PC-300™ Polycarbonate
Static Dissipative Plastic
Description
PC-300™ Polycarbonate is a plastic sheet product designed to control static electricity for a wide range of end uses. It is a premium quality polycarbonate sheet which has been surfaced with SciCron Technologies proprietary, clear, C-300™ static dissipative surfacing. This unique technology prevents charge generation on the sheet surfaces, thereby controlling particulate attraction and preventing electrostatic discharge (ESD) events. This performance is permanent and totally independent of humidity. PC-300 Polycarbonate offers exceptional design versatility since it fabricates simply, is light in weight and is available in large sheet sizes. It also exhibits superior impact resistance and flame spread properties, plus excellent clarity, chemical resistance, and mar resistance.
Applications
PC-300 Polycarbonate resists tribocharging under all circumstances and cannot generate a charge when properly grounded. This makes it ideal for use in manufacturing and assembly operations for charge sensitive electronic components where it can help prevent both immediate and latent ESD caused defects. Since it resists charge build-up it does not attract contaminants, so it can also help prevent contamination-related rejects in ultra-clean manufacturing operations. Consequently, it is suitable for use in the semi-conductor, electronic, and micro-manufacturing industries. Typical applications include; guards, covers, windows, doors, and access panels for electronic equipment, assembly machines and instruments; conveyor line covers; transparent room partitions; process equipment enclosures; and mini-environment glazing panels. The product also has many general industrial uses, including protection for static charge sensitive manufacturing devices and control of spark discharge in explosive environments.
Fabrication
PC-300 Polycarbonate is easily fabricated into flat surface configurations using the same equipment and fabrication techniques generally employed with unsurfaced polycar-bonate sheet products. It should not be used for heat formed bent configurations since the hard, cured C-300 surface is not designed for heat bending. When solvent welding, it is necessary to remove the C-300 surface mechanically to achieve a good bond. For more information on fabrication refer to SciCron Technologies Technical Information Bulletin No. SP-01.
Features and Benefits
l Cannot be tribocharged when properly grounded
Prevents build-up of static charge and accumulation of harmful contamination.
l Electrostatic decay in less than 0.05 second per Federal Test Standard 101C, Method 4046.1
Results in rapid static dissipation without arcing.
l Surface resistivity of 106 - 108 ohms per square
Provides for ESD control without the need for ionization.
l Permanence in static dissipation performance
Avoids cost of application of temporary topical anti-stats.
l Humidity independent static charge control
Avoids inconvenience of maintaining high levels of humidity and damage caused by such humidity.
l Advanced technology, uniform surface treatment
Avoids conductive discontinuities (charged “hot spots”) often found with non-uniform temporary topical anti-stats.
l Superior impact resistance
Provides exceptional shatter resistance for safety.
l Superior flame spread properties
Provides additional protection for equipment in a fire.
l Hard, mar resistant, durable surface
C-300 surface, harder than the base plastic, reduces risk of damage to the sheet surfaces.
l Superior chemical resistance
Reduces risk of solvent or chemical surface damage.
l Excellent clarity
Premium optical quality polycarbonate with clear C-300 surface minimizes visible distortion.
Availability
PC-300 Polycarbonate is available in clear and transparent gray and bronze tints. Other colors are available by special order.
Standard Dimensions (Nominal)
Thickness: 3mm (1/8”), 4.5mm (3/16”), 6mm (1/4”), 9mm (3/8”), 12mm (1/2”) plus films 10-90 mils
Standard Sheet Size: 48” x 96”
Other sizes and thicknesses available upon request.
Typical Physical Properties (Typical but not guaranteed values for 0.25 inch material)
Property |
Test Method |
Units |
PC-300 Polycarbonate |
||
Physical Specific Gravity Pencil Hardness |
ASTM D792 ASTM D3363 |
-- Hardness Scale |
1.20 B |
||
Mechanical Tensile Strength Ultimate Elongation Tensile Modulus Flexural Strength Flexural Modulus Compressive Strength Izod Impact Strength (milled notch) |
ASTM D638 ASTM D638 ASTM D638 ASTM D790 ASTM D790 ASTM D695 ASTM D256 |
psi % psi psi psi psi ft-lb/inch of notch |
9,500 100 340,000 13,500 340,000 12,500 16 |
||
Thermal Deflection Temperature (264 psi load) Vicat Softening Point Maximum Continuous Service Temperature Coefficient of Thermal Expansion Coefficient of Thermal Conductivity |
ASTM D648 ASTM D1525 -- ASTM D696 Cenco-Fitch |
°F °F °F in/in/°F BTU·in/hr·ft2·°F |
270 310 180 3.8 x 10-5 1.35 |
||
Flammability Horizontal Burn (Flame Spread) UL 94 Rating |
ASTM D635 UL 94 |
in/min UL Classification |
Less than 1.0 V-2 0.118 - 0.236 in V-0 > 0.236 in |
||
Optical 3mm Transparent Clear Transmittance - Total Haze |
ASTM D1003 ASTM D1003 |
% % |
75 Less than 3.0 |
||
Electrical Surface Resistivity Surface Resistance Electrostatic Decay |
ASTM D257 EOS/ESD S11.11 FTS 101C, Method 4046.1* |
ohms/sq ohms sec |
106 - 108 105 - 107 Less than 0.05 |
* Federal Test Standard 101C, Method 4046.1 as described in EIA-541, Appendix F, Measurement of Electrostatic Decay Properties of Dissipative Planar Materials
Chemical Resistance ASTM D543
Samples immersed in the specified chemicals for 24 hours at room temperature and visually examined.
Chemical |
Surface Attack |
Visual Evaluation |
Deionized Water |
None |
Clear |
30% Sodium Hydroxide |
None |
Cloudy |
30% Sulfuric Acid |
None |
Clear |
30% Nitric Acid |
Some Pitting |
Clear |
48% Hydrofluoric Acid |
Pitted Coating |
Clear |
Methanol |
Slight Pitting |
Clear |
Ethanol |
None |
Clear |
Isopropyl Alcohol |
None |
Clear |
Acetone |
Severe Pitting |
Opaque |
Methylene Chloride |
Sample Dissolved |
Sample Dissolved |
Light Transmission Spectral Analysis
Precautions:
1. Polycarbonate plastic is a combustible thermoplastic. Avoid exposure to flame and excessive heat. Observe fire precautions appropriate for comparable forms of wood and paper.
2. For building applications, comply with applicable code regulations.
3. Clean with soap and water. Do not use abrasives. Avoid inappropriate contact with solvents. PC-300-7 2/04