polykarbonaattien

Polycarbonate is a transparent, impact‑resistant thermoplastic belonging to the polyester family. It is derived from bisphenol A and phosgene or diphenyl carbonate and is sometimes identified in the scientific literature as PC or by its trade name Makrolon. The polymer is synthesized under anhydrous conditions and can be processed by extrusion, injection moulding or blow moulding thanks to its unique combination of high glass transition temperature, good dimensional stability and excellent optical clarity. Because of its low density of around 1.2 g cm⁻³, polycarbonate is considerably lighter than glass while retaining comparable light transmission. In comparison with other engineering plastics such as polyamide or polypropylene, it offers larger impact resistance, with a notched Izod impact strength of over 200 kJ m⁻² for thin specimens. This property also makes it a popular choice for safety components, riot shields and personal protection equipment.

Polycarbonate is widely used in the electronics and automotive sectors. In the automotive industry it can be found in headlamp lenses, instrument panels, interior trim and safety glass elements. In consumer electronics the polymer provides protective casings for computers, smartphones and televisions. Other applications include optical discs (CD, DVD, Blu‑ray), lighting fixtures, solar photovoltaics, building facades and bullet‑proof windows. The material can also be UV‑stabilised to improve weathering performance in outdoor applications.

Polycarbonate, however, contains bisphenol A, a chemical that has been scrutinised for potential endocrine‑disrupting effects. Consequently, regulatory agencies in the European Union and the United States have established limits on environmental exposure of Bisphenol A. Some manufacturers have produced bisphenol‑free or bio‑based polycarbonate variants, although these still share similar mechanical properties with conventional PC. In addition, polycarbonate is recyclable but only a subset of facilities accept it, and the polymer can degrade upon prolonged exposure to UV light, though additives can mitigate this. Overall, polycarbonate remains a versatile, high‑performance material used across many industrial and consumer domains.