Lexan CDs
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In the new 21st century, we are becoming more attuned to materials – not only the basics, but the specifics of material subtypes and their characteristics. Instead of saying: "That chair is made out of plastic,” we wonder what type of plastic it actually is. Polycarbonate is one of today’s more popular plastics. Here’s a closer look at this material and its history.
Polycarbonate plastic is tough, lightweight, transparent and highly impact-resistant. It is generally considered the strongest of all plastics. Extraordinary durability coupled with crystal-clear translucency and light transmission properties make it ideal for protective gear including helmets, eyewear, windshields and airplane windows. Although many product and furniture designers have discovered the material in the past five years, it has been employed in the design of safety, security, and impact-resistant products for almost forty years. Polycarbonate provides excellent protection against vandalism, burglary, as well as weather conditions ranging from high winds to heavy snow loads and hailstorms.
Commonly known by the tradename LEXAN®, this resin is one of the toughest and most versatile polymers in existence. It can be found in everything from the bullet resistant canopies on fighter jets to camping equipment, computers, cell phones, CDs and DVDs. 2003 marks the 50th anniversary of GE Plastics' invention of LEXAN.
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Material Characteristics
• Virtually unbreakable - With impact strength 250 times that of float glass and 30 times of acrylic, few other plastics can match its ability to stand up to hard knocks in very cold or very hot temperatures. Products made from polycarbonate are usually shatter-resistant and virtually unbreakable.
• Durability - the physical advantages of polycarbonate begin with its strength and extend to its resistance to the elements of: heat (up to 212 F/100 C), cold (down to -40 F/-40 C), water, weather, ultraviolet light, and flame (Underwriters Laboratories UL 94V-0 listed).
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CDs/DVDs
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Folding keyboard
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Safety glasses
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Colored bottles
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• Lightweight - With the increased strength of polycarbonate, many products can also be made with thinner walls to be lighter in weight.
• Dimensional stability - polycarbonate sheets will expand and contract slightly with temperature changes, but will not shrink with age. Some shrinkage occurs when it is heated to forming temperature, but postforming stability is excellent.
• Chemical resistance - polycarbonate sheet is resistant to many chemicals including acetone, ethylene dichloride, gasoline, hydrochloric acid, methyl alcohol, methylene chloride, nitric acid, sodium hydroxide, sulfuric acid, and toluene.
• Optical clarity - polycarbonate is so clear that it is frequently used to make eyeglass lenses for reading, sun and protection.
• FDA approved for food storage and preparation - ever wonder what plastic is the blender compartment of your food processor made from ... you guessed it, polycarbonate. This material can also transition from the freezer to the microwave to the table and then to the dishwasher with ease.
• Electrical compatibility - polycarbonate passes the Underwriters Laboratories testing to be part of an electrical product or system.
Check with The Statement next month for a timeline of polycarbonate’s development.
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