Polycarbonate is known to be one of the strongest materials currently available. This is down to the fact that it has excellent impact resistance and can be used in an array of applications. Whether you are looking for protective barriers, machine guards, or roofing, it is a material that is extremely versatile. In this article, we are going to discover how strong is polycarbonate and what it is all about.
What is Polycarbonate?
Polycarbonate is a form of thermoplastic that was first used in 1953. It is a highly durable material that can often replace glass in many different instances. It offers an array of benefits and that is the reason why it is such a popular material.
Characteristics and Properties of Polycarbonate That Make It Strong
Toughness and High Impact Strength
Polycarbonate sheets are designed using strong and durable materials which is why they offer such a high level of toughness and impact strength. It can also be manufactured in a variety of thicknesses and this means that it has a wide range of uses. Unlike glass, it does not shatter when hit and it also is resistant to fracturing. This means that it is reliable and safe for use in a range of applications.
Transmittance
Polycarbonate is also a clear plastic that allows more than 90% of light to pass through it. This makes it comparable to glass while they can also be manufactured in a variety of shades to meet a range of needs.
Lightweight
Using polycarbonate because of its lightweight characteristics makes it extremely versatile. It can be used in situations where glass might be too heavy and this can help to make installation easier and more efficient. Furthermore, it also helps to improve efficiency as it is easier to transport.
Protection from UV Radiation
One of the main benefits of Polycarbonate is that it has UV resistance. This means that it can provide 100% protection from harmful radiation making it an ideal alternative in instances where glass might be used.
Optical Nature
This material has an amorphous structure which means that it has an optical nature. As a result, it has an exceptional refractive index of 1.584.
Chemical Resistance
Chemicals can cause a lot of damage to certain materials but polycarbonate has been designed to offer exceptional strength when it comes to chemical resistance. As a result, polycarbonates can handle diluted acids, oils and greases as well as aliphatic hydrocarbons. It has been manufactured using diluted alkalis and halogenated hydrocarbons and that is why it has a high level of chemical resistance.
Heat Resistance
Polycarbonate has the ability to remain stable up to a temperature of 135 degrees. By adding flame retardants, it is possible to increase heat resistance without impacting the other properties of the material.
Polycarbonate Sheets’ Standard Thickness
Polycarbonate sheets can come in a range of thicknesses and this means that it has the ability to offer resistance to gunshots when manufacturers design them with a certain thickness. However, in order to retain many of the popular characteristics, the average thickness ranges from 3mm to 6mm.
How Long Will Polycarbonate Last?
Polycarbonate is a highly durable material that has a standard lifespan of anything between 10 and 20 years. If it has been well maintained then that will ensure that it lasts for as long as possible.
Is Polycarbonate Better Than Glass?
It might not seem obvious but polycarbonate can prove to be a better material than glass. It will not shatter and it will not break in the same way as glass which makes it ideal in instances where protection is required. It is 250 times more resistant to impact than safety glass and this can reduce the likelihood of injury. It is also easier to handle and install which can help to make it a better choice when compared with glass.
Advantages of Polycarbonate Sheet as a Building and Manufacturing Material
Whether you are wondering “how strong polycarbonate is” or “if will it be suitable for my conservatory roof?”, it can help to understand the advantages that it offers:
- Heat resistant
- Can be manufactured in a range of thicknesses
- Is transparent and lets as much as 90% of light through
- Durable
- Easy to transport
- Easy to install
- Chemical resistant
- High impact resistance
Looking for Polycarbonate Sheet with Highest Standards?
If you are looking for a material that offers an array of benefits and is designed to last then polycarbonate could be the right choice for you. It has many properties that make it the ideal choice over glass why the material has become a popular option for many.
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