Expert verdict · 50% match

ABS vs PC (Polycarbonate): Both amorphous — PC is much tougher and transparent, ABS cheaper

ABS vs PC (Polycarbonate)

Side-by-side chemical composition and mechanical property comparison.

Overview

ABS

Polymerscommodity_plastics

Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene — the most widely used amorphous engineering/commodity thermoplastic. Excellent balance of toughness, rigidity, and processability. Good surface finish and paintability. Not UV-stable without additives. Trade names include Novodur (INEOS Styrolution), Terluran (INEOS), Cycolac (SABIC). Used for automotive interior trim, appliance housings (vacuum cleaners, monitors), LEGO bricks, 3D printing filament, and pipe fittings.

PC (Polycarbonate)

Polymersengineering_plastics

Polycarbonate — the transparent high-impact engineering plastic. Amorphous with outstanding impact strength (virtually unbreakable at room temp), optical clarity (~90% light transmission), and good heat resistance (Tg 145-150°C). Trade names include Lexan (SABIC), Makrolon (Covestro). Used for safety glazing, machine guards, automotive headlamp lenses, CDs/DVDs, riot shields, and electronic housings.

	ABS	PC (Polycarbonate)
Material Number	—	—
Category	Polymers	Polymers
Standard	ISO 10350	ISO 10350

Mechanical properties

Property	ABS	PC (Polycarbonate)	Unit
tensile_strength	38–50	55–75	MPa
yield_strength	40–48	58–65	MPa
elongation	10–30	80–120	%

e_modulus	2–2.6	2.2–2.4	GPa
density	1.04–1.07	1.2–1.22	g/cm3
glass_transition_temp	100–110	145–150	°C
water_absorption_24h	0.2–0.4	0.1–0.15	%
Tensile Strength	40–50	60–70	MPa
Tensile Modulus	2100–2600	2300–2500	MPa
Elongation at Break	10–50	80–150	%
Charpy Impact (notched)	15–25	60–80	kJ/m²
Density	1.04–1.07	1.2–1.22	g/cm³
HDT/B (0.45 MPa)	90–105	—	°C
Vicat Softening Temp	96–110	—	°C
Water Absorption (24h)	0.2–0.4	0.1–0.15	%
light_transmission	—	88–91	%
HDT/A (1.8 MPa)	—	130–140	°C
Light Transmission	—	88–90	%

Compatibility Assessment

PC has 3-5x higher impact strength, optical transparency, and 50°C higher Tg (150 vs 105°C). ABS is cheaper, easier to process, better surface finish for painting, and widely 3D-printable. PC/ABS blends combine advantages. Choose PC for safety-critical transparent parts; ABS for consumer housings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is ABS the same as PC (Polycarbonate)?

ABS and PC (Polycarbonate) have a 50% composition overlap. Both amorphous — PC is much tougher and transparent, ABS cheaper

Can I replace ABS with PC (Polycarbonate)?

Generally not recommended. The compositions differ significantly (50% overlap). These materials have different alloying concepts and are intended for different applications.

What is the difference between ABS and PC (Polycarbonate)?

The main differences are in the following elements: overall alloying content. ABS is a Polymers grade, while PC (Polycarbonate) is a Polymers grade.

Related Comparisons

PC/ABS (Blend)vsABS PC/ABS (Blend)vsPC (Polycarbonate)PMMA (Acrylic)vsPC (Polycarbonate)

View full data for each material:

ABS details PC (Polycarbonate) details

Data provided for reference only. Always verify against the applicable specification for critical applications.

All data is for reference only. Equivalents indicate similarity, not identity. Always verify against the applicable specification for safety-critical applications. materialref.com accepts no liability for decisions based on this data.