Polycarbonate vs. Plastic — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on September 30, 2023
Polycarbonate is a specific type of durable and transparent thermoplastic. Plastic is a broad category of synthetic or semi-synthetic materials that can be molded into objects.
Difference Between Polycarbonate and Plastic
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Polycarbonate is a transparent, highly durable thermoplastic known for its impact resistance and optical clarity. It's used in a variety of applications, from eyewear lenses to bulletproof windows. Plastic, on the other hand, is a broad term that encompasses a wide range of synthetic or semi-synthetic materials, capable of being molded or shaped.
The word "plastic" is derived from the Greek "plastikos," which means "capable of being shaped or molded." This highlights the primary characteristic of plastics: their malleability when heated. Polycarbonate is one specific type of plastic, distinguished by its unique combination of strength, transparency, and temperature resistance.
Another key distinction is in the properties and applications. Due to its resilience, polycarbonate is often used in situations where both visibility and protection are crucial. Examples include motorcycle visors, eyeglasses, and protective guards. Plastics, given their vast category, have varied applications ranging from packaging and toys to automotive parts and electronics.
In terms of environmental concerns, both polycarbonate and other plastics have raised issues related to their longevity and non-biodegradability. Polycarbonate, in particular, contains Bisphenol A (BPA), which has sparked health debates. Plastics, in general, contribute to environmental pollution, especially when not recycled properly.
Comparison Chart
Composition
Specific type of thermoplastic
Broad range of synthetic or semi-synthetic materials
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Transparency
Typically transparent
Can vary from transparent to opaque
Key Uses
Bulletproof windows, eyewear, electronic displays
Packaging, toys, household items, automotive parts
Environmental Concern
Contains BPA
Non-biodegradable, potential pollutant
Manufacturing
Requires specialized techniques
Variety of methods depending on the specific type
Compare with Definitions
Polycarbonate
Polycarbonate possesses remarkable resistance to impact.
The helmet's visor was made of polycarbonate to withstand potential impacts.
Plastic
Plastic can be derived from various organic polymers.
The plastic bottle was made from polyethylene.
Polycarbonate
Polycarbonate is a strong, transparent thermoplastic.
They used polycarbonate for the safety goggles due to its clarity and durability.
Plastic
Plastic is versatile, used in countless everyday items.
From toothbrushes to car parts, plastic is everywhere.
Polycarbonate
Polycarbonate offers optical clarity suitable for eyewear.
My eyeglasses are made of polycarbonate because of its clear vision properties.
Plastic
Plastic has diverse properties, from rigidity to flexibility.
The plastic container was flexible, making it easy to store.
Polycarbonate
Polycarbonate is often used in electronics for its insulation properties.
The gadget's outer cover was made of polycarbonate to ensure electrical safety.
Plastic
Plastic can be thermosetting or thermoplastic based on its behavior upon heating.
The plastic handle of the pan didn't melt, indicating it's likely thermosetting.
Polycarbonate
Polycarbonate can withstand high temperatures without deforming.
The kitchenware was polycarbonate-based, ensuring it wouldn't melt easily.
Plastic
Plastics are a wide range of synthetic or semi-synthetic materials that use polymers as a main ingredient. Their plasticity makes it possible for plastics to be moulded, extruded or pressed into solid objects of various shapes.
Polycarbonate
Polycarbonates (PC) are a group of thermoplastic polymers containing carbonate groups in their chemical structures. Polycarbonates used in engineering are strong, tough materials, and some grades are optically transparent.
Plastic
A synthetic material made from a wide range of organic polymers such as polyethylene, PVC, nylon, etc., that can be moulded into shape while soft, and then set into a rigid or slightly elastic form
Mains pipes should be made of plastic or copper
Bottles can be made from a variety of plastics
Polycarbonate
Any of a group of thermoplastics that are linear polyesters of carbonic acid, especially those derived from bisphenol A and phosgene, characterized by high-impact strength, light weight, and flexibility, and used as shatter-resistant substitutes for glass.
Plastic
Made of plastic
Plastic bottles
Polycarbonate
(chemistry) Any of a range of polymers of aromatic carbonates; they are used to make light, flexible alternatives to glass. Abbreviation: PC
Plastic
(of a substance or material) easily shaped or moulded
Rendering the material more plastic
Plastic
Capable of being shaped or formed
Plastic material such as clay.
Plastic
Relating to or dealing with shaping or modeling
The plastic art of sculpture.
Plastic
Having the qualities of sculpture; well-formed
"the astonishing plastic beauty of the chorus girls" (Frank Harris).
Plastic
Giving form or shape to a substance
The plastic forces that create and wear down a mountain range.
Plastic
Easily influenced; impressionable
"The plastic mind of the bank clerk had been ... distorted by what he had read" (Rudyard Kipling).
Plastic
Made of a plastic or plastics
A plastic garden hose.
Plastic
(Physics) Capable of undergoing continuous deformation without rupture or relaxation.
Plastic
Capable of building tissue; formative.
Plastic
Able to change and adapt, especially by acquiring alternative pathways for sensory perception or motor skills. Used of the central nervous system.
Plastic
Marked by artificiality or superficiality
A plastic world of fad, hype, and sensation.
Plastic
(Informal) Of or obtained by means of credit cards
Plastic money.
Plastic
Any of various organic compounds produced by polymerization, capable of being molded, extruded, cast into various shapes and films, or drawn into filaments used as textile fibers.
Plastic
(Informal) A credit card or credit cards
Would accept cash or plastic in payment.
Plastic
A synthetic, solid, hydrocarbon-based polymer, whether thermoplastic or thermosetting.
Plastic
Credit or debit cards used in place of cash to buy goods and services.
Plastic
Insincerity; fakeness, or a person who is fake or arrogant, or believes that they are better than the rest of the population.
Plastic
An instance of plastic surgery.
Plastic
(obsolete) A sculptor, moulder.
Plastic
(archaic) Any solid but malleable substance.
Plastic
Capable of being moulded; malleable, flexible, pliant.
Plastic
Producing tissue.
Plastic
(dated) Creative, formative.
Plastic
(biology) Capable of adapting to varying conditions; characterized by environmental adaptability.
Plastic
Of or pertaining to the inelastic, non-brittle, deformation of a material.
Plastic
Made of plastic.
Plastic
Inferior or not the real thing.
Plastic
Fake; insincere.
Plastic
Having the power to give form or fashion to a mass of matter; as, the plastic hand of the Creator.
See plastic Nature working to his end.
Plastic
Capable of being molded, formed, or modeled, as clay or plaster; - used also figuratively; as, the plastic mind of a child.
Plastic
Pertaining or appropriate to, or characteristic of, molding or modeling; produced by, or appearing as if produced by, molding or modeling; - said of sculpture and the kindred arts, in distinction from painting and the graphic arts.
Medallions . . . fraught with the plastic beauty and grace of the palmy days of Italian art.
Plastic
A substance composed predominantly of a synthetic organic high polymer capable of being cast or molded; many varieties of plastic are used to produce articles of commerce (after 1900). [MW10 gives origin of word as 1905]
Plastic
Generic name for certain synthetic or semisynthetic materials that can be molded or extruded into objects or films or filaments or used for making e.g. coatings and adhesives
Plastic
Used of the imagination;
Material...transformed by the plastic power of the imagination
Plastic
Capable of being molded or modeled (especially of earth or clay or other soft material);
Plastic substances such as wax or clay
Plastic
Capable of being influenced or formed;
The plastic minds of children
A pliant nature
Plastic
Plastic is a moldable synthetic or semi-synthetic material.
The toy was made of colorful plastic pieces.
Common Curiosities
Is polycarbonate a type of plastic?
Yes, polycarbonate is a specific type of thermoplastic within the broader category of plastics.
Are all plastics transparent like polycarbonate?
No, plastic's transparency varies; while polycarbonate is clear, many plastics can be opaque.
Is plastic biodegradable?
Most plastics, including polycarbonate, are not biodegradable and can persist in the environment.
Why is plastic so widely used?
Plastic is versatile, lightweight, and can be tailored for specific properties, making it suitable for diverse applications.
What is polycarbonate commonly used for?
Polycarbonate is used for applications requiring durability and transparency, like eyeglass lenses and bulletproof windows.
How is polycarbonate different from acrylic?
While both are transparent, polycarbonate is more impact-resistant, while acrylic tends to be more scratch-resistant.
Is polycarbonate resistant to UV rays?
Polycarbonate can be treated to be UV resistant, making it suitable for outdoor applications.
Is polycarbonate used in electronics?
Yes, polycarbonate's insulating properties make it suitable for various electronic applications.
Are plastics naturally occurring?
While some plastics are derived from natural materials like cellulose, most are synthetic or semi-synthetic.
Can polycarbonate contain harmful chemicals?
Yes, some polycarbonates contain Bisphenol A (BPA), which has raised health concerns.
How are plastics categorized?
Plastics can be categorized by their behavior upon heating, like thermosetting or thermoplastic, or by their polymer structure.
Can plastics be recycled?
Many plastics, including certain polycarbonates, can be recycled, but methods and feasibility vary by type.
Are all plastics harmful to the environment?
Many plastics, if not properly disposed of or recycled, can harm the environment due to their longevity and non-biodegradability.
Why is polycarbonate chosen for safety applications?
Due to its high impact resistance and clarity, polycarbonate is ideal for safety gear like goggles and visors.
What are the environmental concerns with polycarbonate?
Beyond general plastic concerns, polycarbonate's potential BPA content has raised health and environmental worries.
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Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
