Applications of cellular and monolithic polycarbonate

Polycarbonate is a thermoplastic polymer used to manufacture products for everyday life, construction and industry. High impact resistance, transparency, low weight and ease of processing allow polycarbonate to be used in many different areas.

Types of Polycarbonate

There are two types of polycarbonate: cellular and monolithic. Let us briefly consider each type. Cellular polycarbonate got its name because its cross-section resembles honeycombs. It consists of cells filled with air. These cells can be rectangular or triangular. Cellular polycarbonate can be multilayer, up to five layers.

Unlike the previous type, monolithic polycarbonate in cross-section is a solid transparent or translucent material. Its characteristics resemble silicate glass. Monolithic polycarbonate is difficult to break.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Polycarbonate

Polycarbonate has more advantages than disadvantages. That is why the areas and fields of polycarbonate use are so extensive.

Advantages include:

• good sound insulation properties;

• high strength indicators;

• wide color range;

• fire resistance and flexibility;

• high thermal insulation properties;

• resistance to adverse natural factors such as sudden temperature changes, precipitation and wind;

• corrosion resistance.

Undoubtedly, the advantages of polycarbonate show its demand in many different areas. But before listing the areas and fields of polycarbonate use, it is worth noting some disadvantages of this material.

Scratches can remain on polycarbonate. In addition, material without a protective UV layer turns yellow over time and loses properties under sunlight.

Of course, nothing in our world is perfect, and it is clear that this material has far more advantages than disadvantages. Therefore, polycarbonate can be safely used for various purposes. The following sections describe which ones.

Use of Cellular Polycarbonate

Cellular polycarbonate is more flexible than monolithic polycarbonate. This makes it possible to use this type of polycarbonate for greenhouses and hotbeds in agriculture. The material is also well suited for creating various enclosing structures.

Builders have long appreciated this material because of its properties, which are well suited for construction. Cellular polycarbonate is used to create roofing for different structures, because this material is resistant to atmospheric precipitation and temperature changes. It is used to make partitions of different sizes in private houses, apartments and offices, as well as advertising signs.

Polycarbonate is often used to create external translucent structures such as shop windows, stained-glass structures and canopies. The transparency of this material and its large color range make it possible to use it for glazing gazebos and terraces in public places, restaurants, cafes and private houses.

Use of Monolithic Polycarbonate

Due to its properties, rigidity and strength, this type is used in the construction of buildings and structures. Pavilions, booths, bus stops and various fences intended to protect against wind and noise are built from monolithic polycarbonate. In other words, this polycarbonate is suitable for constructing small architectural forms. In addition, the material is used as roofing, for glazing balconies and for creating partitions.

The food industry also uses polycarbonate. It is used to make food films, disposable unbreakable dishes and cutlery of different colors. This plastic is also used to produce containers and packaging for storing medicines, dental prostheses and parts for medical equipment.