Infrared-Transmitting Polycarbonate: What You Need to Know

Get to know the basics of infrared transmitting polycarbonate, its key properties, and practical applications in technology and industry.

With the advancement of technologies, people now have the power to control devices through invisible infrared rays. This specialized ray or radiation is widely used in various sophisticated and high-tech equipment for military, healthcare, construction, etc. industries.

However, given the higher importance of infrared-transmitting radiation, the mentioned industries are using IR integrated with polycarbonate in handy tools, equipment, and system components. So, what is infrared-transmitting polycarbonate? It becomes a burning question.

The simple answer is that the sheet or component of infrared-transmitting polycarbonate blocks visible and UV lights while allowing the IR to pass. We know as an industry expert, product manufacturer, or professional in a certain sector, this answer is inadequate. So, dive with us to learn the ins and outs of this specialized construction material.

Defining Infrared-Transmitting Polycarbonate

Well, you already know the general definition of infrared-transmitting polycarbonate. Unlike the general polycarbonate, which is transparent to all types of light, IR-transmitting polycarbonate allows the passage of only IR rays. Here, the difference between conventional polycarbonate and infrared-transmitting polycarbonate is the addition of special pigments or coating.

How is IR Transmitting Polycarbonate Produced?

First, some manufacturers add pigments with wavelengths of 700 to 2500 nanometers while synthesizing bisphenol A and carbonyl dichloride within the methyl chloride solvent. Then, centrifugal and filtration processes take place.

After that, the concentrating, cooling, drying, and finishing processes are conducted to get usable polycarbonate. Here, the earlier used specialized pigments demand it, calling it infrared transmitting polycarbonate, not conventional polycarbonate.

On the other hand, some manufacturers use the mentioned pigments with wavelengths of 700 to 2500 nanometers and a coating of special material with wavelengths of 700 to 2500 nanometers to increase the capability of the respective infrared-transmitting polycarbonate.

Selection of Coating for IR Transmitting Polycarbonate

Again, most manufacturers only use coatings that allow the passage of IR while blocking visible and UV lights. The coatings are listed below:

Scratch Resistant Coating: It can improve the surface hardness to avoid Scratch on the surface;
Anti Reflection (AR) Coating: It can enhance the Infrared transmittance with 4% or 7%;
Anti Fingerprint (AF) Coating: It can prevent the finger from being touched when you touch it.

Characteristics of IR Transmitting Polycarbonate

The following points elaborate on the infrared-transmitting polycarbonate’s optical, physical, thermal, and electrical properties.

Optical Properties

Allows passing of infrared with a wavelength of greater than 700 nanometers;
Blocks visible lights whose wavelength ranges from 380 to 700 nanometers;
Blocks UV rays whose wavelength ranges from 100 to 400 nanometers;

Physical Properties

Due to the conventional density of 1,200 kg/m3, infrared-transmitting polycarbonate has impact resistances 250 times that of glass;
The 1 mm thickness IR-transmitting polycarbonate’s weight is 1.20 Kg/sqm;
Very high durability;
It is stronger than Infrared Transmitting PMMA;

Thermal Properties

The heat resistance capacity of IR-transmitting polycarbonate ranges from -40°C to +120°C;
Satisfactory thermal property;

Electrical Properties

IR-transmitting polycarbonate provides excellent electrical insulation, which is RoHS-approved;
Conductivity is below average, which requires an engineering solution to enhance the electrical conductivity;

Other Properties

The adaptability rate is very high. IR-transmitting polycarbonate can be customized in various forms easily;
IR-transmitting polycarbonate incorporates a higher degree of ease of fabrication, which allows it to be molded and fabricated into complex shapes;

Common Applications of IR Transmitting Polycarbonate

The points listed below will help you understand the wide variety of applications of infrared-transmitting polycarbonate:

In the case of consumer electronics, infrared transmitting polycarbonate is used in screens, sensors, remote controls, protective covers, etc, enhancing durability and usability;
Architectural glazing, partitions, decorative items, thermal comfort providers, etc., use IR-transmitting polycarbonate in the construction industry;
IR-transmitting polycarbonate is used in various elements of an automobile that require obstruction of visible lights and passage of infrared radiation;
In the healthcare industry, the use of IR-transmitting polycarbonate is significant. Infrared polycarbonate is used not only in various equipment assemblies but also in treatment processes;
Last but not least, infrared-transmitting polycarbonate is widely used in security and surveillance activities. In particular, in the low or zero light conditions;

Benefits of Using IR Transmitting Polycarbonate

Knowing the benefits of using infrared-transmitting polycarbonate helps professionals, product designers, manufacturers, etc., is crucial as it helps in the material selection process. However, the following are the benefits of using IR-transmitting polycarbonate in various terms:

IR-transmitting polycarbonate helps professionals develop solutions for producing a product that allows or reflects infrared rays;
Due to the ability to pass the infrared rays, IR-transmitting polycarbonate minimizes heat buildup efficiently;
IR-transmitting polycarbonate’s high impact resistance makes it suitable for enhancing the durability of protective equipment, automotive components, and electronic devices;
The lightweight characteristics of IR-transmitting polycarbonate allow manufacturing product components that require infrared ray passing ability while not increasing the weight;
The capability of a higher rate of heat resistance ensures maintaining its structural integrity and performance in heat-intensive applications;

Final Words

You now have a clear and comprehensive understanding of infrared-transmitting polycarbonate. As per the basics, it is the same as conventional polycarbonate plastic, with an exceptional characteristic. Here, the exceptionality is that it allows infrared rays to pass and block visible and UV rays.

Finally, the price of an IR-transmitting infrared polycarbonate sheet varies depending on size, thickness, coating type, usability, seller, manufacturing country, etc. To get the actual price, you must contact the suppliers directly.

UVPLASTIC is a leading supplier of IR transmitting polycarbonate in China. In the meantime, it provides machining services. Contact UVPLASTIC for more information today.