What is Polycarbonate? Everything You Need To Know
Polycarbonate is a common type of plastic, used in an incredibly wide range of applications due to its numerous benefits, particularly in comparison to similar products such as glass and acrylic. But is it the right material for your needs? In this blog, our experts talk you through everything you need to know about polycarbonate. But first, let’s start with the basics - what is polycarbonate?
Polycarbonate is a thermoplastic, often compared with glass and other plastics such as acrylic. It is used in a wide variety of applications, commonly for roofing and glazing due to its superior strength, durability, lightweight nature and energy efficiency.
Read on to learn more about polycarbonate, including its uses, the different types of polycarbonate and the benefits of choosing polycarbonate.
What is Polycarbonate Material?
Polycarbonate sheets are used in many applications and are extremely popular due to its many benefits. Its composition allows it to filter light internally in a similar manner to that of glass, making it a very effective lightweight alternative for homes, sheds and other types of property.
Its application however, is more widespread than you may think.
Polycarbonate is a thermoplastic and has the ability to absorb heat which means it is the preferred option for many greenhouses, as well as being used in homes for its energy efficiency, lightweight nature and overall strength.
Polycarbonate is often compared with acrylic plastic. However, the main difference between the two is that polycarbonate, as a thermoplastic, can be heated to its melting point, cooled and recycled, because it doesn’t burn like a thermoset plastic would. This makes the material somewhat more sustainable and reduces its overall carbon footprint.
Learn more about the differences between acrylic and polycarbonate here.
What is Polycarbonate Used For?
As we mentioned above, polycarbonate is used in a wide range of applications, just some of which include:
- Medical devices (cameras, lenses etc.)
- Protective wear including face shields
- Eyewear (protective against UV light)
- Discs for media
- Kitchen panels
- Armoured vehicles and bullet resistant panels
More commonly, however, we see polycarbonate used for roofing and glazing applications such as sheds, greenhouses, carports, canopies, pergolas, conservatories and more.
Learn more about how polycarbonate is used in our detailed blog.
Types of Polycarbonate Sheets
To cater to such a wide range of applications, there needs to be a good variety of polycarbonate sheet types. We stock a variety of sizes and thicknesses but there are also different types available. This includes single, double and multiwall. There are advantages to each depending on what your aim is and where it is being applied.
For example, multiwall panels filter about 5% sunlight but are more energy efficient than single panels. Double wall white panels are ideal for greenhouses as they can block up to around 60% of sunlight, protecting plants from direct sunlight.
There are also coloured panels to help diffuse light using certain colours which can create a nice filtered look in your rooms.
With various applications available for polycarbonate sheets, our experts can help you choose the right size and thickness for your project. Get in touch with us today for bespoke advice.
Benefits of Polycarbonate
Polycarbonate has many applications, as discussed, but there’s no wonder considering how many benefits there are in using polycarbonate. Here are just a few key benefits of using polycarbonate:
- Incredibly strong and durable
- Shatter resistant
- Lightweight
- Versatile
- Energy efficient
- Helps to control temperature
- UV blocking
- Class 1 fire rating
- Virtually unbreakable
Its core benefits are certainly its strength and durability, as well as impact resistance. This makes it ideal for greenhouses and any panelling where external damage could be a factor. The energy efficiency aspect is a very important selling point as it absorbs a lot of heat and it can offer some level of temperature control.
Concerns Around Polycarbonate
There is some concern over whether polycarbonate is toxic, specifically relating to the release of BPA (Bisphenol A). This has caused concern over the contamination toward plastic bottles and other food containers. However, in the case of bottles and food containers, only BPA-free polycarbonate tends to be used. That being said, there is also scepticism on whether it poses any level of risk at all.
For other applications such as window panels and electronic uses, BPA is not of concern as it is not being consumed.
The only other real issue that is worth consideration is that polycarbonate sheets are impact resistant but not scratch-proof and this could be a problem for some. However, as panels on the roof, as sunroof panels and as general panelling for properties, this is a relatively minor inconvenience when compared with the benefits overall.
Polycarbonate Sheets at The Polycarbonate Store
At The Polycarbonate Store, we stock a wide range of polycarbonate sheets to suit a large number of applications. Choose between solid polycarbonate sheets, twinwall or multiwall in a range of thicknesses and colours to suit your requirements.
Browse the range today or get in touch with our expert team for tailored advice.
