Comparison

Adhesive and Plasticizer Styrene-Isoprene-Styrene TPE vs Polycarbonate

A side-by-side comparison of Styrene-Isoprene-Styrene (SIS) block copolymer and Polycarbonate.

Physical

Density
0.90 - 0.94 g/cm³
1.20 g/cm³
Water Absorption (24h)
0.1 %
0.15 %
Transparency
Opaque
Transparent (88% light transmission)
Shrinkage
1.0 - 2.0 %
0.5 – 0.8 %

Mechanical

Young's Modulus
0.001 - 0.01 GPa
2.3 – 2.4 GPa
Tensile Strength
1 - 5 MPa
60 – 70 MPa
Elongation at Break
600 - 1000 %
100 – 150 %
Impact Strength (Izod)
Poor
600 – 900 J/m
Flexural Strength
90 – 100 MPa
Hardness (Rockwell M)
70

Thermal

Glass Transition Temperature
-55 to -50 °C
147 °C
Melting Point
N/A (softening point around 60-90 °C)
Continuous Service Temperature
-50 to 70 °C
115 – 130 °C
Heat Deflection Temperature
N/A
130 – 140 °C
Thermal Conductivity
0.20 W/m·K
CTE
65 – 70 × 10⁻⁶ /K

Electrical

Dielectric Constant
2.5 - 3.0
2.9 – 3.0
Volume Resistivity
10^15 - 10^17 Ohm-cm
10¹⁶ Ω·cm
Dielectric Strength
20 - 30 kV/mm
15 kV/mm

Chemical resistance

Acids
Good
Bases
Good
Poor
Solvents
Resists water, dilute acids/bases; dissolves in aromatic and chlorinated hydrocarbons
UV Resistance
Poor
Poor (unless coated)
Acids (dilute)
Good
Alcohols
Fair
Oils
Good
Gasoline
Fair
Acetone
Poor (attacks)

Sustainability

Recyclability
Limited
Recyclable
Recycling Code
7 (Other)
7
Carbon Footprint
Moderate
~5 kg CO₂e / kg
Bio-based Content
0 – 50 % (bio grades)