Transparent polycarbonate, known commercially under brand names such as Lexan and Makrolon, is a thermoplastic material with excellent properties, particularly valued for its transparency, strength and versatility. This synthetic resin, developed to guarantee high impact and breakage resistance, is used in numerous sectors, ranging from construction to automotive, from industry to security and even domestic applications.

Technical characteristics of transparent polycarbonate

1. High impact resistance
   One of the most significant properties of transparent polycarbonate is its extraordinary impact resistance, which can be up to 250 times that of glass. This characteristic makes the material safe and durable, suitable for use in extreme conditions or in contexts where high mechanical protection is required, such as in safety devices.
2. Transparency and lightness
   With up to 90 per cent transparency, transparent polycarbonate is similar to glass in visual clarity, but is much lighter, weighing about half as much as traditional glass. This makes it an ideal choice for applications where lightness and transparency are required, such as security glazing and light covers.
3. Thermal Resistance
   Polycarbonate has excellent resistance to high and low temperatures, maintaining stability up to approximately 120°C and withstanding temperatures as low as -40°C. For this reason, it is used in environments with wide temperature fluctuations and in applications requiring durability even in harsh climatic conditions.
4. UV protection
   Some types of transparent polycarbonate, such as Lexan and Makrolon, are treated with UV filters that improve their resistance to yellowing and deterioration caused by exposure to sunlight. This property increases the material’s durability and stability in outdoor applications.
5. Ease of processing
   Being a thermoplastic material, polycarbonate can be shaped, bent and moulded easily by thermoforming processes. This allows for the production of complex or customised elements, meeting the specific needs of different industries.

Application fields for transparent polycarbonate

1. Construction and architecture
   Transparent polycarbonate is widely used for skylights, domes, transparent façades and building roofs. Its light weight and impact resistance make it ideal for structures requiring safety, transparency and thermal insulation, such as greenhouse roofs and impact-resistant glazing.
2. Automotive and Transport
   In the automotive industry, Lexan and Makrolon are used to produce tough transparent components such as windshields, windows and lights. Polycarbonate’s resistance to impact and thermal changes also makes it ideal for helmet visors, bus and train windows and for covering special vehicles such as armoured vehicles.
3. Safety and security devices
   Due to its robustness, polycarbonate is used to produce protective barriers, riot shields, bulletproof windows and protective visors. In the public sector, it is often used to create transparent protection in high-traffic environments, such as barriers at counters or counters.
4. Electronics and telecommunications
   In electronics manufacturing, transparent polycarbonate is used to make screens, displays and protective covers for electronic devices due to its transparency and scratch resistance. It is common, for example, in monitor protectors, mobile phone cases and cases for portable devices.
5. Medical sector Polycarbonate
   is also widely used in the medical sector to make transparent and sterile devices such as protective shields, surgical instruments, visors and drug containers. Its resistance to sterilisation and compatibility with antibacterial treatments make it ideal in healthcare environments.
6. Domestic and Do-It-Yourself Applications
   Polycarbonate also has applications in the domestic sector, to produce garden greenhouses, canopies, swimming pool covers and protective window panels. It is widely used in DIY because of its ease of cutting and machining, allowing protective solutions for balconies and gardens to be created.

In summary, transparent polycarbonate is a versatile and durable material that combines safety and lightweight characteristics with excellent optical properties. With its ability to adapt to a variety of environmental and working conditions, it is an ideal choice for sectors requiring strength, transparency and durability.