Mechanical properties of a polycarbonate sample:
Specific gravity (ASTM D 792) : 1.20
Tensile strength, Ultimate (ASTM D 638) : 9,000 p.s.i.
Elongation at break (ASTM D 638) : 130%
Tensile modulus (ASTM D 638) : 3.1x10~5 p.s.i.
Rockwell hardness (ASTM D 785) : R118
Impact strength (73° F) (ASTM D 256) (notched) : 17.0 ft-lb/inch
Flexural strength (ASTM D 790) : 14,200 p.s.i.
Flexural modulus (ASTM D 790) : 3.4x 10~5 p.s.i.
Wear factor against steel 40 psi 50fpm : 2500x10~10
Coefficient of friction 40psi 50fpm : 0.38 Dynamic
Polycarbonate plastic is known for its high impact resistance, transparency, and thermal resistance. It is also lightweight and has good electrical insulation properties.
Polycarbonate is a durable and transparent plastic material that is known for its impact resistance and strength. It works by having a unique molecular structure that allows it to absorb and redistribute energy upon impact, making it ideal for applications where impact resistance is important, such as in safety goggles, face shields, and bulletproof windows.
Sunglasses are typically made of polycarbonate or cellulose acetate, which are lightweight and durable plastics that provide impact resistance and UV protection. These materials are commonly used for their ability to withstand everyday wear and tear while offering good optical clarity.
Common spectacle lens materials include glass, plastic (e.g. CR-39), polycarbonate, and high-index materials. Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages in terms of durability, weight, clarity, and cost. Polycarbonate lenses are often recommended for impact resistance, while high-index lenses are thinner and lighter than standard plastic lenses for higher prescriptions.
Lexan is the stronger of the two. Polycarbonate is the generic name and is 25 times stronger than acrylic or plexiglass. It is also stronger the PETG another type of clear plastic. It is also bulletproof and you can hammer a nail straight through without breaking the material. Here's some more info on this page about Polycarbonate and other plastics...
Fiberglass is generally stronger than polycarbonate in terms of impact resistance and durability. However, polycarbonate is known for its higher resistance to shattering and flexibility, making it a popular choice for applications where impact resistance and flexibility are important.
Polycarbonate plastic is known for its high impact resistance, transparency, and thermal resistance. It is also lightweight and has good electrical insulation properties.
Polycarbonate is a durable and transparent plastic material that is known for its impact resistance and strength. It works by having a unique molecular structure that allows it to absorb and redistribute energy upon impact, making it ideal for applications where impact resistance is important, such as in safety goggles, face shields, and bulletproof windows.
Polycarbonate is a material similar to acrylic. It is a thinner and lighter alternative to plastic. Polycarbonate is also impact resistant and because it is a tougher material, it tends to be more scratch resistant as well. Polycarbonate cutting boards are good, because of the impact resistance. It's also good because it is nonporous, and cleans easier. Because of the nonporous surface, it does not harbor bacteria. Most polycarb cutting boards are treated with an antibacterial agent.
Polycarbonate is a material similar to acrylic. It is a thinner and lighter alternative to plastic. Polycarbonate is also impact resistant and because it is a tougher material, it tends to be more scratch resistant as well. Polycarbonate cutting boards are good, because of the impact resistance. It's also good because it is nonporous, and cleans easier. Because of the nonporous surface, it does not harbor bacteria. Most polycarb cutting boards are treated with an antibacterial agent.
Sunglasses are typically made of polycarbonate or cellulose acetate, which are lightweight and durable plastics that provide impact resistance and UV protection. These materials are commonly used for their ability to withstand everyday wear and tear while offering good optical clarity.
Corrugated polycarbonate panels offer benefits such as durability, lightweight construction, UV protection, and high impact resistance. They are also easy to install, provide natural light transmission, and are cost-effective compared to other materials.
The base of a jitterbug is typically made of polycarbonate plastic. This type of plastic is known for its durability, impact resistance, and ability to be molded into complex shapes.
Polycarbonate corrugated panels offer benefits such as durability, impact resistance, UV protection, and lightweight construction. They are also easy to install, provide good insulation, and allow natural light to enter, making them a popular choice for roofing applications.
Whether glass or polycarbonate is better depends on the application, as each has its strengths and weaknesses: ✅ Glass – Best for Clarity & Scratch Resistance Pros: Excellent optical clarity (crystal clear) Highly scratch-resistant UV stable (won’t yellow over time) More rigid and aesthetically refined Cons: Brittle – can shatter or crack on impact Heavier than polycarbonate Best for: Windows, aquariums, high-end displays, and places where clarity and scratch resistance matter most. ✅ Polycarbonate – Best for Impact Resistance & Flexibility Pros: Extremely impact-resistant (250x stronger than glass) Lightweight Shatterproof Easy to cut and shape Cons: Prone to scratching unless coated Can yellow over time if not UV protected Best for: Safety glazing, eyewear lenses, riot shields, greenhouse panels, and areas where durability and safety are key.
The Resistance to Attack by Aviation Phosphate Ester Fluids (of which Skydrol is) with Polycarbonate (Lexan) is listed as "Poor" and Skydrol "Not Recommended."See also the associated links.
This material offers electrical shielding properties, and RF filtering along with the excellent impact strength that polycarbonate is famous for.