Comparison
rPC Transparent vs PLA
A side-by-side comparison of Recycled Polycarbonate Transparent and Polylactic Acid.
Physical
Density
1.20-1.22 g/cm³
1.24 g/cm³
Water Absorption (24h)
0.10-0.15 %
0.5 %
Transparency
Excellent
Semi-transparent
Shrinkage
0.6-0.8 %
0.3 – 0.5 %
Mechanical
Young's Modulus
2.0-2.4 GPa
3.5 GPa
Tensile Strength
50-65 MPa
50 – 65 MPa
Elongation at Break
60-100 %
6 %
Impact Strength (Izod)
60-80 J/m (unnotched)
16 J/m
Flexural Strength
—
80 MPa
Thermal
Glass Transition Temperature
145-155 °C
60 °C
Melting Point
N/A (amorphous)
150 – 160 °C
Continuous Service Temperature
100-120 °C
45 °C
Heat Deflection Temperature
120-130 °C (0.45 MPa)
55 °C
Electrical
Dielectric Constant
2.9-3.1
3.0
Volume Resistivity
10^15-10^17 Ohm·cm
10¹⁴ Ω·cm
Dielectric Strength
15-25 kV/mm
—
Chemical resistance
Acids
Good resistance to dilute acids
Fair
Bases
Poor resistance
Poor
Solvents
Attacked by acetone, xylene, and chlorinated hydrocarbons
—
UV Resistance
Moderate (can yellow with prolonged exposure)
Poor
Alcohols
—
Fair
Hydrolysis
—
Poor
Sustainability
Recyclability
Recyclable (check local facilities)
Industrially compostable
Recycling Code
7 (Other)
7
Carbon Footprint
Lower than virgin PC
~1.6 kg CO₂e / kg
Bio-based Content
—
100 %