Polycarbonate Vs Polypropylene: Comparing Properties, Cost And Applications
Introduction
People pay more and more attention to the heat resistance, mechanical strength and safety of the products. Polycarbonate and polypropylene are both common types in our daily life in recent years. They are plastic polymer compounds. But What are the differences between them? How to choose when using? In this article, we will introduce you a comparison between them.
overview of Polycarbonate and Polypropylene
Polycarbonate and Polypropylene are two popular thermoplastics that are widely used in various industries due to their unique properties.
Polycarbonate is a tough, transparent plastic that is known for its high impact resistance, clarity, and heat resistance. It is often used in applications where strength and clarity are important, such as in the manufacturing of safety glasses, electronic components, and automotive parts.
Polypropylene, on the other hand, is a flexible, lightweight plastic that is known for its chemical resistance, durability, and low cost. It is often used in applications where flexibility and chemical resistance are important, such as in the manufacturing of packaging materials, medical devices, and automotive components.
While Polycarbonate and Polypropylene have some similar properties, such as their ability to withstand high temperatures and their resistance to chemicals, they also have some key differences that make them better suited for different applications. Understanding these differences can help you choose the right material for your specific needs.
why these materials are popular in different industries
Polycarbonate and Polypropylene are popular materials in different industries because they offer unique properties that are well-suited for specific applications. Polycarbonate, for example, is often used in industries where strength, clarity, and heat resistance are important, such as in the manufacturing of safety glasses, electronic components, and automotive parts.
The high impact resistance of Polycarbonate makes it ideal for safety glasses and other protective equipment that needs to withstand high-force impacts without cracking or breaking. Its clarity is also important in applications where optical properties are critical, such as in the manufacturing of LED lighting and medical devices. Additionally, Polycarbonate’s high heat resistance makes it a popular choice in the automotive industry for parts that need to withstand high temperatures and exposure to UV light.
Polypropylene, on the other hand, is often used in industries where flexibility, chemical resistance, and low cost are important. Its flexibility makes it ideal for applications that require the material to bend or flex, such as in the manufacturing of medical devices and automotive components. Its chemical resistance also makes it a popular choice in the manufacturing of packaging materials and containers that need to withstand exposure to various chemicals.
Furthermore, Polypropylene is a low-cost material that is widely available, making it an economical choice for many applications. Its durability and resistance to corrosion also make it a popular choice in the construction industry for pipes and other components that need to withstand exposure to harsh environmental conditions.
Overall, Polycarbonate and Polypropylene are popular in different industries due to their unique properties and characteristics, which make them well-suited for a wide range of applications.
key differences between Polycarbonate and Polypropylene
- Strength: Polycarbonate is known for its high impact resistance and strength, making it an ideal choice for applications that require durability and toughness. Polypropylene, on the other hand, is more flexible and less brittle than Polycarbonate, making it better suited for applications that require a material that can bend or flex without breaking.
- Clarity: Polycarbonate is highly transparent and has excellent optical properties, making it an ideal choice for applications where optical clarity is important, such as in the manufacturing of LED lighting and medical devices. Polypropylene, on the other hand, is less transparent and has a slightly hazy appearance, making it less suitable for applications where optical clarity is important.
- Heat resistance: Polycarbonate has a higher heat resistance than Polypropylene, making it more suitable for applications that require exposure to high temperatures or UV light. Polypropylene, on the other hand, has a lower heat resistance and may not be suitable for applications that require exposure to high temperatures.
- Chemical resistance: Polypropylene is known for its excellent chemical resistance, making it ideal for applications that require exposure to various chemicals. Polycarbonate, on the other hand, is less resistant to certain chemicals and may not be suitable for applications that require exposure to harsh chemicals.
- Cost: Polypropylene is generally less expensive than Polycarbonate, making it a more cost-effective choice for many applications.
| Property | Polypropylene | Polycarbonate |
|---|---|---|
| Strength | Flexible and less brittle than Polycarbonate | High impact resistance and strength |
| Clarity | Slightly hazy appearance | Highly transparent and excellent optical properties |
| Heat resistance | Lower heat resistance than Polycarbonate | Higher heat resistance than many other plastics |
| Flexibility | Flexible and lightweight | Flexible and tough |
| Durability | Highly durable and resistant to wear and tear | Highly durable and resistant to scratches and weathering |
| Chemical resistance | Highly resistant to a wide range of chemicals | Less resistant to certain chemicals |
| Cost | Relatively low-cost compared to other plastics | More expensive than Polypropylene |
Overall, Polypropylene and Polycarbonate have different properties that make them better suited for different applications. Polypropylene is ideal for applications that require flexibility, chemical resistance, durability, and low cost. Polycarbonate, on the other hand, is better suited for applications that require strength, clarity, heat resistance, and optical properties. Understanding these differences can help you choose the right material for your specific needs.
Detail properties of polycarbonate vs polypropylene
Polycarbonate and Polypropylene have different properties that make them well-suited for different applications. Understanding these properties can help you choose the right material for your specific needs.
| PROPERTIES | UNITS | ASTM TEST | POLYCARBONATE | POLYPROPYLENE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Specific gravity | D792 | 1.2 | 0.91 | |
| Light transmittance (transparency/clarity) | % | D1003 | 86 | / |
| Tensile elongation | % | D638 | 135 | / |
| Heat deflection temperature @ 66 psi/264 psi | °F | D648 | 280 | 210 |
| Maximum continuous service temperature in air | °F | 240 | 180 | |
| Flexural strength | psi | D790 | 13,500 | / |
| Tensile strength | psi | D638 | 9,500 | 5,400 |
| Tensile modulus of elasticity | psi | D638 | 345,000 | / |
| Flexural modulus of elasticity | psi | D790 | 345,000 | 225,000 |
| Compressive strength（10% Deformation ） | psi | D695 | 12,500 | / |
| Izod impact (notched, 73°F) | ft-lbs/in | D256 | 12.0 – 16.0 | 1.2 |
| Coefficient of linear thermal expansion | in/in/°Fx10-5 | D696 | 3.8 | 5 |
| Dialectic strength | V/mil | D149 | 380 | / |
| Water absorption (immersion 24 hours) | % | D570 | 0.15 | / |
- Specific gravity: Polycarbonate has a higher specific gravity than Polypropylene, meaning it is denser.
- Light transmittance: Polycarbonate is highly transparent and has a light transmittance of 86%, while Polypropylene is less transparent and does not have a specified light transmittance value.
- Tensile elongation: Polycarbonate has a higher tensile elongation than Polypropylene, meaning it can stretch more before breaking.
- Heat deflection temperature: Polycarbonate has a higher heat deflection temperature than Polypropylene, meaning it can withstand higher temperatures before deforming.
- Maximum continuous service temperature: Polycarbonate has a higher maximum continuous service temperature than Polypropylene, meaning it can be used in applications that require exposure to higher temperatures.
- Flexural strength: Polycarbonate has a higher flexural strength than Polypropylene, meaning it can withstand more force before breaking when bent.
- Tensile strength: Polycarbonate has a higher tensile strength than Polypropylene, meaning it can withstand more force before breaking when pulled.
- Tensile modulus of elasticity: Polycarbonate and Polypropylene have similar tensile modulus of elasticity values.
- Flexural modulus of elasticity: Polycarbonate has a higher flexural modulus of elasticity than Polypropylene, meaning it is stiffer when bent.
- Compressive strength: Polycarbonate has a higher compressive strength than Polypropylene, meaning it can withstand more force before breaking when compressed.
- Izod impact: Polycarbonate has a higher Izod impact value than Polypropylene, meaning it can withstand more force before breaking when struck.
- Coefficient of linear thermal expansion: Polypropylene has a higher coefficient of linear thermal expansion than Polycarbonate, meaning it will expand more when exposed to heat.
- Dialectic strength: Polycarbonate has a higher dialectic strength than Polypropylene, meaning it can withstand more electrical stress before breaking down.
- Water absorption: Both Polycarbonate and Polypropylene have low water absorption values, meaning they are resistant to water damage.
which material is better suited for different applications
Polycarbonate is suitable for:
- Safety glasses and other protective equipment that require high impact resistance and optical clarity
- LED lighting and other optical applications that require excellent light transmission and optical properties
- Electronic components such as computer housings and phone cases that require both strength and optical clarity
- Automotive parts such as headlight lenses and dashboard components that require both impact resistance and heat resistance
- Skylights and other architectural applications that require both durability and optical clarity
Polypropylene is widely used for:
- Packaging materials and containers that require flexibility, durability, and resistance to chemicals
- Medical devices such as syringes and tubing that require flexibility and resistance to chemicals
- Automotive components such as interior trim and bumpers that require flexibility and resistance to wear and tear
- Pipes and other construction materials that require resistance to corrosion and durability
- Toys and other consumer goods that require flexibility and low cost
Overall, the choice between Polycarbonate and Polypropylene depends on the specific needs of the application. Polycarbonate is better suited for applications that require strength, clarity, and heat resistance, while Polypropylene is better suited for applications that require flexibility, chemical resistance, and low cost.
In conclusion
Polycarbonate and Polypropylene are both versatile materials that offer a range of properties that make them well-suited for various applications. While Polycarbonate is known for its strength, clarity, and heat resistance, Polypropylene is known for its flexibility, chemical resistance, and low cost.
When choosing between these materials, it’s important to consider the specific needs of your application. For example, if you require a material that can withstand heavy impact without cracking or breaking, Polycarbonate would be the better choice. On the other hand, if you require a material that is flexible and can bend without breaking, Polypropylene would be the better choice.
It’s also important to consider other factors such as cost, environmental impact, and ease of processing when choosing between these materials. By taking all of these factors into consideration, you can make an informed decision about which material is best suited for your particular application.
Overall, Polycarbonate and Polypropylene are both excellent choices for a wide range of applications. By understanding their unique properties and characteristics, you can select the material that is best suited for your specific needs and achieve the desired results.
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