Difference in light transmittance between styrene and polycarbonate (PC)?

Analysis of styrene and polycarbonate (PC) light transmission difference and its application effect

In modern industrial production, the light transmission of materials is an important performance index, especially in optical components, packaging, lighting and other fields. As two common engineering plastics, styrene and polycarbonate (PC) show different characteristics and advantages in light transmittance. This paper will analyze the difference of light transmission between styrene and polycarbonate and its influence on practical application.

1. styrene light transmission characteristics

Styrene (Styrene) is a transparent thermoplastic, widely used in the manufacture of transparent packaging materials, beverage bottles and so on. The high light transmittance of styrene is mainly due to the conjugation effect of benzene ring in its molecular structure, which can effectively reduce the scattering and absorption of light, so as to achieve high visible light transmittance.

The transmittance of styrene is usually above 90% and shows good consistency in the visible spectral range. The light transmittance of styrene is affected by processing and environmental factors. For example, styrene is prone to stress cracking during high temperature processing, resulting in reduced transparency. The surface of styrene is prone to scratches, which will also affect its light transmission properties. Therefore, in practical applications, the light transmission of styrene needs to be maintained by appropriate processing techniques and surface treatments.

2. polycarbonate (PC) light transmission characteristics

Polycarbonate (Polycarbonate, referred to as PC) is a colorless and transparent engineering plastic, because of its high strength and excellent optical properties are widely used in the manufacture of optical lenses, automotive lamp covers and other high-end products. Compared with styrene, PC is more excellent in light transmission, its light transmittance is usually more than 90%, and it also has good transmission performance in the ultraviolet and infrared regions.

The high light transmission of PC is mainly due to its regular molecular arrangement and low dielectric refractive index. The molecular structure of PC has good symmetry and high transparency, and does not produce obvious light scattering phenomenon. The stability of PC to environmental stress and temperature changes is high, which means that its light transmission performance can remain stable in long-term use. However, PC has a low surface hardness and is susceptible to scratches and abrasion, which may also negatively affect light transmission.

3. Styrene and Polycarbonate Transmittance Difference Analysis

The difference in light transmission between styrene and polycarbonate is mainly due to the difference in molecular structure and physical properties. The molecular structure of styrene is relatively simple and easy to process, but its toughness is poor and it is easily affected by environmental stress, resulting in a decrease in transparency. The molecular structure of polycarbonate is more complex, has higher toughness and strength, and can maintain transparency when subjected to external forces.

From the point of view of processing performance, the processing temperature of styrene is low, which is convenient for large-scale production, but its products are prone to internal stress, resulting in impaired transparency. The processing temperature of polycarbonate is higher, the internal stress of the product is smaller, and the light transmission performance is more stable. The refractive index and scattering coefficient of PC to light are low, which also brings more excellent light transmission performance.

4. light transmission difference on the application field

Due to the difference in light transmission performance between styrene and polycarbonate, the application fields of the two are also different. Because of its low price and good processing performance, styrene is often used in the manufacture of products that do not require high transparency, such as transparent packaging materials, disposable containers, etc. Polycarbonate is widely used in high-end optical products, automotive industry and other fields due to its excellent light transmission and mechanical properties.

In the choice of materials, need to consider the light transmission, strength, weather resistance and other factors. For example, in the manufacture of optical elements, polycarbonate is clearly a better choice because of its more stable light transmission properties and higher impact resistance. In the field of ordinary packaging, styrene can meet the basic transparency requirements and has a good cost advantage.

Styrene and polycarbonate have their own advantages and disadvantages in light transmission performance, and their differences are mainly due to the differences in molecular structure and physical properties. In practical applications, it is necessary to select suitable materials according to specific needs and use environment to give full play to its performance advantages.