Polycarbonate (Lexan)

High-impact transparent polymer used in bulletproof glazing.

Core Principles & Analysis

• It was discovered independently in 1953 by Hermann Schnell at Bayer and Daniel Fox at GE, made from bisphenol A and phosgene.
• Exceptional impact absorption without shattering makes it the glazing of riot shields, aircraft canopies, and bullet-resistant laminates.
• Apollo astronauts' bubble helmets were formed from Lexan, and every CD and DVD is an injection-molded polycarbonate disc.

Specifications & Metrics

• DENSITY: 1.20 g/cm³
• YIELD STRENGTH: 62 MPa
• HARDNESS: M70 Rockwell