Plastic Polycarbonate

Plastic Polycarbonate (PC) strength, stiffness, density and thermal properties, with their source.

A bracket in Plastic Polycarbonate, smooth finish.

Mechanical
Yield strength	65MPa1
Ultimate tensile strength	65MPa1
Flexural strength	97MPa1
Elongation at break	125%1
Young's modulus (stiffness)	2.4GPa1
Density	1,200kg/m³1
Strength to weight	54.2kN·m/kg
Stiffness to weight	2MN·m/kg
Poisson's ratio	0.382
Shear modulus	0.87GPa
Bulk modulus	3.33GPa
Speed of sound	1,414m/s

Stiffness against densityHigher and further left: stiffer for its weight

Strength against densityHigher and further left: stronger for its weight

Thermal
Thermal conductivity	0.2W/m·K1
Thermal expansion	65µm/m·K1
100 mm part over a 50 °C swing	325µm growth
Specific heat	1,172J/kg·K3
Heats up and cools (diffusivity)	0.142mm²/s
Thermal shock resistance	51.7W/m
Glass transition	144°C1
Max service temperature	UL 746B RTI125°C1

Thermal conductivity against densityHigher and further left: spreads more heat for its weight

Thermal expansion against thermal conductivityLower and further right: warps less when heated

Sources3 documents: Covestro, Bayer MaterialScience

Values for: Bulk polymer (molded or machined). Covestro Makrolon 2405 general-purpose PC (MVR 19), Covestro technical datasheet version 2026-09-28, typical values

1
Makrolon 2405 Technical Data SheetCovestroYield strength: typical, tensile yieldUltimate tensile strength: typical, stress at breakFlexural strength: typical, flexural strengthElongation at break: typical, strain at breakYoung's modulus (stiffness): typicalDensity: typicalThermal conductivity: typical, through-plane, 23 CThermal expansion: typical, 23-55 C, parallel and normalGlass transition: typical, DSC 10 C/minMax service temperature: UL 746B RTI, tensile strength, 1.5 mm
2
Engineering Polymers Part and Mold Design: Thermoplastics, A Design GuideCovestroarchived copyPoisson's ratio: typical, polycarbonate family (Covestro Part and Mold Design guide, Table 3-1)
3
Makrolon 2405 Data Sheet, ASTM valuesBayer MaterialSciencearchived copySpecific heat: typical (guide value), Bayer ASTM datasheet for Makrolon 2405, ASTM D 2766

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Thermal properties of Plastic Polycarbonate

Thermal conductivity of Plastic Polycarbonate

Plastic Polycarbonate has a thermal conductivity of 0.2 W/m·K (0.116 BTU/hr·ft·°F). Basis: typical, through-plane, 23 C. Source: Covestro, Makrolon 2405 Technical Data Sheet.

Specific heat of Plastic Polycarbonate

The specific heat capacity of Plastic Polycarbonate is 1,172 J/kg·K (0.28 BTU/lb·°F). Basis: typical (guide value), Bayer ASTM datasheet for Makrolon 2405, ASTM D 2766. Source: Bayer MaterialScience, Makrolon 2405 Data Sheet, ASTM valuesarchived copy.

Coefficient of thermal expansion of Plastic Polycarbonate

Plastic Polycarbonate expands 65 µm/m·K (36.1 µin/in·°F): a 100 mm part grows 325 µm over a 50 °C rise. Basis: typical, 23-55 C, parallel and normal. Source: Covestro, Makrolon 2405 Technical Data Sheet.

Thermal diffusivity of Plastic Polycarbonate

Computed from the conductivity, density and specific heat (k / ρc): 0.142 mm²/s, how fast a temperature change spreads through it.

Glass transition temperature of Plastic Polycarbonate

Plastic Polycarbonate softens at its glass transition, 144 °C (291 °F). Basis: typical, DSC 10 C/min. Source: Covestro, Makrolon 2405 Technical Data Sheet.

Maximum service temperature of Plastic Polycarbonate

The maximum service temperature of Plastic Polycarbonate is 125 °C (257 °F). Basis: UL 746B RTI, tensile strength, 1.5 mm. Source: Covestro, Makrolon 2405 Technical Data Sheet.