Polycarbonate is a type of thermoplastic material that is known for its high strength and durability. It is a type of plastic that is made from bisphenol A (BPA) and phosgene. Polycarbonate is often used in construction, automotive, and electronic applications because of its high impact resistance, transparency and resistance to heat. It can be moulded into a variety of shapes and is often used in products such as safety glasses, electronic device housings, and compact discs. It can also be used in the form of a sheet or film, such as LEXAN Margard, a type of polycarbonate sheeting with an added layer of protection against external impacts and UV rays, which makes it ideal for construction applications.
The focus of this article is on highlighting the benefits of polycarbonate that have contributed to its widespread use in the construction sector.
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Lightweight
One of the key benefits of polycarbonate is its low density. At 1299 kg/m3, it is roughly half the density of standard glass, which has a density of 2800 kg/m3. This makes polycarbonate much easier to handle and work with, as it reduces the overall weight load on the structure. This is particularly beneficial in construction.
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Stronger than glass
Polycarbonate is stronger than glass because it is a thermoplastic material with high impact resistance, due to its molecular structure of carbonate groups that absorb and distribute energy from an impact. It also has a higher level of flexibility, making it more resistant to temperature changes and weathering.
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Easy to Process
Polycarbonate is relatively easy to process because it is a thermoplastic material. This means that it can be melted and reshaped multiple times without losing its properties. It can be moulded, extruded, thermoformed, and fabricated using a variety of techniques. It is a versatile material that can be easily shaped, bent, and cut to suit the needs of the application.
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Good Insulator
Polycarbonate is a good insulator because of its low thermal conductivity, making it an effective barrier to the transfer of heat energy. This property makes it a great choice for insulation in construction, automotive, and electronics. In construction, it helps keep buildings warm in the winter and cool in the summer. In automotive, it improves thermal comfort for passengers, and in electronics, it helps to protect devices from overheating.
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Transmits Light
Polycarbonate is a material that is similar in light transmission to glass, but stronger than Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP). It can be made transparent like glass and can be used as a substitute for glass in construction.
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Recyclable
Polycarbonates are 100% recyclable as they are thermoplastic materials that can be melted and reshaped multiple times. This makes it possible to recycle polycarbonate products and use the recycled material to make new ones. Polycarbonates can also be separated from other materials and easily collected for recycling.
Final Words
Here we can say that polycarbonate, particularly multiwall polycarbonate sheet, is a popular choice in the construction industry for its high impact resistance, UV protection, thermal insulation, structural strength and energy efficiency. Its versatility and durability make it a cost-effective solution for various construction projects. Therefore, it can be said that polycarbonate is an ideal material for the construction industry.
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