Comparison
PC/ABS Impact Modified vs PLA
A side-by-side comparison of Polycarbonate / Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene Blend, Impact Modified and Polylactic Acid.
Physical
Density
1.15-1.22 g/cm³
1.24 g/cm³
Water Absorption (24h)
0.1-0.25 %
0.5 %
Transparency
Opaque
Semi-transparent
Shrinkage
0.5-0.8 %
0.3 – 0.5 %
Mechanical
Young's Modulus
2.0-2.8 GPa
3.5 GPa
Tensile Strength
45-55 MPa
50 – 65 MPa
Elongation at Break
40-80 %
6 %
Impact Strength (Izod)
60-120 kJ/m
16 J/m
Flexural Strength
—
80 MPa
Thermal
Glass Transition Temperature
95-115 °C
60 °C
Melting Point
N/A (amorphous)
150 – 160 °C
Continuous Service Temperature
70-90 °C
45 °C
Heat Deflection Temperature
85-105 °C (1.8 MPa)
55 °C
Electrical
Dielectric Constant
2.8-3.2
3.0
Volume Resistivity
10^13-10^15 Ohm-cm
10¹⁴ Ω·cm
Dielectric Strength
15-20 kV/mm
—
Chemical resistance
Acids
Fair
Fair
Bases
Poor
Poor
Solvents
Poor
—
UV Resistance
Poor (requires stabilization)
Poor
Alcohols
—
Fair
Hydrolysis
—
Poor
Sustainability
Recyclability
Recyclable
Industrially compostable
Recycling Code
7 (Other)
7
Carbon Footprint
Moderate
~1.6 kg CO₂e / kg
Bio-based Content
—
100 %