thermoforming | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Cost | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
How Polycarbonate Sheets Are Made
Cutting
Use carbide-tipped circular saws or CNC routers. Keep protective film on during fabrication.
Thermoforming
Pre-dry sheets and control forming temperature to prevent bubbles, stress marks, and haze.
Cold Bending
Follow minimum bend radius guidance.
Drilling
Oversized holes to allow thermal expansion.
Need Technical Data or a Quote?
Send thickness, color, grade, and project volume.