Polycarbonate (PC)

Polycarbonate (PC) is an amorphous thermoplastic polymer.

What is Polycarbonate (PC)?

Polycarbonate (PC) is an amorphous thermoplastic polymer. Amorphous polymers do not have defined melting points but ranges at which they soften (called the glass transition temperature).

Polycarbonate has excellent toughness, strength, transparency and dimensional and color stability. It has higher impact resistance than nylon 6 and nylon 6,6. Its drawbacks are lower resistance to chemicals and organic solvents.

Polycarbonate is one of the high-performance engineering resins we extrude for medical tubing that needs strength, heat resistance or stiffness. Compare it with the other resins on our engineering resins page, or call us to talk through your application.

Polycarbonate questions, answered

Does polycarbonate have a melting point?

Polycarbonate is amorphous, so it softens over a range instead of melting sharply. Its glass transition temperature is 302°F (150°C).

What is the tensile strength of polycarbonate?

Tensile strength at break for polycarbonate runs 10,000 psi (68.9 MPa), with elongation at break of 80% to 150%.

What is the density of polycarbonate?

Polycarbonate has a specific gravity of 0.0434 lb./in.3 (1.20 g/cc), which corresponds to a density of about 1.20 g/cm³.

How hard is polycarbonate?

On our datasheet, polycarbonate grades measure Shore A 70.

How can polycarbonate tubing be sterilized?

Depending on grade, polycarbonate is compatible with ethylene oxide (EtO), gamma and E-beam radiation and steam autoclaving (limited). Confirm the method for your specific grade with the resin supplier.

Does MicroSpec extrude polycarbonate tubing?

Yes. We extrude polycarbonate into custom medical tubing, including multi-lumen, bump and co-extruded designs. Send us your print or call 603.924.4300 for a quote.