Lexan Polycarbonate is a registered trademark for SABIC Innovative Plastics' (formerly General Electric Plastics) brand of polycarbonate resin thermoplastic. Polycarbonate polymer is produced by reacting bisphenol A with carbonyl chloride, also known as phosgene. Lexan Polycarbonate is the brand name for polycarbonate sheet and resin in a wide range of grades. Applications are mainly in three domains — building (glazing and domes), industry (machine protection and fabricated parts) and communication and signage. Common usages include space and sports helmets, clear high performance windshields and aircraft canopies, and bullet resistant windows.

History of Lexan Polycarbonate

In the 1960s, NASA used Lexan polycarbonate for astronaut helmet assemblies and visors which became known as "bubble helmets", including those used by the Apollo moon astronauts. Lexan is also one brand of polycarbonte used to make football and other sports helmets In 1968, Lexan polycarbonate sheet could be used in windows, signs, greenhouses and other large applications. By laminating sheets up to 1.25" thick in the 1970s, a material tough enough to stop bullets was created. By 1969, taillights made from Lexan polycarbonate were found on the 1969 Dino Ferrari. It was also used not only in industrial safety glasses, but also to make lightweight traditional eyewear.

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