eFunda Polymers: Listing of Polycarbonate (Lexan, Makrolon)

Introduction

Polycarbonate, also known as PC, has been mass-produced since 1958.
-	It is a thermoplastic polycondensate.
-	Applications: PC can be used to make optical lenses, windows, medical items, CD's, and power tool housings. It can also be used in truck cabs.
-	General properties: It has excellent strength, toughness, dimensional stability, dielectric strength, flame retardancy, and impact resistance (highest among transparent rigid materials). It is, however, susceptible to stress cracking with aromatic solvents, and is difficult to machine.
-	Trade Name: Lexan, Makrolon.

Specific Grades of Polycarbonate

1.	Polycarbonate, unfilled, molding and extrusion resins, high viscosity.
2.	Polycarbonate, unfilled, molding and extrusion resins, low viscosity.
3.	Polycarbonate, 10% glass fiber reinforced.
4.	Polycarbonate, 30% glass fiber reinforced.
5.	Polycarbonate, 20 - 30% long glass fiber reinforced.
6.	Polycarbonate, 40% long glass fiber reinforced.
7.	Polycarbonate, 50% long glass fiber reinforced.
8.	Polycarbonate, 35% random glass mat.
9.	Polycarbonate, 20 - 30% long glass fiber reinforced, flame-retardant grade.
10.	Polycarbonate, copolymer, polyester copolymer, high heat.
11.	Polycarbonate, copolymer, polycarbonate copolymer, high heat.
12.	Polycarbonate, polycarbonate / polyester blends, impact modified.
13.	Polycarbonate, 6% stainless steel fiber, conductive.
14.	Polycarbonate, 10% stainless steel fiber, EMI shielding (conductive).
15.	Polycarbonate, 20% PAN carbon fiber, EMI shielding (conductive).
16.	Polycarbonate, 30% PAN carbon fiber, EMI shielding (conductive).
17.	Polycarbonate, 40% PAN carbon fiber, EMI shielding (conductive).
18.	Polycarbonate, 10-15% PTFE, lubricated.
19.	Polycarbonate, 30% PTFE, lubricated.
20.	Polycarbonate, 10-15% PTFE, 20% fiber reinforced, lubricated.
21.	Polycarbonate, 2% silicone, 30% glass fiber reinforced, lubricated.

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