Polycarbonate 2.0: Nanotechnology Brings New Life to PC

When experiments with phosgene and bisphenol A resulted in the invention of polycarbonate in 1953, none of the chemical researchers involved knew the impact of their discovery.

In creating a material with exceptional strength, impact resistance, optical clarity, durability, heat resistance, and good electrical insulation properties, the plastics industry was quick to apply it to a wide range of applications. Particularly as from a manufacturer’s perspective polycarbonate (PC) is also lightweight and easy to mould. This has led it to being used in everyday objects as diverse as safety glasses, helmets, medical devices, automotive parts, electronic housings, and construction materials, such as windows and roofing panels.

However, as technology has advanced and society looks for more sustainable raw materials, PC has become a necessary evil. A feedstock that does so much yet falls short in areas which could extend its use in the 21^stcentury.

Resolving this problem requires the integration of nanotechnology—using nanomaterials to give PC a reboot and the chance to propel its capabilities further.

Enter NANO AP PCG-23, a modified PC granulate infused with carbon nanomaterials, designed to enhance electrical conductivity, mechanical strength, and thermal properties.

What is NANO AP PCG-23?

NANO AP PCG-23 is a polycarbonate granulate containing 0.12–0.25 wt.% carbon nanomaterials. It is sold in 25 kg plastic bags and imparts several key enhancements to polycarbonate materials. These include:

· Electrical Conductivity: Provides permanent antistatic and electroconductive properties, crucial for applications requiring ESD protection.

· Mechanical Strength: Improves toughness and durability, beneficial for high-impact environments.

· Thermal Conductivity: Enhances heat dissipation, aiding in thermal management of electronic components.

· UV Protection: Offers resistance against ultraviolet degradation, extending the lifespan of products exposed to sunlight.

With these enhanced properties, polycarbonate has been given a new lease of life and an extended range of applications, such as:

· Industrial control panels and touchscreens.

· ATMs and public information displays.

· Agricultural equipment interfaces.

· LCD panels for portable generators.

· Any product involving the manufacture of ASD / ESD PC sheets and parts.

In an age of product specialisation and ‘I want it my way’ thinking, nanotechnology even allows for polycarbonate to be modified in a ‘tailormade’ fashion.

Thanks to the nanomaterial specialists at NANO CHEMI GROUP (who sponsor this webpage), modern plastics can be given enhanced properties as desired. Simply outline the original polymer product and the specifications it requires and the team at POLYMER NANO CENTRUM’s research station will prepare a formulation of nanomaterial additives which can be applied in the manufacturing process for a customized end-product.

Laboratory or industrial samples are then produced for evaluation, before the finalized solution is delivered, with ongoing support for integration into existing systems. Crucially, these gains arrive without a penalty in weight or processability, meaning existing tooling and moulding lines can be kept in service while final parts outperform yesterday’s specifications.

The result is an advanced polycarbonate product enhanced with nanotechnology.

Whether you choose an off-the-shelf solution like NANO AP PCG-23 or commission a bespoke nanomaterial blend, nanotechnology transforms polycarbonate from a dependable workhorse into a genuinely next-generation material.

By marrying PC’s inherent clarity and toughness with targeted enhancements—ESD safety, superior heat dissipation, UV resilience, or yet-to-be-imagined functions—companies can push the boundaries of what polymer-based products can achieve.

In an era where manufacturers are judged not only on performance but also on resource efficiency and product longevity, this synergy offers a pragmatic route to greener, longer-lasting, higher-value goods.

The message is clear: embracing nanotechnology isn’t simply an upgrade for polycarbonate; it is an investment in durability, safety, and sustainability. By partnering with specialists such as POLYMER NANO CENTRUM, engineers can move from incremental tweaks to step-change innovation—turning ambitions for smarter, cleaner, and more resilient products into a commercial reality.

Photo credit: Pxhere, Resource Database on Unsplash, & POLYMER NANO CENTRUM