3. PRODUCTION OF POLYCARBONATES
Main processes:
• The two-phase interfacial phosgenation
• The melt transesterification (DPC) processes.
The spin-off process technologies include
• The simple oligomer approach adapted by Asahi
Chemical Industries Co. Ltd., Bayer AG., Daicel Chemical
Industries Ltd., Idemitsu Petrochemical Co. Ltd., Nippon
GE Plastics K.K., Mitsui Petrochemical Industries K.K., and
Teijin Ltd.
• The "crystalline" oligomer approach (Asahi 10 King
Chemical Industries Co. Ltd., Daicel Chemical Industries
Ltd., and Teijin Ltd.)
• The 'cyclic oligomer" polymerization process (GE Plastics,
Bayer AG/ Miles Inc. or Bayer America).
POLYCARBONATES 3
Reference 12
5. TRANS-ESTERIFICATION
With the advent of high-quality, high molecular
weight BPA-PC melt resin a commercial reality,
current research focus has been directed to catalyst
improvement.
Catalyst systems other than alkali metal hydroxides
(e.g., NaOН) have been investigated; they range from
fluoride, carboxylate, and phosphonium salts to
neutral amines, phosphite, and guanidine systems.
However, except in very special circumstances or
applications, alkali metal hydroxides (e.g., NaOH) are
still the catalysts of choice.
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POLYCARBONATES
Reference 3
7. COMPOUNDING THE POLYMER
The compounding system is critically important for all
Polycarbonate (PC) based materials. PC ingredients, mostly
in powder or chip form, are compounded together with
additive components into pellets such as for transparent
moulding compounds in the compounding system. In many
cases reinforcement agents, flame retardants, dyes or the
aforementioned blend partners are also added.
Compounding these materials is therefore very demanding
and requires customized solutions such as some of the
following. Polymer components must be melted as gently as
possible, flame retardants have to be perfectly distributed,
and reinforcement fibers must be added and processed in
such a way as to optimize mechanical properties.
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POLYCARBONATES
Reference 14
8. PROCESSING THE POLYMER
Injection molding: The most common method to produce polycarbonates and their blends. Polycarbonate is
highly viscous. It is usually processed at high temperatures to reduce its viscosity. In this process, the hot
polymer melt is pressed through into a mold with high pressure. The mold when cools gives the molten
polymer its desired shape and characteristics. This process is generally used to manufacture polycarbonate
bottles and plates. Since polycarbonate is a poor-flowing plastic, the wall thickness should not be too thin.
8
POLYCARBONATES
Reference 10
9. PROCESSING THE POLYMER
Extrusion molding: Processing temperatures range from 240 to 300°C. A smooth temperature
increase from the feed throat to the tip of the screw, followed by a slightly lower die temperature,
has been found most expedient. This favors uniform pressure buildup along the barrel. Provision for
cooling the barrel is also desirable in order to dissipate adiabatic heat from the working of the resin
and to control temperatures to the desired profile.
Thermoforming: Films and sheets of BPA-PC can be subjected to thermoforming. BPA-PC can also be
polished to a high gloss, coated, printed, embossed, or vacuum-metallized and bonded with solvents.
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POLYCARBONATES
11. PROPERTIES
1. MECHANICAL PROPERTIES
• Light weight
• Poor water absorption properties
• High tensile strength
• Highly recyclable without excessive rigidity
• High viscosity in Liquid state due to high rigidity of chain
• Excellent transparency due to a very high refractive index
• High impact resistance
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POLYCARBONATES
12. PROPERTIES
1. MECHANICAL PROPERTIES
• Polycarbonate exhibits scratch resistance and is highly durable.
• Good weathering stability.
• High dimensional stability
• Better creep resistance than most thermoplastics.
• Extremely High stiffness and impact toughness.
• Good wear resistance
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POLYCARBONATES
14. PROPERTIES
2. ELECTRICAL PROPERTIES
• Polycarbonate has excellent insulating properties
• The value of dielectric constant is 2.9 which is higher than PTFE and Polyolefins.
• Polycarbonate has very high surface and volume resistivity which helps it withstand high voltage
without breaking down.
• The dielectric strength of polycarbonate is roughly around 16 to 35 kV/mm.
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POLYCARBONATES
15. PROPERTIES
3. CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
• Resistant to dilute mineral acids and alcohols but susceptible to aromatic compounds, alkalis,
ketones, and chlorinated hydrocarbons.
• Has decent resistance to greases and oils so it can be easily coated in the form of a film.
• However, its UV resistance is limited, causing it to yellow relatively quickly under prolonged
exposure.
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POLYCARBONATES
16. PROPERTIES
4. THERMAL PROPERTIES
• Good Heat resistance and Thermal Stability.
• Exhibits Flame retardant behaviour and High ignition temperature.
• High Heat Distortion temperature generally around 270- 280℉
• Exhibits self-extinguishing property.
• Relatively low thermal Conductivity.
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POLYCARBONATES
17. COPOLYMERS AND BLENDS
• Most important and commercially established blends are those with ASA, ABS graft polymers
or those with PBT/PET in combination with impact-resistance modifiers such as ABS.
• More than 20% of produced polycarbonates is used in polycarbonate blends.
Impact
Property
Blended with
Better than ABS
Heat Resistance
ABS
Better than ABS
Light Stability
ABS
Better than BPA-PC
Processability
ABS
Better than BPA-PC
Gasoline Resistance
PET/PBT
Higher than BPA-PC
Heat distortion resistance
PET/PBT
Better than BPA-PC
Low Temperature Toughness
PET/PBT
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POLYCARBONATES
18. GRADES
Polycarbonate is available in a number of different grades dependent on the application and
chosen processing method.
The material is available in a variety of grades such as film, flame retardant, reinforced and stress
crack resistant, branched (for applications requiring high melt strength) and other speciality
grades.
1. Standard Grade: General-purpose applications (Basic durability and impact resistance are
sufficient, cost effective, clarity and weatherability maintained). Example: Protective glazing.
2. Glass Filled Grades: Glass fibers may be added in various amounts (10%, 20%, 30% and 40%).
It offers high impact strength, excellent strength retention at elevated temperatures, high
tensile, shear, and flexural strength, high modulus of elasticity, low deformation under load,
excellent creep and cold flow resistance, low coefficient of thermal expansion, good
electrical insulation properties, easy processability.
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POLYCARBONATES
19. GRADES
1. Stand
2. lass Filled Grades
3. UV-Protected Grade: These sheets feature added UV stabilizers and inhibitors, providing enhanced
protection against UV radiation without yellowing or decaying. Example: Greenhouse panels.
4. Flame Retardant Grade: Engineered to meet stringent fire safety regulations, making them suitable for
applications where fire resistance is paramount. Example: electrical enclosures, and transportation
applications where compliance with fire codes is mandatory.
5. High-Impact Grade: These sheets exhibit exceptional strength and toughness, resisting breakage and
deformation even under severe stress. Example: Security Glazing.
6. Optical Grade: Optical-grade polycarbonate sheets are engineered for applications requiring exceptional
clarity, precision optics, and light transmission properties. Example: Display Screens.
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POLYCARBONATES
22. APPLICATION OF POLYCARBONATES
1. AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY
• Polycarbonate is widely utilized in the headlamp lenses, dashboard components, door trims, and
window glazing, thanks to its excellent impact resistance, transparency, and heat tolerance.
• Additionally, its lightweight nature enhances fuel efficiency..
• Polycarbonate is also used in sunroofs and safety shields, providing enhanced protection and
design flexibility.
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POLYCARBONATES
24. APPLICATION OF POLYCARBONATES
2. ARCHITECHTURAL GLAZING
• Polycarbonate sheets serve as a superior alternative to glass,
offering excellent transparency, thermal insulation, lightweight
construction, and high impact resistance.
• These versatile sheets are widely used in greenhouses, skylights,
roof domes, and building facades.
• Additionally, they provide UV protection, weather resistance, and
enhanced durability, making them ideal for outdoor structures
and noise-reducing panels in urban environments.
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POLYCARBONATES
25. APPLICATION OF POLYCARBONATES
3. ELECTRICALAND ELECTRONIC
• Polycarbonate's excellent electrical insulation, and
dimensional stability make it an ideal material for a
wide range of electrical and electronic applications.
• It is commonly used in connectors, sockets, switches,
and LED lighting components.
• Its durability, heat resistance, and lightweight
contribute to its use in circuit breakers, battery
casings, and enclosures for electrical equipment.
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POLYCARBONATES
26. APPLICATION OF POLYCARBONATES
4. MEDICALAND PHARMACEUTICAL EQUIPMENT AND
PACKAGING
• Polycarbonate's exceptional transparency, resistance to
chemicals, and ability to withstand sterilization make it an ideal
material for a wide range of medical and laboratory applications.
• Its clarity allows for easy visual inspection of contents, making it
particularly valuable for medical devices such as syringes, IV
components, and implantable devices.
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POLYCARBONATES
27. APPLICATION OF POLYCARBONATES
4. MEDICALAND PHARMACEUTICAL EQUIPMENT AND
PACKAGING
• Its durability and resistance to harsh chemicals ensure the safe
storage of pharmaceuticals, making it a preferred choice for
pharmaceutical packaging.
• In laboratory settings, polycarbonate is widely used in the
manufacturing of equipment such as petri dishes, centrifuge
tubes, and safety goggles, where its strength and sterilizability
contribute to maintaining hygienic and reliable testing
conditions.
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POLYCARBONATES
28. RECYCLING
At the end of a product's life cycle, polycarbonate (PC) remains a valuable resource that can be recovered
through various recycling methods:
• Mechanical Recycling – Regains PC as a secondary raw material. Common in recovering PC from items like
CDs through processes such as sandblasting, milling, and chemical washing.
• Feedstock Recycling – Breaks down PC chemically to retrieve monomers like BPA using methods like
hydrolysis, alcoholysis, or aminolysis. Research is ongoing into solvent-free degradation methods using
supercritical fluids or mild catalysts.
• Thermal Decomposition (Pyrolysis) – Converts PC into synthesis gas or liquid fuels.
Challenges include improving efficiency and reducing byproducts through catalyst innovation. Recycling
success depends heavily on the quality and quantity of waste PC, which is influenced by local waste
management systems. Post-industrial waste is easier to recycle, while post-consumer waste presents
challenges due to contamination and mixed materials.
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POLYCARBONATES
29. REFERENCES
1. Polycarbonates by William F. Christopher, Daniel Wayne Fox
2. Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry
3. Chemistry And Physics of Polycarbonates by Hermann Schnell
4. Handbook of Polycarbonate Science and Technology by Donald E. Hudgin
5. Advances in Polycarbonates by Daniel J. Brunelle and Michael R. Korn
6. JACI Textbook, Introduction to GSC No.2, Novel Non-phosgene Polycarbonate Production Process Using By-product CO2 as Starting
Material
7. Morphological, thermal, and mechanical properties of polypropylene/polycarbonate blend from Journal of Applied Polymer Science
8. https://laminatedplastics.com/polycarbonate.pdf
9. https://www.bpf.co.uk/plastipedia/polymers/Polycarbonate.aspx#grades
10. https://omnexus.specialchem.com/selection-guide/polycarbonate-pc-plastic
11. https://www.tridentplastics.com/a-quick-guide-to-polycarbonates-all-you-need-to-know/
12. https://cdn.intratec.us/docs/reports/previews/pc-e11a-b.pdf
13. https://pslc.ws/macrog/pcsyn.htm
14. https://busscorp.com/industries/polycarbonate-compounds/
15. https://www.americhem.com/pages/polycarbonate
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