Polycarbonate
Also known as: PC, Makrolon® (trade name)
High-strength, transparent thermoplastic — used for safety helmets, visors, protective eyewear and textile accessories.
Description
Polycarbonate (PC) is an amorphous thermoplastic produced by polycondensation of bisphenol A and phosgene. Well-known trade brands include Makrolon® (Covestro, formerly Bayer) and Lexan® (SABIC).
The material combines high transparency with exceptional impact strength — even at low temperatures — and retains dimensional stability up to about 130 °C. In apparel and protection, PC is used for safety helmets, motorcycle visors, protective eyewear, face shields, shoe reinforcements (toe caps) and thermoformed back protectors.
- Amorphous, crystal-clear thermoplastic
- Very high impact strength
- Dimensionally stable up to about 130 °C
- Well suited for injection moulding and thermoforming
Bisphenol A (BPA) in the raw material is an environmental concern. BPA-free alternatives (e.g. Tritan™) are gaining ground where food or skin contact is relevant.
Properties
| Material type | Amorphous thermoplastic |
|---|---|
| Raw material | Bisphenol A + phosgene |
| Impact strength | very high |
| Use | Helmets, visors, safety eyewear |
Related product categories
Sources & references
3- Wikipedia: Polycarbonate Wikipedia — Freie Enzyklopädie https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polycarbonate
- Covestro Makrolon covestro.com https://www.covestro.com/en/products/makrolon
- OEKO-TEX OEKO-TEX Association https://www.oeko-tex.com/
