Polycarbonate/Bisphenol A (BPA) is a synthetic chemical used in the production of various consumer and industrial products. According to research, its purity varies from 99% to 99.8% depending on the manufacturer, and its impurities typically include phenol, ortho and para isomers, and water. It has a molecular mass of 228.28, and has a physical state of white to light brown flakes or powder.

Potential Uses for Production

  • Polymer

BPA is predominantly used as a binding, plasticizing, and hardening agent in the production of plastic products and filling-in materials, such as polycarbonate resins, epoxy resins, unsaturated polyester, polysulfone, and polyetherimide. Among its end-uses are:

  • Plastic bottles

In certain overseas areas where drinking water is not readily available, polycarbonate BPA may be used to produce large water bottles. According to studies, it was even used in the Netherlands, Germany, England, and many other countries for returnable milk bottles.

  • Helmets

Being a hardening agent, BPA has been used for strong, shatter-resistant helmets that protect children and athletes from injuries.

  • Automobiles

Polycarbonate plastic has been used in automobiles to make cars lighter, safer, and more fuel-efficient since it reduces their weight and lowers their center of gravity, thereby improving their stability.

  • Electronics

BPA in polycarbonate plastic allows the production of durable electronics, such as cellphones, laptops, table computers, and electronic game consoles. Due to its strength, these electronics are less likely to break and be exposed to scratches.

  • Electronic equipment

Epoxy resins using BPA may be used in electronic equipment since it serves as a great insulator that helps keep motors and switches clean and dry. Aside from this, the chemical can also be utilized for hot/cold thermal shock resistance features and physical flexibility of sophisticated electronics.

  • Non-Polymer

There are numerous non-polymer applications for BPA according to studies, such as as a color development component in thermal paper, an antioxidant in high temperature cables and tires, and a flame retardant. In these applications, BPA does not form a chemical bind with the host materials, and is thus released more easily from the product itself.

Safety Track Record

According to the American Chemistry Council, BPA is among the most thoroughly tested chemicals in use today, with a safety track record of more than fifty years. Significantly, in the final report of the US Food and Drug Administration in its CLARITY Study, a 5-year federal government research program where the potential health effects of long-term exposure to BPA was looked into by expert scientists, it was found that the chemical did not elicit clear and biologically adverse effects to humans at consumer exposure levels, confirming its safety.

Find Your BPA Supply

If you are among the product manufacturers looking for “chemical manufacturers near me” that sustainably sources its BPA, reach out to California Chemical for a reliable chemical supply in Los Angeles. For more information, visit https://calichemical.com/about.

Leave a Reply