Polycarbonate is sometimes considered just another word for plastic. This mistake does hold some truth to it, but we would love to clarify what makes the terms ‘plastic’ and ‘polycarbonate’ related in simple terms.
Plastic Materials
Plastic is a wide term that is used to describe synthetic or semisynthetic materials that contain polymers as their main ingredient. They are derived from petrochemicals and are highly malleable, so you can mold them into any shape. They are also durable, lightweight, inexpensive, and easy to produce. This is why plastics are a commonly used material worldwide. There are many types of plastic and they all have a feature that makes them stand out.
- Thermoplastics- You can melt and reshape them without losing their chemical structure. Recyclable and commonly used in consumer goods, textiles, and packaging.
- Thermosetting polymers
Polycarbonate Materials
Polycarbonate is a lightweight, transparent thermoplastic popularly known for its strength and durability.
It has a high impact resistance to cracking and breaking, about 250 times stronger than glass.
It is also resistant to a wide range of chemicals and UV resistant, so don’t be surprised when you see them being used in construction. They block harmful UV rays while allowing sunlight to pass through them. The good thing is, that polycarbonate sheets are easy to work with and can be processed multiple times without losing quality.
So What’s the Difference?
These desirable properties of polycarbonate plastics make them versatile and the best choice for use across different applications and industries.
- Medical equipment
- Personal protective shields
- Balcony guards
- Diffusers
- Light pipes for LED
- Panels for greenhouses
- Vehicle parts
- Polycarbonate roofing
- 3D printed models
- Electronics screens,
- Many other construction and manufacturing.
Plastral offers top-quality polycarbonate plastics with UV2 coating on both sides for an extra layer of protection. These sheets come in several colors, like grey, opal, and clear tint.
We also stock AR2 transparent polycarbonate plastics, which stand out because they can withstand scratches, abrasions, and harsh environmental conditions. A 10-year limited warranty backs our products against loss of light transmission, discoloration, and breakage to ensure you get your money’s worth.
If you are looking for a lightweight, durable, highly transparent, easy-to-work-with thermoplastic that is also resistant to UV rays, then contact Plastral at https://www.plastral.com.au/contact/. We’ve got you covered.