Polycarbonates (
PC) are a group of
thermoplastic polymers containing
carbonate groups in their chemical structures. Polycarbonates used in engineering are strong,
tough materials, and some grades are optically transparent. They are easily worked,
molded, and
thermoformed. Because of these properties, polycarbonates find many applications. Polycarbonates do not have a unique
Resin identification code (RIC) and are identified as "Other", 7 on the RIC. Products made from polycarbonate can contain the precursor monomer
bisphenol A (BPA). Polycarbonate is also known by a variety of trademarked names, including Lexan, Makrolon, and others.