A Practical Guide to Easily Distinguishing PS, PC, and PMMA Plastic Sheets

NMT

March 26, 2025

118

Technical Differentiation Guide: Physical Properties, Processing Methods, and End-Use Cases for PS, PC, and PMMA Sheets

Among plastic sheets, PS (polystyrene), PC (polycarbonate), and PMMA (acrylic) are common materials. However, there are certain differences in their performance, appearance and usage, so how can you accurately distinguish between them?

In appearance, PS sheets have lower transparency and may show subtle surface lines. PMMA sheets offer glass-like transparency and a smooth, flawless surface. PC sheets provide high transparency, slightly less than PMMA’s clarity.

In terms of hardness, PC sheet is the hardest of the three, with good impact resistance, while PMMA sheet is the second hardest and PS sheet is relatively soft.

Through the combustion test can also be distinguished. ps sheet burning will produce a lot of black smoke, and accompanied by a special odor. pc sheet burning flame is yellow, leaving the fire source will be slowly extinguished. pmma sheet burning flame light blue, no smoke, and no special odor.

In the weatherability, PC sheet performance, can withstand long-term ultraviolet radiation without yellowing, not aging. PMMA sheet weathering is also better, and PS sheet weathering is relatively poor. Price, generally speaking, PC sheet price is relatively high, PMMA sheet followed by PS sheet is more affordable. People commonly use PS sheets in packaging, advertising displays, and other applications. PC sheet due to its high strength and good weather resistance, widely used in construction lighting, automotive parts, etc. People commonly use PMMA sheets in light boxes, signboards, display racks, and other high-transparency applications.

In short, by observing the appearance, testing the hardness, combustion test, as well as considering the price and use and other factors, we can more accurately distinguish PS, PC, PMMA plastic sheet, so that according to the actual needs of the choice of the appropriate material.