What did we do before polycarbonate was invented? Mostly, we used glass.
The translucency and scratch-resistance of glass means it is ideal for many purposes – and not so ideal for others. Let’s take a look at a great alternative to glass – polycarbonate.
What Exactly Is Polycarbonate?
Polycarbonate is one of the increasing numbers of plastics that are available today. Its name is derived from the fact that it has many (‘poly’) chains of carbon and oxygen atoms – polycarbonate.
Its ‘category’ of plastic is known as a ‘thermoplastic’ – thermo meaning heat and plastic originating from the Greek word plastikos, meaning being able to be shaped.
This means that polycarbonate is a type of plastic that, once heated to a certain temperature, can be moulded to be a shape other than the flat piece in which is initially manufactured. This shape includes the corrugation that is commonly seen with Laserlite, a type of polycarbonate, which you will often see on deck or pergola rooves and as part of the roof in warehouses to allow natural light to enter the space.
Where Can Polycarbonate Be Used?
As polycarbonate is clear, it makes an ideal alternative to glass and is used in an increasing range of applications, including in rooves, skylights, windows, displays, faces of signs, medical equipment, safety face shields and enclosures.
Are There Different Types of Polycarbonate?
Yes, there are. And they are all translucent, so you can see through them. The three main types of polycarbonate are:
- Standard polycarbonate
- AR polycarbonate (Abrasion Resistant polycarbonate), which is stronger than standard polycarbonate, more resistant to abrasion and is also resistant to UV rays, an important factor to consider if you intend to use your polycarbonate in areas where it will have frequent exposure to the sun.
- UV2 polycarbonate, which is more resistant to weather and the sun than standard polycarbonate.
Polycarbonate also comes in different colours, including clear, opal and with a grey tint.
Where Can I Buy Polycarbonate?
For small quantities of polycarbonate, some hardware store chains sell it as sheet. For industrial scale quantities, plastic suppliers have a greater range and offer a better price.
Plastral Sells Polycarbonate
Plastral is one of Australia’s premier plastics supplier and an integral part of our plastics industry. Established in 1946, they can help you with all your polycarbonate needs – and other plastic-related queries. Check out the latest news in the plastics business at Plastral.
