Comparison
Flexible Hydrolysis-Resistant Thermoplastic Polyurethane (Polyether) vs Polycarbonate
A side-by-side comparison of Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) - Polyether type and Polycarbonate.
Physical
Density
1.14 - 1.25 g/cm³
1.20 g/cm³
Water Absorption (24h)
0.5 - 1.5 %
0.15 %
Transparency
Opaque to Translucent
Transparent (88% light transmission)
Shrinkage
0.5 - 1.5 %
0.5 – 0.8 %
Mechanical
Young's Modulus
0.01 - 0.1 GPa
2.3 – 2.4 GPa
Tensile Strength
15 - 50 MPa
60 – 70 MPa
Elongation at Break
500 - 800 %
100 – 150 %
Impact Strength (Izod)
High (10-100+ J/m, notched)
600 – 900 J/m
Flexural Strength
—
90 – 100 MPa
Hardness (Rockwell M)
—
70
Thermal
Glass Transition Temperature
-50 to -30 °C
147 °C
Melting Point
140 - 180 °C
—
Continuous Service Temperature
-40 to 90 °C
115 – 130 °C
Heat Deflection Temperature
30 - 60 °C
130 – 140 °C
Thermal Conductivity
—
0.20 W/m·K
CTE
—
65 – 70 × 10⁻⁶ /K
Electrical
Dielectric Constant
5.0 - 6.0
2.9 – 3.0
Volume Resistivity
10^10 - 10^12 Ohm-cm
10¹⁶ Ω·cm
Dielectric Strength
15 - 25 kV/mm
15 kV/mm
Chemical resistance
Acids
Good
—
Bases
Good
Poor
Solvents
Good resistance to oils, greases; swells in strong acids, ketones, and certain solvents
—
UV Resistance
Fair to Good (can yellow)
Poor (unless coated)
Acids (dilute)
—
Good
Alcohols
—
Fair
Oils
—
Good
Gasoline
—
Fair
Acetone
—
Poor (attacks)
Sustainability
Recyclability
Recyclable (thermoplastic)
Recyclable
Recycling Code
7 (Other)
7
Carbon Footprint
Moderate
~5 kg CO₂e / kg
Bio-based Content
—
0 – 50 % (bio grades)