Where is polycarbonate sourced?
Polycarbonate is most commonly formed with the reaction of bis-phenol A (produced through the condensation of phenol with acetone under acidic conditions) with carbonyl chloride in an interfacial process. PC falls into the polyester family of plastics.
Who makes polycarbonate?
Polycarbonate (PC) Manufacturers, Suppliers, and Distributors
| Manufacturer | Tradename |
|---|---|
| BASF | Luran® |
| BASF | Ultradur® |
| Bhansali Engineering | Abstron |
| Celanese Corporation | CoolPoly® |
What products are made from polycarbonate?
PC is commonly used for plastic lenses in eyewear, in medical devices, automotive components, protective gear, greenhouses, Digital Disks (CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray), and exterior lighting fixtures.
How polycarbonate is manufactured?
Polycarbonate is produced via chemical reactions between bisphenol A (BPA) and phosgene COCl2. It was first patented in 1953 by Hermann Schnell at Bayer under the name Melron (later changed to Makloron). Today, polycarbonate is made in a similar way through either injection moulding or extrusion.
How much polycarbonate is produced each year?
There are about 2.7 million tons of polycarbonates produced annually across the world.
How expensive is polycarbonate?
For general purpose, grades of polycarbonate in February prices were around $1.60 – $1.90 per pound.
Is polycarbonate plastic expensive?
Polycarbonate is more expensive than acrylic, approximately 45% more than our acrylic prices. However this additional cost does guarantee you the strongest plastic we have available.
What are the disadvantages of polycarbonate?
The main disadvantage of polycarbonate is that it isn’t resistant to scratches. For example, if a branch should happen to fall on a patio canopy made of polycarbonate, it may be scratched. This problem can be solved by polishing the polycarbonate.
Is polycarbonate a sustainable material?
Polycarbonate with its intrinsic qualities is a sustainable material with a minimal impact on the environment. It is fully recyclable at the end of its life.
How long will polycarbonate last?
about 10 years
Though polycarbonate is durable, it should be treated with UV protectant to prevent it from turning yellow or breaking down. With proper care, polycarbonate can last about 10 years, a fraction of how long glass lasts.
Can polycarbonate be recycled?
Polycarbonate, or PC, is fully recyclable. The process sees the material being shredded before it’s granulated.