Policarbonato

Polycarbonate is a thermoplastic material, a polymer obtained from carbonic acid, initially studied in 1928 but industrially produced since 1953 thanks to chemist Hermann Schnell at Bayer AG.
Its main characteristic is that it combines transparency with mechanical and thermal resistance, hardness with lightness, making it a "universal material" used in many sectors.

Commercial production began in the 1950s, with Bayer and General Electric as the first producers, and polycarbonate's use subsequently surged from the 1960s onwards.

The most common applications are very varied: polycarbonate is used in construction for both transparent and tinted windows, roofs, verandas, and skylights; in the optical industry for spectacle lenses and photographic lenses; in electronics as insulation and in durable casings for mobile devices; in the automotive industry for headlights and helmet visors; in the military for bulletproof vests and riot shields; In aeronautics, for canopies and portholes; in lighting, for transparent covers; and even for optical media such as CDs, DVDs, and Blu-rays.

Polycarbonate is also prized because, compared to glass, it is much more resistant to impact and breakage, as well as being lighter. Since 1970, it has also been available in transparent versions, further expanding its applications, especially as a glass substitute in many constructions and products.

Polycarbonate is widely used in the design of furniture, household objects, and toys due to its transparency, impact resistance, and lightweight properties.
Walls or partitions made of honeycomb polycarbonate, often backlit with LEDs to create unique decorative lighting effects, are widely used in interior and architectural design for modern and innovative environments.

These uses make polycarbonate a versatile and popular material in the design world, thanks to its balance between functionality and aesthetics.

Transparent or colored polycarbonate chairs, prized for their modern and refined style, are used in homes, offices, public spaces, restaurants, or events such as weddings. These chairs are durable, sturdy, and aesthetically elegant, ideal for both indoor and outdoor settings.

Designer polycarbonate furniture such as tables and chairs includes the famous Ghost Chair, designed by Philippe Starck in 2002 for Kartell, a transparent chair made of a single piece of polycarbonate inspired by the Louis XIII style.
It quickly became a symbol of modern design for its visual lightness and durability, and is considered an international icon, even exhibited in museums.

The Marie, also by Philippe Starck for Kartell in 1998, is another example of a transparent polycarbonate chair, known for its ergonomics, flexibility, and recyclability. It has become a highly popular design icon, also appreciated in its colored variations. This product offers a futuristic look, is resistant to weather and UV rays, and is easy to clean.

Polycarbonate is also used in everyday objects and toys for its durability and safety, but the best-known examples in design are mainly transparent or colored chairs, tables, and furniture.