PC compounds
Halogen-free flame-retardant, silicone-based flame-retardant and transparent PC grades.
Example grade / typical values — to be corrected by GREENPOLYMER
Selection criteria
- Heat resistance
- Impact
- Flame retardancy (if required)
- Light transmission (if required)
- GRN-PC-L110Lamp covers
- GRN-PC-N510Halogen-free flame-retardant PC
- GRN-PC-S520Silicone-based flame-retardant PC
Polycarbonate (PC) has high toughness, high heat resistance and good dimensional stability. PC chars easily when it burns, so it reaches relatively high flammability ratings even without halogens.
The weak points of PC are sensitivity to notches and stress, poor resistance to some chemicals, a high processing temperature and the need for thorough drying. GREENPOLYMER's PC grades are used mainly for flame-retardant housings with higher heat and impact requirements, and for light-transmitting lamp covers and windows.
GREENPOLYMER PC grades
Full list · 4 grades
| Grade | Key features | Suitable parts |
|---|---|---|
| GRN-PC-N510 | Halogen-free flame retardancy | Battery housings, charger housings, parts around air outlets |
| GRN-PC-S520 | Silicone-based flame retardancy, halogen-free, no PTFE anti-drip agent | Housings and panels that must be halogen-free and fluorine-free with higher heat resistance |
| GRN-PC-L110 | Transparent | Lamp covers, windows, light guides for indicators |
| GRN-PC-L120 | IR-transmissive black PC: black in appearance, lets infrared light through (Example grade; to be verified by GREENPOLYMER) | Sensor windows, LiDAR windows, IR illumination windows |
Recycled-content versions (-R) of each grade can be customized.
- IR-transmissive black PC: Available for sensor and LiDAR windows. Transmission wavelength and transmittance are set per project and confirmed by test report (no figures are listed on this page).
- Food contact: Food-contact grades are available, with compliance testing supported to GB 4806 and (EU) No 10/2011 requirements. Food-contact grades are provided per project. Note: PC is not used for food contact parts sold in the EU, because Regulation (EU) 2024/3190 bans bisphenol A (BPA) in food contact materials. For these parts, choose another material, such as PP.
- The N, S and L grades in the table above are not food-contact grades.
Key properties
Typical values. Refer to the actual TDS.
- DensityISO 1183
- PC-N5101.20–1.24 g/cm³
- PC-S5201.19–1.22 g/cm³
- PC-L1101.19–1.21 g/cm³
- MFR (300 °C / 1.2 kg)ISO 1133
- PC-N5108–20 g/10 min
- PC-S5208–20 g/10 min
- PC-L1105–20 g/10 min
- Tensile strengthISO 527
- PC-N51060–68 MPa
- PC-S52058–66 MPa
- PC-L11060–68 MPa
- Notched impact (23 °C)ISO 179/1eA
- PC-N51020–50 kJ/m²
- PC-S52035–60 kJ/m²
- PC-L11060–80 kJ/m²
- HDT (1.80 MPa)ISO 75
- PC-N510115–128 °C
- PC-S520118–130 °C
- PC-L110125–135 °C
- Light transmittance (design target)ISO 13468-1, 3 mm
- PC-N510—
- PC-S520—
- PC-L110≥ 88 %
- Flammability (design target)UL 94
- PC-N510V-0 @ 1.5 mm
- PC-S520V-0 @ 1.5 mm
- PC-L110HB @ 1.5 mm
Full table
| Item | Test standard | GRN-PC-N510 | GRN-PC-S520 | GRN-PC-L110 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Density | ISO 1183 | 1.20–1.24 g/cm³ | 1.19–1.22 g/cm³ | 1.19–1.21 g/cm³ |
| MFR (300 °C / 1.2 kg) | ISO 1133 | 8–20 g/10 min | 8–20 g/10 min | 5–20 g/10 min |
| Tensile strength | ISO 527 | 60–68 MPa | 58–66 MPa | 60–68 MPa |
| Notched impact (23 °C) | ISO 179/1eA | 20–50 kJ/m² | 35–60 kJ/m² | 60–80 kJ/m² |
| HDT (1.80 MPa) | ISO 75 | 115–128 °C | 118–130 °C | 125–135 °C |
| Light transmittance (design target) | ISO 13468-1, 3 mm | — | — | ≥ 88 % |
| Flammability (design target) | UL 94 | V-0 @ 1.5 mm | V-0 @ 1.5 mm | HB @ 1.5 mm |
PC or PC/ABS
Item
- HigherHeat resistanceMedium
- Relatively poorFlow / thin wallsGood
- Relatively sensitiveChemical resistanceMedium
- HighProcessing temperatureMedium
- Relatively easyHalogen-free flame retardancyAchievable
- Parts near heat sources needing a large heat marginSuitsMost flame-retardant appliance housings
Consider PC if the part is near heating components, or if PC/ABS does not leave enough heat margin.
Processing advice
Typical values. Refer to the actual TDS.
- Drying120 °C, 3–4 h; moisture content ≤ 0.02 % recommended
- Melt temperature280–310 °C; for flame-retardant grades keep within the TDS upper limit
- Mold temperature80–110 °C
- Injection
- Mainly medium speed; faster for thin-wall parts
- Annealing (when needed)
- Can lower internal stress; validate the conditions on the part
Full table
| Item | Recommended |
|---|---|
| Drying | 120 °C, 3–4 h; moisture content ≤ 0.02 % recommended |
| Melt temperature | 280–310 °C; for flame-retardant grades keep within the TDS upper limit |
| Mold temperature | 80–110 °C |
| Injection | Mainly medium speed; faster for thin-wall parts |
| Annealing (when needed) | Can lower internal stress; validate the conditions on the part |
PC hydrolyzes if processed while damp. Its molecular weight drops and parts become brittle, which is not always visible. Drying is a key step in processing PC.
Design points
Avoid sharp corners
PC is notch sensitive; add fillets to inside corners.
Control internal stress
Areas with high internal stress crack easily on contact with solvents and cleaners.
Watch the interference on metal inserts
Too much interference creates long-term stress.
Choose the material by the actual temperature rise
HDT only reflects short-term heat resistance; for long-term use, also look at RTI and heat aging.
FAQ
What causes splay on the surface of PC housings?
The usual cause is insufficient drying. Next come a melt temperature that is too high or a residence time that is too long. Check the drying conditions and moisture content first.
Can black sensor windows be made of PC?
Yes. IR-transmissive black PC is available for sensor and LiDAR windows. Tell us the wavelength (such as 850 nm, 905 nm, 940 nm) and the target transmittance, and we will provide a grade and test data per project.
Can PC come into contact with alcohol?
It depends on the contact. Under stress, PC can stress-crack on contact with some solvents. Test loaded samples with the cleaner actually used.
Related content
Contact us
Tell us the part name, operating temperature, wall thickness at the thinnest point, flame retardancy and environmental requirements, and the expected volume. Phone +86 18822892298 | Email hello@greenpolymer.com