Introduction

In the field of materials science, finding a suitable alternative to acrylic plastic with higher melting points and maintaining comparable physical properties is crucial for various industrial applications. One such alternative is polycarbonate, more commonly known under the trade name Lexan. This article explores the properties of polycarbonate and compares it with acrylic plastic, focusing specifically on its melting point and other key physical attributes.

Polycarbonate Melting Point and Heat Resistance

When considering materials with higher melting points than acrylic plastic, polycarbonate stands out as a promising candidate. Acrylic plastic typically melts at around 130-140 degrees Celsius, whereas polycarbonate has a much higher melting point.

Polycarbonate can withstand temperatures up to 115 degrees Celsius, which is significantly higher than the melting point of acrylic. More impressively, its melting point can reach up to 300 degrees Celsius, demonstrating a substantial advantage in applications requiring materials that can endure higher temperatures without melting.

Physical Properties Comparison between Acrylic and Polycarbonate

In addition to the melting point, several other physical properties are important when comparing acrylic and polycarbonate. These properties include density, tensile strength, and tensile elongation, which directly impact the performance and usability of the material in various applications.

Density

Both acrylic and polycarbonate have similar densities, making them comparable in terms of weight and bulk. Acrylic has a density of approximately 1.2 g/cm3, which is very close to the density of polycarbonate, thus maintaining similar handling characteristics and portability.

Tensile Strength

Tensile strength refers to how much force a material can withstand before breaking. Acrylic plastic has a tensile strength of around 4000 psi, whereas polycarbonate offers higher tensile strength, reaching approximately 7000 psi. Although polycarbonate's tensile strength is higher, it is still less than that of some other materials, indicating that it is not as strong as steel or concrete.

Tensile Elongation

A more critical factor often overlooked in comparing materials is tensile elongation. This property measures how much a material can stretch before it begins to crack or break. Acrylic plastic has a tensile elongation of about 25%, which means it can be stretched to just a quarter of its original length before cracking. In comparison, polycarbonate offers a much higher tensile elongation of 100%. This indicates that polycarbonate can be stretched to almost its original length without causing any cracks or damage. Such flexibility is highly advantageous in applications where the material may experience stress or deformation.

Conclusion

When seeking alternatives to acrylic plastic with higher melting points and maintaining comparable physical properties, polycarbonate, under the trade name Lexan, is an excellent choice. It not only has a significantly higher melting point, reaching up to 300 degrees Celsius, but also offers improved flexibility and comparable density to acrylic plastic. While polycarbonate may not match the tensile strength of other materials, its higher tensile elongation provides significant benefits in terms of durability and adaptability.

Choosing the appropriate material for specific applications can be a complex decision, and both acrylic and polycarbonate have their strengths. Understanding the differences in melting point and physical properties is essential for making informed choices in industrial and commercial environments.