Polycarbonate (PC) : Dr. Pradeepa.K.G Assistant Professor Dept. of Polymer Science & Technology

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Polycarbonate (PC)

Dr. Pradeepa.K.G
Assistant Professor
Dept. of Polymer science & Technology
INTRODUCTION
• Polycarbonate (PC), was first developed in 1953 by
Bayer in Germany, and General Electric in the US
independently. Its most popular trade name is LEXAN®
• PC is one of the high performance heterochain
polymeric materials that comprise the family of
“engineering thermoplastics”
• PC is a good material choice in industry not only due
to its characteristics, but also because its processing is
environmentally friendly, and it can be recycled
STRUCTURE OF PC
STRUCTURE OF PC
• A polycarbonate molecule is composed by a Bisphenol
A part and a carbonate group.
• Bisphenol A contains two aromatic rings, which are
responsible for PC’s stiff backbone.
• The Bisphenol A group also contributes to PC’s inability
to crystallize. This amorphous structure gives the
polymer its particular transparency.
• The Characteristic high glass transition temperature
(Tg = 145ºC) of PC is caused by the minimal molecular
rotation about the bonds.
SYNTHESIS
• PC is most often synthesized from Bisphenol A
and phosgene by a step-growth
polymerization in which Cl- ions are
eliminated every time the monomers react.
This kind of step-growth polymerization is
often called a condensation process
Polymerization Steps
1.The Bisphenol A groups are reacted with proton acceptors such as NaOH to obtain the polymerization functional groups
2. The deprotonated Bispohenol A reacts with Phosgene and a catalyst at temperatures between 25 and 35ºC. This way, a Polycarbonate monomer is formed, and the catalyst (often times Pyridine), is
eliminated along with the chloride anion
3. In order to react more Bisphenol A and phosgene
into the chain, chloride anions are always eliminated
• In another approach, Diphenyl Carbonate (R-O-CO-O-
R) and Bisphenol A, can be reacted at temperatures
between 180-220ºC to yield PC and a phenol
molecule. This process results in more impurity, and
is more expensive because higher temperatures are
necessary.
MANUFACTURING
• Polycarbonate is transformed from pellets into the
desired shape for its intended application by melting
the polycarbonate and forcing it under pressure into
a mold or die to give it the desired shape depending
on the application. This process is repeated
thousands of times
• Extrusion - The molten PC is passed through a die
that gives the material its final shape. After this, the
melt is cooled rapidly. Long pipes and sheets are
created by this process
• Molding - The PC melt is pressed into a mold
with the defined shape of the final product.
The melt is then cooled inside the mold. This
process is ideal for specific parts such as
automotive and computer parts
Characteristics of PC
• High mechanical stability
• Good thermal stability
• Excellent impact toughness
• Good weathering stability
• High light transparency
• High dimensional stability
• Low moisture absorbtion
• Good dielectric properties
• Self-extinguishing
• Good resistance to high energy radiation
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF PC
• It maintains good mechanical properties between
-40°F and 280°F
• High strength that makes it resistant to impact and
fracture
• It can be easily colored, it’s non-toxic, and can be
absolutely transparent up to 2 In. in width
• PC also features high electrical and heat resistance
• It is biologically inert
• Readily recyclable and cost effective
Chemical Properties
Resistance to dilute mineral acid but poor resistance
to aromatic, alkali, chlorinated hydrocarbons.
• Dilute Acid (good)
• Alcohols (good)
• Aliphatic Hydrocarbons (good)
• Oils and Greases (moderate)
• Dilute Alkalis (poor)
• Aromatic Hydrocarbons (poor)
• Halogenated Hydrocarbons (poor)
Chemical Properties
• PC absorbs only small quantities of water
( 60°C) causes a decomposition resulting in a
drop in shock resistance.
• PC is fairly stable in the presence of ozone.
Stability in UV light is not exceptional and PCs
turn yellow fairly quickly.
• Certain grades are approved for medical use.
Thermal properties
• PC has good heat and cold stability.
• Above the glass transition point of +140ºC
however, PC starts to soften rapidly.
• PC is practically self-extinguishable i.e.,
resistant to fire.
Dimensional properties
• Polycarbonate, as other amorphous polymer ,
offer limited retraction when molded(>0.6%)
• Its low absorption of humidity gives it good
dimensional stability in a humid atmosphere.
• PC has good creep resistance, especially when
reinforced with fiber glass.
Electrical properties
• Polycarbonate has good insulating properties
little affected by variations in temperature or
humidity.
• Dielectric constant is higher than PTFE and
polyolefin
APPLICATIONS OF PC
• PC’s outstanding strength makes it suitable for bullet-
resistant or shatter-resistant glass applications
• PC’s relatively low weight in comparison to other
high strength materials and its high ductility make it
attractive to be used in lenses and windows
• It has also been used as a flame retardant and an
electrical insulator
• Small filters for the extrusion of small particles
• CD’s, DVD’s. Automotive, cell phone, and laptop
parts
• Electrical and Electronics components:- due to
good insulating and high dielectric strength pc is
used for making of Protective case for mobile
phones
Construction materials
• PC’s outstanding strength makes it suitable for
bullet-resistant or shatter-resistant glass
application
PC BLENDS
PC can be blended to enhance its properties:
• PC/ABS blends exhibit high ductility and impact
strength at temperatures below those of pure
PC
• PC tends to scratch easily, Silicone-
polycarbonate copolymers can yield a hard
thermoplastic that doesn’t get scratched. Many
more properties can be achieved depending on
the composition

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