Comparison

PHA Biocompatible vs Polycarbonate

A side-by-side comparison of Polyhydroxyalkanoate, Biocompatible Grade HH and Polycarbonate.

Property

PHA Biocompatible

Polycarbonate

Physical

Density

1.22 g/cm³

1.20 g/cm³

Water Absorption (24h)

0.8 %

0.15 %

Transparency

Moderate

Transparent (88% light transmission)

Shrinkage

2.0 - 4.5 %

0.5 – 0.8 %

Mechanical

Young's Modulus

0.6 GPa

2.3 – 2.4 GPa

Tensile Strength

35 MPa

60 – 70 MPa

Elongation at Break

5.0 %

100 – 150 %

Impact Strength (Izod)

1.0 J/cm

600 – 900 J/m

Flexural Strength

—

90 – 100 MPa

Hardness (Rockwell M)

—

Thermal

Glass Transition Temperature

-3 °C

147 °C

Melting Point

110-120 °C

—

Continuous Service Temperature

40 °C

115 – 130 °C

Heat Deflection Temperature

35 °C

130 – 140 °C

Thermal Conductivity

—

0.20 W/m·K

CTE

—

65 – 70 × 10⁻⁶ /K

Electrical

Dielectric Constant

3.0

2.9 – 3.0

Volume Resistivity

10¹¹ Ω·cm

10¹⁶ Ω·cm

Dielectric Strength

15 kV/mm

Chemical resistance

Acids

Good resistance

—

Bases

Good resistance

Poor

Solvents

Resistant to aliphatic hydrocarbons, but attacked by chlorinated and aromatic hydrocarbons

—

UV Resistance

Moderate

Poor (unless coated)

Acids (dilute)

—

Good

Alcohols

—

Fair

Oils

—

Good

Gasoline

—

Fair

Acetone

—

Poor (attacks)

Sustainability

Recyclability

Biodegradable (compost, medical applications)

Recyclable

Recycling Code

7 (Other)

Carbon Footprint

Low

~5 kg CO₂e / kg

Bio-based Content

—

0 – 50 % (bio grades)