How
strong is Polycarbonate?
Polycarbonate is used in many applications, such as "bullet
proof" windows, and in other applications requiring
great flexibility and strength. This material can be molded
in opaque or clear material. In clear form it is an excellent
material for optical lens manufacturing. Most safety glass
lenses are today made from Polycarbonate, or varieties
of this material such as Lexan (a General Electric trade
mark).
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Polycarbonate has :
* a density of 1.20 g/cm3
* a use range from ?100 ”ĘC to +135 ”ĘC
* a melting point around 250 ”ĘC
* a refractive index equal to 1.585 ”¾ 0.001
* a light transmission index equal to 90% ”¾ 1%
* poor weathering in an ultraviolet (UV) light environment
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Polycarbonates are a particular group of
thermoplastic polyesters. They are easily worked, molded,
and thermoformed; as such, these plastics are very widely
used in modern manufacturing. Their interesting features
(temperature resistance, impact resistance and optical
properties) positions them between commodity plastics
and engineering plastics.
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References:
1. Howdeshell, KL; Peterman PH, Judy BM, Taylor JA, Orazio
CE, Ruhlen RL, Vom Saal FS, Welshons WV (Jul 2003). "Bisphenol
A is released from used polycarbonate animal cages into
water at room temperature". Environmental Health
Perspectives 111 (9): 1180-7. PMID 12842771. Retrieved
on 2006-06-07.
2.vom Saal, FS; Hughes C (Aug 2005). "An extensive
new literature concerning low-dose effects of bisphenol
A shows the need for a new risk assessment". Environmental
Health Perspectives 113 (8): 926-33. PMID 16079060. Retrieved
on 2006-06-07. |
