Is polycarbonate bulletproof?

Polycarbonate is not inherently bulletproof in its thin, standard forms, but it is one of the most important components in the construction of bullet-resistant glass. Polycarbonate is a high-performance thermoplastic that is incredibly tough—it is 250 times stronger than glass and significantly more flexible. When a thick sheet of polycarbonate is used (typically 1 inch or more), or when several layers are laminated together, it can achieve a bullet-resistant rating. Polycarbonate is favored in the security industry because it can 'give' and absorb the energy of an impact without shattering, much like a catcher's mitt. However, polycarbonate is relatively soft and can be easily scratched, so it is often 'clad' with thin layers of glass to provide a durable, scratch-resistant surface. This combination is known as glass-clad polycarbonate. So, while a 1/4-inch sheet of polycarbonate might stop a hammer but not a bullet, engineered ballistic polycarbonate systems are capable of stopping high-velocity rounds. It is the material of choice when weight and maximum impact resistance are the primary concerns for security glazing.