Abrasion Resistant Plastic
Description
Mar-Con® 551 Polycarbonate – Forming Grade is an abrasion resistant plastic sheet product designed for a variety of high performance end uses in which the sheet will be heat formed or bent into soft radius shapes. It is a premium, high optic grade, polycarbonate sheet, coated with SciCron’s Mar-Con 551 advanced technology cross linked coating. This coating has excellent resistance to a wide variety of chemicals and solvents and is considerably more abrasion resistant than the polycarbonate plastic substrate. This combination of properties provides enhanced resistance to hazing, marring, and abrasion of the sheet surfaces from cleaning, handling, or defacement efforts. Mar-Con® 551 Polycarbonate – Forming Grade also exhibits excellent impact resistance and flame spread properties. This product can be used in many more applications than would be practical for an uncoated acrylic sheet. Mar-Con 551 can be applied to thin gauge materials without suffering from distortions caused by typical thermal curing processes.
Applications
Mar-Con® 551 Polycarbonate – Forming Grade is designed to be used where there is concern about marring of the surfaces of the plastic sheet from handling and other moderate abuse. It is also designed for applications requiring improved splash and wipe down resistance to many common chemicals and solvents which would normally damage the polycarbonate sheet surfaces. The Forming Grade Mar-Con 551 surface helps prevent such damage from short-term exposures to these materials. Mar-Con® 551 Polycarbonate – Forming Grade include formed fabricated items, such as; equipment covers, display components, windshields, safety shields, and curved machine guards.
Fabrication
Mar-Con Polycarbonate® 551 Polycarbonate – Forming Grade is easily fabricated into flat and bent surface configurations using the same equipment employed with uncoated polycarbonate sheet products. The product is designed to accommodate drape forming and heat bending, however, care must be taken to avoid applying too much heat to prevent damage to the mar resistant coating. Soft radii shapes and bends can be achieved which are smooth, clear, and uniform, if recommended forming techniques are employed. Some distortion and loss of mar resistance in a bend area is normal. On tight bends, particularly in thicker materials, there may be some very fine haze lines in the bend area. When solvent welding, it is necessary to remove the coating mechanically to achieve a good bond. Note: This product is not designed for vacuum formed or drawn configurations. For more information, refer to SciCron Technologies Technical Information Bulletin No. MP-02.
Features and Benefits
- Flexible, abrasion resistant, durable surface
The Forming Grade Mar-Con surface, more abrasion resistant than the base plastic, reduces risk of damage to the sheet surfaces from frequent cleaning and handling. - Superior chemical and solvent resistance
Reduces risk of solvent or chemical damage to the sheet surfaces. - Excellent optical properties
High clarity, high gloss coating on a high optic substrate maintains optimum light transmission without distortion. - Advanced technology, uniform surface treatment
Provides enhanced mar and chemical resistance without changing the appearance of the polycarbonate surfaces. - Graffiti resistance
Easy to clean hydrophobic surface. - Superior impact resistance
Provides exceptional shatter resistance for safety. - Superior flame spread properties
Provides additional protection in a fire. - Superior forming and bending properties
Results in optimum heat forming during part fabrication.
Cleaning
The Forming Grade Mar-Con surface can be cleaned with a variety of common cleaners (see below for specific recommendations). Care should be taken to avoid the use of any cleaner or cleaning solution which contains an abrasive. In addition, all wipes, sponges, and drying towels should be clean and free of any grit which could damage the surface.
Availability
Mar-Con® 551 Polycarbonate – Forming Grade is available in clear, black opaque, and transparent gray and bronze tints. Other colors may be available upon special request.
Standard Dimensions
Thickness: 3mm (1/8″), 4.5mm (3/16″), 6mm (1/4″), 9mm (3/8″), 12mm (1/2″) plus films 10-90 mils
Standard Sheet Size: 48″ x 96″
Other sizes and thicknesses available upon request.
Made in USA
Typical Physical Properties (Typical but not guaranteed values for 0.25 inch material)
| Property | Test Method | Units | Mar-Con Polycarbonate – Forming Grade |
| Physical Specific Gravity Taber Abrasion1 – Change in Haze Weighted Steel Wool Rub Resistance2 | ASTM D792 ASTM D1044 Internal | — % Visual Scratches | 1.20 Less than 10 Light Scratches |
| Mechanical Tensile Strength Ultimate Elongation Tensile Modulus Flexural Strength Flexural Modulus Compressive Strength Izod Impact Strength (milled notch) UV Exposure | ASTM D638 ASTM D638 ASTM D638 ASTM D790 ASTM D790 ASTM D695 ASTM D256 ASTM G154 | psi % psi psi psi psi ft-lb/inch of notch 8 Hrs UV Exposure 4 Hrs Condensation | 9,500 100 340,000 13,500 340,000 12,500 16 > 500 Hrs No Adhesion Loss ∆YI < 3 |
| Thermal Deflection Temperature (264 psi load) Vicat Softening Point Maximum Continuous Service Temperature Coefficient of Thermal Expansion Coefficient of Thermal Conductivity | ASTM D648 ASTM D1525 — ASTM D696 Cenco-Fitch | °F °F °F in/in/°F BTU•in/hr•ft2•°F | 270 310 180 3.8 x 10-5 1.35 |
| Flammability Horizontal Burn (Flame Spread) UL 94 Rating of the Uncoated Substrate | ASTM D635 UL 94 | in/min UL Classification | Less than 1.0 V-2 < 0.236 inch V-0 ≥ 0.236 inch |
| Optical 3mm Transparent Clear Transmittance – Total Haze | ASTM D1003 ASTM D1003 | % % | 88 Less than 1.0 |
2. Test conditions – 14 strokes of #0000 steel wool under a 2 pound (908 gram) rounded point load – Damage for the same exposure on uncoated polycarbonate – very heavy scratches.
Chemical Resistance ASTM D-1308
Samples immersed in listed chemicals and then examined for visible attack at 15 minutes, 1 hour, and 24 hours
| Chemical | Time for Visible Attack |
| Acetone | < 1 hour |
| Methyl Alcohol | > 24 hours |
| Isopropyl Alcohol | > 24 hours |
| Gasoline | > 24 hours |
| Kerosene | > 24 hours |
| Toluene | < 1 hour |
| Methylene Chloride | > 1 hour* |
| Sodium Hydroxide (10%) | > 24 hours |
| Hydrochloric Acid (10%) | > 24 hours |
| Sulfuric Acid (10%) | > 24 hours |
| Nitric Acid (10%) | > 24 hours |
Cleaning and Graffiti Removal
Solvents and Cleaning Liquids Found Effective Under Laboratory Conditions
Aqueous solutions of the following can be applied carefully with a soft cloth or sponge for ordinary dirt and grime.
Joy® Windex®
Formula 409® Sparkle™
Rinse with clean water before drying with a chamois or cellulose sponge.
Never use an abrasive cleaner or scouring pad.
The following solvents can be used to remove graffiti and other stubborn stains.
Isopropyl Alcohol Methanol
Naphtha (VM&P Grade) Kerosene
Butyl Cellosolve (for paints, inks, lipstick, etc.)
Always remove residual solvent with an aqueous cleaner and a final rinse with clean water.
Precautions:
- Polycarbonate plastic is a combustible thermoplastic. Avoid exposure to flame and excessive heat. Observe fire precautions appropriate for comparable forms of wood and paper.
- For building applications, comply with applicable code regulations.
MCPCFG-6 6/21
The information and statements contained herein are believed to be accurate, however, users should perform their own testing and verification to determine the durability, applicability and suitability of the products for their own purposes. NOTHING CONTAINED HEREIN SHALL BE CONSTRUED AS A REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED. IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE ARE HEREBY EXCLUDED. All sales are subject to SciCron’s standard terms and conditions of sale.