POLYCARBONATE (UNFILLED)
Material Information
Unfilled polycarbonate is a high-molecular weight amorphous engineering thermoplastic. This tough and transparent material is unmatched in clarity and ability to withstand high impact over a wide range of temperatures. It has a high heat deflection temperature and modulus of elasticity, absorbs very little moisture, and has good low frequency and high voltage insulating properties. This makes it ideal for use in electrical and electronic components. The unfilled grades transparency also makes it a superior option for transparent structural applications. Polycarbonate can be screened, vacuum formed, die cut, and easily fabricated. It is available in the form of sheet, rod, film, and tubing.
Application
- Electrical components
- Brush holders
- Coil bobbins & forms
- Insulators
- Relay components
- Dialysis equipment parts
- Medical tubing
- Gamma sterilizable reusables
- Instrument covers
- Handles
- Rollers
- Machine guards
- Fittings
Properties
- High impact strength
- Unmatched clarity
- High heat deflection temperature
- High modulus of elasticity
- Very low moisture absorption
- Excellent thermal stability
- High tensile, shear, and flexural strength
- Low deformation under load
- Excellent creep and cold flow resistance
- Low coefficient of thermal expansion
- Good electrical insulation properties
- Easy to fabricate and machine
Physical |
Astm Test Method |
Polycarbonate (Unfilled) |
| Density (lb/in^3) | D792 | 0.043 |
| Specific Gravity | D792 | 1.2 |
| Water Absorption @ 24 hours (%) | D570 | 0.12 |
Mechanical |
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| Tensile Strength (PSI) | D638 | 9,500 |
| Tensile Modulus (PSI) | D638 | 320,000 |
| Tensile Elongation at Break (%) | D638 | 60 |
| Flexural Strength (PSI) | D790 | 15,000 |
| Flexural Modulus (PSI) | D790 | 375,000 |
| Compressive Strength (PSI) | D695 | 12,000 |
| Compressive Modulus (PSI) | D695 | 240,000 |
| Izod Impact (Notched), ft-lb/in | D256 | 13 |
| Rockwell Hardness | D785 | M70, R118 |
Thermal |
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| Coefficient of Thermal Expansion, 10^-5/°F |
D696 | 3.9 |
| Heat Deflection Temperature 264 psi, ºF | D648 | 270 |
| Glass Transition Temp (°F) | D3418 | 293 |
| Continous Service Temp (Operating), °F | – | 250 |
| Thermal Conductivity, BTU-in/hr-ft² °F | C177 | 1.3 |
| Flammability Rating, less than .45″ (11.5mm) thickness |
UL94 | HB |
| Flammability Rating, above .45″ (11.5mm) thickness |
UL94 | VO |
Electrical |
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| Dielectric Strength, Short Term, (Volts/Mil) @ .125″ Thick |
D149 | 390 |
| Volume Resistivity (ohm-cm) @ 50% RH | D257 | 10^16 |
| Dielectric Constant at 60Hz | D150 | 3.17 |
| Dissipation Factor at 60 Hz | D150 | 0.0009 |
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.