Polycarbonate
Polycarbonate is a transparent (something which can be seen through) thermoplastic. This material is tough and stable. It can resist a high temperature of 138°C (280°F) and a low temperature of -40°C (-40°F). It is stain resistant and non-toxic. The weight of polycarbonate is one sixth of glass.
Industries use polycarbonate for making different products, from bulletproof windows to CDs and DVDs. The main advantages of polycarbonate are high strength and light weight.
Industries use clear polycarbonate to make glasses. This is because it has very good transparency and durability. Lenses made from clear polycarbonate can be thinner than lenses made from regular glass.
Companies that make electronic equipment use polycarbonate to make the cover of mobile phones, laptops and other products. Although polycarbonate is not poisonous, the process of making polycarbonate uses toxic chemicals. (See Bisphenol A).
Polycarbonate Media
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Graph showing the transmission spectrum of polycarbonate plastic given as percent of nanometer wavelength transmitted. Note: Without stating the thickness of the sample, this graph is incomplete or misleading. If 1mm of polycarbonate transmits 10% at some UV wavelength, then 2mm should transmit 1% and 3mm 0.1%. Without the thickness of the sample, the units are wrong.
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Structure of dicarbonate (PhOC(O)OC6H4 )2CMe2 derived from bis(phenol-A) and two equivalents of phenol. This molecule reflects a subunit of a typical polycarbonate derived from bis(phenol-A).
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Synthesis of polycarbonate from bisphenol-A and phosgene
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A bottle made from polycarbonate
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Polycarbonate sheeting in a greenhouse
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Lockheed Martin F-22 cockpit canopy
Laboratory protection goggles
Lamy 2000 piston filler made of polycarbonate and stainless steel, launched in 1966 and still in production
Polycarbonate recycling code PC on the bottom of a 5 gallon water jug made by Greif, Inc.