Properties of Polycarbonate (PC)
Polycarbonate (PC) is a transparent, high-performance thermoplastic known for its exceptional impact resistance and dimensional stability. Commonly used in automotive parts, optical lenses, medical devices, and construction panels, PC offers a robust balance of strength, thermal tolerance, and electrical insulation.
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The following table provides a comprehensive list of polycarbonate (PC) properties in both SI and US customary/Imperial units at normal temperature and pressure (NTP).
Click on the button to switch between Metric and Imperial units.
| Physical Properties | Metric |
|---|---|
| Category | Thermoplastic |
| Density | 1200 kg/m3 |
| Water Absorption | 0.1 %wt/day |
| Mechanical Properties | Metric |
| Ultimate Tensile Strength | 55 - 75 MPa |
| Yield Tensile Strength | 62 MPa |
| Ultimate Compressive Strength | 80 MPa |
| Young’s Modulus (E) | 2.3 - 2.4 GPa |
| Flexural Modulus | 2.2 GPa |
| Elongation at Break | 100 - 150% |
| Rockwell Hardness (M) | 70 |
| Static Friction Coefficient (µ) | 0.31 |
| Thermal Properties | Metric |
| Thermal Conductivity | 0.19 - 0.22 W/m·K |
| Specific Heat Capacity (Cp) | 1200 J/kg·K |
| Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (αL) | 3.8×10-5 - 7×10-5 1/°C |
| Electrical Properties | Metric |
| Relative Permittivity (@1 MHz) (εr) | 2.92 |
| Electrical Resistivity | 1016 Ω·cm |
| Dielectric Field Strength (Ed) | 150 - 670 kV/cm |
| Optical Properties | Metric |
| Refractive Index (589 nm) | 1.585 |
| Hazardous Data | Metric |
| Flammability Rating (ANSI/UL 94) | V-0 - V-2 |
Unless stated otherwise, all values are taken at room temperature (approximately 20°C or 68°F) and 1 atm pressure. (1 atm = 101,325 Pa)