Polycarbonate

Polycarbonate is expensive but has high impact resistance and is transparent or easily coloured. Its high stiffness means it can be used for thin sections, which is advantageous as this gives a weight reduction and a shorter moulding cycle due to more rapid heat transfer. It is often used in the automotive industry and has additional benefits of low creep and a continuous use temperature of 115°C

The fatigue and wear resistance properties of polycarbonate are good. The main disadvantage of polycarbonate is that it exhibits rapid stress corrosion in the presence of chlorinated solvents. One way in which this can be improved is to use blends of polycarbonate with other thermoplastics.