Comparison

PBAT Flexible Film Grade I vs Polycarbonate

A side-by-side comparison of Poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate), Flexible Film Grade I and Polycarbonate.

Physical

Density
1.20 g/cm³
1.20 g/cm³
Water Absorption (24h)
0.4 %
0.15 %
Transparency
Good
Transparent (88% light transmission)
Shrinkage
1.0 - 2.5 %
0.5 – 0.8 %

Mechanical

Young's Modulus
0.3 GPa
2.3 – 2.4 GPa
Tensile Strength
30 MPa
60 – 70 MPa
Elongation at Break
400-600 %
100 – 150 %
Impact Strength (Izod)
3.0 J/cm
600 – 900 J/m
Flexural Strength
90 – 100 MPa
Hardness (Rockwell M)
70

Thermal

Glass Transition Temperature
-50 °C
147 °C
Melting Point
110-120 °C
Continuous Service Temperature
40 °C
115 – 130 °C
Heat Deflection Temperature
25 °C
130 – 140 °C
Thermal Conductivity
0.20 W/m·K
CTE
65 – 70 × 10⁻⁶ /K

Electrical

Dielectric Constant
2.8
2.9 – 3.0
Volume Resistivity
10¹³ Ω·cm
10¹⁶ Ω·cm
Dielectric Strength
16 kV/mm
15 kV/mm

Chemical resistance

Acids
Good resistance
Bases
Good resistance
Poor
Solvents
Resistant to aliphatic hydrocarbons, but swells in chlorinated solvents
UV Resistance
Poor
Poor (unless coated)
Acids (dilute)
Good
Alcohols
Fair
Oils
Good
Gasoline
Fair
Acetone
Poor (attacks)

Sustainability

Recyclability
Biodegradable (compost)
Recyclable
Recycling Code
7 (Other)
7
Carbon Footprint
Lower than petrochemical plastics
~5 kg CO₂e / kg
Bio-based Content
0 – 50 % (bio grades)