Pros and Cones of Polycarbonates (Advantages and Disadvantages)

Pros (Advantages)

1. Excellent impact resistance and strength at low and high temperatures.
2. Available in visually clear grades.
3. Good heat strength, flame retardant, RoHS compliant, mould release, good lubricated, dimensional stability, good impact resistance, good process ability, good heat resistance and high viscosity.
4. Polycarbonates are virtually unbreakable and can withstand massive force. For this reason, they are used in the construction of bulletproof windows and police shields.
5. Ultraviolet blockage is another great plus with polycarbonates. This quality makes these panels the material of choice for constructing overhead covers and awnings in commercial establishments.
6. Polycarbonates are very light when compared to glass, acrylic or other plastics. This results in easy transportation, installation and lower labor costs.
7. Polycarbonates are highly resistant to heat and cold. These are ideal for use in any kind of harsh environment, where they can last longer than other standard construction materials.
8. Another advantage is the fact it can be injected into various objects which allows it to be used for discs, bottles, glasses, lenses, audio player cases, and lab equipment.
9. Polycarbonate materials are preferred material of choice for constructing greenhouses and plant nurseries due to excellent optical properties of polycarbonate which enable keeping out ultraviolet rays while letting in adequate sunlight and heat.
10. Polycarbonate factors are resistant to sunlight, rain and snow. This enables the polycarbonate factors to last in the outdoors for many years without showing signs of fading, yellowing or discoloration.

Cons (Disadvantages)

1. Polycarbonate is recommended only for those products that are used once, not repeated because of its chemical makeup.
2. Bisphenol A (primary component of polycarbonate) may have unpredicted effects on humans, repeated use of the one object may be potentially hazardous to the health.
3. High price is one of the major disadvantages of polycarbonates. It is much more expensive than glass and other plastics.
4. Polycarbonates are not very resistant to scratching, marring and abrasive surfaces. As a result, denting is possible on the surface if care is not taken.
5. Polycarbonates are highly sensitive to abrasive cleaners, alkaline cleaning products and solvents. Therefore, you must be very careful to avoid substances containing acetone, benzene or any other such organic solvents.
6. The manufacturing process for polycarbonates is not very environmentally friendly, requires very high processing temperatures and is also very expensive. Also, it requires phosgene, which is known for its ill effects on human health and chlorine, which is also environmentally unfriendly.
7. Polycarbonate is susceptible to degradation when exposed to processing equipment for an extended period.
8. Polycarbonate possesses only fair resistance to chemicals. Because of this lower resistance factor, polycarbonate deteriorates when exposed to many organic solvents.
9. Polycarbonate material exhibits aromatic sensitivity or is prone to absorb odours.
10. Although polycarbonate rates high for impact strength when compared to ABS, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or acrylic, it is subject to stress cracking.