Acrylic (PMMA) Vs Polycarbonate (PC): Properties And Differences

You're considering two of the most popular thermoplastics, acrylic (PMMA) and polycarbonate (PC). But what, specifically, sets them apart?

In this article, we'll look at the various properties that differentiate PMMA from PC. We'll also compare their cost and explore where they are best used in applications.

Get ready to learn all about acrylic and polycarbonate so you can make an informed decision when choosing between them!

Overview of PMMA and PC

Comparing the two, it's like night and day - one is hard as a rock, while the other is light and flexible. Acrylic (PMMA) and polycarbonate (PC) are both strong thermoplastics with different properties that make them suitable for various applications.

PMMA is a lightweight, rigid material that offers excellent optical clarity, chemical resistance, and durability. It can be molded into complex shapes due to its high heat tolerance.

PC, on the other hand, offers superior impact strength to PMMA but is more prone to scratches and may yellow over time. It requires higher temperatures for forming parts which makes it ideal for injection molding applications.

Both materials are widely available in sheet form or as moldable pellets making them easy to work with for at-home projects or small businesses alike.

Both materials offer a unique combination of strength and flexibility that gives users the freedom to create whatever their imagination desires!

Mechanical Properties

When discussing the mechanical properties of PMMA and PC, strength and stiffness as well as impact resistance are key points to consider. Both materials boast excellent tensile strength and modulus of elasticity, but PC is more resistant to impacts than PMMA.

Additionally, PMMA has a higher glass transition temperature which makes it more suitable for applications that require exposure to high temperatures.

Strength and stiffness

You'll be amazed by the strength and stiffness of these two materials - don't let their differences fool you! Acrylic (PMMA) is a rigid, strong thermoplastic material with good tensile strength. Its tensile modulus of elasticity ranges from 3200 to 4000 MPa.

Polycarbonate (PC), on the other hand, is an extremely tough and resilient thermoplastic which has very good impact resistance and high flexural strength compared to acrylic. Its flexural modulus of elasticity typically ranges from 7500 to 9000 MPa.

Here are 4 reasons why both materials are so strong:

1. Acrylic offers superior scratch resistance and excellent optical clarity.
2. PC can withstand temperatures up to 120°C without being deformed or embrittled.
3. Both materials demonstrate excellent chemical resistance when exposed to most acids, bases, oils and gasoline products over time without any degradation in performance levels or physical characteristics like color change, yellowing etc.
4. They have great dimensional stability that allows them to maintain a constant shape even after being subjected to adverse environmental conditions such as temperature fluctuations or exposure to UV radiation over long periods of time.

These properties make acrylic and polycarbonate ideal choices for applications requiring exceptional durability and strength yet flexibility for freedom of design in projects where appearance is important too!

Impact resistance

Both materials boast incredible impact resistance, allowing them to withstand even the toughest of knocks without breaking or showing signs of wear. Acrylic (PMMA) is known for its superior toughness and scratch-resistance, making it well-suited for applications where there's a risk of objects hitting it or being dropped.

Polycarbonate (PC), on the other hand, is renowned for its outstanding shock absorption and can handle most bumps and drops with ease. This makes it ideal for products that need to be tough but lightweight.

No matter which one you choose, you can rest assured knowing that your product will have optimal protection from impacts and shocks. Both acrylic (PMMA) and polycarbonate (PC) are perfect choices if you're looking for a material that offers superior strength and durability in a range of different environments.

With their impressive impact resistance, you can enjoy the freedom to create whatever designs your heart desires - without worrying about damage due to frequent impacts!

Thermal Properties

You may be wondering about the differences between acrylic (PMMA) and polycarbonate (PC) when it comes to thermal properties.

Heat resistance and thermal conductivity are two important factors to consider as you choose between these materials.

Both of these materials possess unique strengths and weaknesses in terms of their heat resistance and thermal conductivity. These should be taken into consideration when making a decision.

Heat resistance

When it comes to heat resistance, you'll want to know which option is best for your needs! Acrylic (PMMA) and polycarbonate (PC) both have their distinct strengths when it comes to heat resistance.

Acrylic has a melting point of around 420°F, while PC's can withstand temperatures up to 270°F. This means that acrylic is better suited for applications where high-heat conditions are present or likely. However, the downside of acrylic is that it tends to become brittle and crack at lower temperatures than PC.

On the other hand, PC remains flexible over a wide range of temperatures—making it more durable in colder environments and ideal for outdoor usage. Additionally, PC also has better chemical resistance than acrylic; making it resistant to certain acids and solvents that would cause damage to an acrylic product.

Ultimately, whether you choose acrylic or polycarbonate will depend on your application's specific needs when it comes to heat resistance.

Thermal conductivity

Experience the difference between acrylic and polycarbonate when it comes to thermal conductivity - PC is your best bet for keeping cool!

Polycarbonate has impressive thermal conductivity, which makes it ideal for applications where heat needs to be dissipated. This means that if you're looking to keep things cool in a device or machine, then polycarbonate is the material of choice.

Acrylic, on its own, does not have very good thermal conductivity. However, with additives such as glass fibers or aluminum flakes, its thermal properties can improve dramatically. So, if you're looking for superior heat resistance and want to maximize airflow in your system, then polycarbonate should be your go-to option.

With its excellent thermal properties and great durability, PC offers users freedom from worry about overheating or other temperature-related issues.

Optical Properties

Seeing is believing, and both acrylic (PMMA) and polycarbonate (PC) each possess unique optical characteristics that set them apart. PMMA is known for its clarity, making it an ideal material for applications like glazing and windowing. It also has a high light transmittance index, allowing up to 92% of visible light to pass through the material - perfect for applications where clarity is key.

On the other hand, PC offers superior impact resistance while still maintaining decent transparency levels. Because it's so shatter-resistant, PC works well in areas where safety and durability are top priorities. Whether you need something transparent or tough as nails, acrylic or polycarbonate will have you covered!

Chemical Properties

From their chemical makeup to their physical properties, acrylic and polycarbonate offer distinct advantages - one clear, the other tough. Acrylic, also known as PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate), is a synthetic polymer that offers excellent optical clarity and resistance to ultraviolet light. It chemically consists of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms.

On the other hand, polycarbonate is a thermoplastic polymer made up of carbon dioxide molecules linked together in a three-dimensional network structure. This provides strength and flexibility that can resist impact better than other plastic materials.

The chemical properties of both materials are different too: acrylic has a higher water absorption rate than polycarbonate, while polycarbonate has greater temperature stability over long periods of time compared to acrylic's short-term heat resistance capabilities.

In terms of processing these material types, acrylic is easier to shape with traditional methods such as sawing or drilling, whereas polycarbonate must be melted before being molded into place. Ultimately, you'll need to decide which material best suits your needs based on the unique characteristics each possesses!

Cost Comparison

When it comes to cost, you have two distinct choices - acrylic or polycarbonate. Decide which one suits your budget best and get the results you need!

If price is an important factor in your decision-making process, then you must consider the following:

• Acrylic:
  • Low upfront cost and easy to work with.
  • Good for long-term projects that require low maintenance costs.
  • Can become brittle over time if exposed to high temperatures or UV radiation.
• Polycarbonate:
  • Expensive upfront cost but can last longer than other materials.
  • Not as prone to cracking or shattering as acrylic is and better able to withstand extreme weather conditions.
  • Low maintenance costs make it a good option for large scale projects that require durability over time.

Both materials have their own pros and cons when it comes to cost, so take your time in deciding which one fits within your budget while also giving you the quality results you desire!

Applications of PMMA and PC

You may be wondering what PMMA and PC can be used for. One interesting statistic is that polycarbonate is the material of choice in over 50% of eyeglass lenses worldwide.

Acrylic (PMMA) and polycarbonate (PC) are both versatile materials with a diverse range of applications. PMMA is often used to create transparent windows, outdoor signs, medical devices, electronics components, and even art pieces.

PC also has many uses including food packaging containers, protective shields for athletes, automotive parts such as headlight lenses or brake disks, bulletproof windows in buildings and vehicles, as well as eyeglasses frames. Both materials provide numerous benefits such as high strength-to-weight ratio, resistance to UV radiation damage and many chemicals.

No matter what your project calls for, there's likely a suitable option among acrylic or polycarbonate!

Conclusion

In conclusion, PMMA and PC are both incredibly versatile materials that can be used in a variety of applications. PMMA offers excellent optical clarity and high impact strength, and it's relatively cost-effective, making it ideal for many applications. On the other hand, PC has superior thermal stability and chemical resistance at a slightly higher cost. However, with its increased durability and longevity, it may be well worth the added expense.

With so much to consider between these two materials, the real question is: which one's best for your project?