Acrylic Or Polycarbonate Roofs? Tuflite Polymers

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Acrylic Or Polycarbonate Roofs?
Both acrylic and polycarbonate appear to be the
same when you visually look at them. They also
have many similar characteristics, yet they are
different in many aspects. It is these
differences that play a vital role in having to
decide as to which material out of the two should
be used for one particular application. If you
are planning to use transparent or semi-
transparent plastic materials for any outdoor or
indoor use, you would also need to be well-
acquainted with each material individually so
that you can make the right choice. And, this
blog is just going to help you with that.
Properties Acrylic Acrylic is a thermoplastic
with a working temperature of approximately 82C.
It can be heat bent, is easy to cut, and is
durable against dents and scratches, making it
very easy and comfortable to work with. It can
withstand 17 times more impact than glass, yet is
very less expensive than glass! It has a shiny
surface and is available in a large variety of
colours, which generally never discolour when
under the sun. In spite of its colour, it can let
in 92 of the suns light in every thickness it
is available in. Polycarbonate Polycarbonate is
also a thermoplastic, but with a working
temperature of up to 130C. It can be cold
formed or bent, and is very easy to cut and
drill, while also being durable against chipping
or cracking thus making it also easy to work
with. It is 30 times stronger than acrylic, and
can withstand 200 times the impact of the level
of glass! With such amazing impact
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resistance, paying a little extra for this pricey
material is definitely worth it! In fact,
polycarbonate is used to make bulletproof windows
and police equipment, so you can imagine its
strength! In addition, polycarbonate is also
resistant to acids, chemicals, and fire thus
making it completely safe in any kind of
environment. Constituents Both acrylic and
polycarbonates are made from molecules that are
linked together to form long chains the process
being called polymerization. However, the
molecules used in both the materials are
different. Acrylic A reaction is done between
acetone and sodium cyanide, which creates acetone
cyanohydrin, to which methyl alcohol is added to
produce methyl methacrylate, which is then
synthesized to produce acrylic. Polycarbonate
A reaction is done between phosgene COCl2 and
bisphenol A to produce polycarbonate. Manufactur
ing Acrylic Methyl methacrylate and organic
peroxide are poured into a mould that is sealed
and heated, which forms acrylic polymer. This
acrylic polymer is then cured for up to 12
hours. Thicker sheets may require days to be
cured properly. The moulds are then cooled and
opened to produce final acrylic sheets. If any
further processing is required, it can be done
after this step. Polycarbonate Polycarbonate
can be manufacturing by processes like extrusion,
blow moulding, thermoforming, and injection
moulding. But, the most widely used procedure is
extrusion, wherein polycarbonate pellets are fed
into an extruder, which are melted and then
pushed through a die that is of the shape and
size required for the final sheet. It is here
that the polycarbonates can be instilled with
glosses, textures, colours, and other facets.
However, after extrusion, the polycarbonates can
be further processed to achieve a more
specifically defined final product. Types There
are many different types of acrylics and
polycarbonates available for you to choose
from. Acrylic Mirrored, coloured, UV filtered,
bullet-resistant, abrasion-resistant,
anti-static, non- glare, light diffusing, and
clear. Polycarbonate Mirrored, coloured,
multiwall, corrugated, bulletproof,
abrasion-resistant, anti-static, flame
retardant, tinted, and clear.
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Applications Acrylic Purchase displays, animal
enclosures, signage, furniture, aquariums, light
covers, storm window linings, medical implants,
accent walls. Polycarbonate Outdoor signs,
construction materials, data storage equipment,
windshields, vandal-resistant windows,
electronic components, reusable drinking bottles,
police equipment, diffusers for light pipes for
LEDs, machinery guards, helmet visors,
skylights. Depending upon the application that
you want to use the plastic in, you can decide
upon whether you should opt for acrylic or
polycarbonate. From the above blog, one thing we
can conclude is that while they both look
similar, they vary in a few characteristics.
While acrylic is cheaper, polycarbonate is
expensive, but highly durable and strong So, make
your choice, whether you want to approach an
acrylic or polycarbonate manufacturer. Tuflite
Polymers are the leading polycarbonate sheet
suppliers who manufacture and supply a wide range
of polycarbonate sheets to suit various kinds of
applications.