Common protective screen material analysis

Polycarbonate

Polycarbonate (PC) is a high-performance thermoplastic polymer that contains carbonate groups in its molecular structure. It can be categorized into different types based on the ester group, such as aliphatic, aromatic, and aliphatic-aromatic polycarbonates. However, due to their lower mechanical strength, aliphatic and aliphatic-aromatic varieties are not commonly used in engineering plastics. Only aromatic polycarbonate has achieved industrial production and is widely used today. Its unique properties have made it one of the fastest-growing engineering plastics globally.

Physical Properties

Polycarbonate has a density ranging from 1.20 to 1.22 g/cm³, a linear expansion coefficient of 3.8×10⁻⁵ cm/cm°C, and a thermal deformation temperature of around 135°C. It is a clear, transparent, heat-resistant, and impact-resistant material with flame-retardant properties. Compared to polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), PC offers better impact resistance, higher refractive index, and superior processing performance. Additionally, it meets UL94 V-0 flammability standards without any additives. While PMMA is more cost-effective, the growing production scale of polycarbonate is gradually reducing the price gap between the two materials.

Chemical Resistance and Surface Treatment

Polycarbonate is not resistant to strong acids or alkalis, but it can be modified for improved chemical resistance. It also has poor abrasion resistance, so surfaces of polycarbonate products used in wear applications often require special treatments like coatings or surface hardening.

Applications of Polycarbonate

Polycarbonate is used in a wide range of industries, including construction, automotive, medical devices, aerospace, packaging, electronics, and optical lenses. In construction, it is used for lightweight, durable, and UV-resistant panels. In the automotive sector, it's ideal for parts like dashboards, lighting components, and bumpers. For medical equipment, it withstands sterilization processes without degrading. In aerospace, it’s used in various structural and protective components. In packaging, it replaces glass bottles due to its lightweight and durability. In electronics, it serves as an insulating material. In optics, it is used for lenses and discs due to its high transparency and refractive index.

Acetate Fiber

Cellulose acetate, also known as acetate fiber, is a man-made fiber produced by esterifying cellulose with acetic acid. Its chemical formula is (C₆H₇O₂)(OOCCH₃)₃n. Acetate fibers are known for their softness, luster, and comfort. They are not easily flammable and are used in textiles, cigarette filters, film bases, and plastic products.

Properties of Cellulose Acetate

Acetate fibers have lower density than viscose and are similar to polyester. They have low strength, especially when wet, but offer good elasticity and moisture management. They resist shrinkage at boiling water temperatures and are sensitive to strong alkalis. They are suitable for dyeing with disperse dyes and are often used in garments for their luxurious feel and breathability.

PETG Material

PETG is a transparent, amorphous copolyester composed of terephthalic acid, ethylene glycol, and 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol (CHDM). It is known for its excellent thermoforming capabilities, toughness, weather resistance, and ease of processing. PETG is more durable than acrylic and less expensive than polycarbonate, making it ideal for applications such as signage, displays, and packaging. It can be easily cut, molded, and bonded, and it maintains clarity and strength over time.

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