Straws, cotton buds, plates and cutlery, cocktail pallets, bottles, bags and skylights.
All these objects are made of plastic, but only the last one is born to be durable in time.
Polycarbonate: The Versatile Polymer for a Long Service Life
Polycarbonate is a polymer plastic material highly appreciated for its outstanding mechanical, optical and thermal properties. It is available in two main variants: compact polycarbonate and cellular polycarbonate. These two types of polycarbonate, while sharing many characteristics, have significant differences that make them suitable for different applications. Both offer an excellent compromise between quality and price, making them popular choices in many industries.
Compact polycarbonate
Compact polycarbonate is a solid material, with no gaps or cavities in it. Its main characteristics are:
1. Strength: It is extremely resistant to shocks, almost comparable to tempered glass. This property makes it ideal for applications requiring high mechanical strength, such as safety barriers, machinery covers, and vandal-proof glazing.
2. Transparency: Offers high transparency, similar to glass, but with the added advantage of being much lighter. This makes it perfect for windows, skylights and transparent roofs.
3. UV protection: Often treated with UV filters, compact polycarbonate can resist the degrading effects of sunlight, maintaining its transparency and mechanical properties over time.
4. Maintenance: Requires minimal maintenance. Regular cleaning with water and mild soap is sufficient to keep it in good condition.
Cellular Polycarbonate
The cellular polycarbonate, on the other hand, is characterized by an internal structure composed of chambers or alveoli. This configuration gives the material some unique characteristics:
1. Light weight: Due to its cellular structure, the cellular polycarbonate is significantly lighter than the compact. This lightness facilitates installation and reduces transport costs.
2. Thermal insulation: The inner alveoli act as a thermal barrier, improving the insulation compared to compact polycarbonate. This makes it ideal for greenhouses, roofing and other applications where thermal insulation is important.
3. Impact Resistance: Although less resistant than compact polycarbonate, the honeycomb still offers good impact resistance, sufficient for most outdoor applications.
4. Versatility: Thanks to its structure, it can be cold-bent, offering greater design flexibility for architects and designers.
5. Maintenance: Like compact polycarbonate, the honeycomb requires little maintenance. It is advisable to carry out regular cleaning to avoid the accumulation of dirt in the internal channels.
Polycarbonate: A Long-term Investment
Regardless of the type chosen, polycarbonate is a material designed to last. Its resistance to weather, impact and UV rays, combined with its lightness and ease of maintenance make it an excellent option for many applications.
To ensure the longevity of polycarbonate, it is important to follow some simple maintenance rules:
1. Regular cleaning: Use water and mild soap to clean surfaces, avoiding aggressive solvents that could damage the material.
2. UV protection: Make sure the material is treated with a UV filter, especially for outdoor applications, to prevent yellowing and loss of transparency.
3. Proper Installation: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation, avoiding excessive stress on the material.
In conclusion, polycarbonate, both compact and cellular, is a versatile, durable and cost-effective choice. Its ability to combine lightness, strength and transparency with a relatively low cost makes it an ideal material for multiple applications, offering an excellent compromise between quality and price.