Author
Home > Science > What is the Difference Between Polycarbonate and Poly Methyl Methacrylate?

Guilherme Mazui

•4 minutes to read

What is the Difference Between Polycarbonate and Poly Methyl Methacrylate?

🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚

The main differences between polycarbonate and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) are their strength, impact resistance, temperature resistance, and cost. Here is a comparison of their properties:

  1. Strength and Impact Resistance: Polycarbonate is stronger and has better impact resistance than PMMA. Polycarbonate has a higher toughness, while PMMA is a brittle material.
  2. Temperature Resistance: Polycarbonate has better temperature resistance than PMMA. The glass transition temperature (TG) of polycarbonate is 120°C, while PMMA's TG is only 85°C.
  3. Wear Resistance: Polycarbonate has better wear resistance than PMMA.
  4. Cost: Polycarbonate is more expensive than PMMA.
  5. Stiffness: PMMA is stiffer than polycarbonate.
  6. Transparency: Both materials are transparent, but PMMA has a higher gloss finish and is often used as a more cost-effective alternative to glass.

In summary, polycarbonate is stronger, more impact-resistant, and has better temperature and wear resistance than PMMA. However, PMMA is stiffer and more cost-effective, making it a popular alternative to glass in various applications. The choice between the two materials depends on the specific requirements of the application, such as strength, temperature resistance, and budget constraints.

On this page
  • What is the Difference Between Polycarbonate and Poly Methyl Methacrylate?
  • Comparative Table: Polycarbonate vs Poly Methyl Methacrylate

    • Comparative Table: Polycarbonate vs Poly Methyl Methacrylate

    Polycarbonate and Poly Methyl Methacrylate (PMMA), also known as acrylic, are both transparent plastics used in various industrial applications. Here is a table comparing their key differences:

    Property Polycarbonate PMMA
    Impact Strength High impact strength, 250 times stronger than glass Lower impact strength than polycarbonate
    Light Transmission 88% light transmittance Lower light transmittance than polycarbonate
    Rigidity Less rigid, available in flexible grades More brittle and less flexible than polycarbonate
    Transparency Good clarity, but slightly less transparent than PMMA More transparent than polycarbonate
    Scratch Resistance Good scratch resistance, but slightly less resistant than PMMA More scratch-resistant than polycarbonate
    Cost Generally more expensive than PMMA Cheaper than polycarbonate
    Fabrication Easily machined and injection molded Can be cast or molded, but may require heat forming
    Applications Safety equipment, medical devices, building materials, signage, consumer products Various industrial and engineering applications, including windows, displays, and furniture

    Polycarbonate is known for its high impact strength, good dimensional stability, and ease of fabrication. On the other hand, PMMA is more transparent, scratch-resistant, and cost-effective than polycarbonate. However, it is also more brittle and less impact-resistant.

    Read more:

    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.