chest protector plastic

[Lefty]

Does anyone know what kind of plastic

a chest protector is made of?  I thought

 it was polycarbonate but I was told it

is not.

Lefty

[MadMax]

No, polycarbonate is typically clear or translucent. It goes by “trade” names such as acrylic and Lexan. While it has low weight and outstanding impact resistance, it is most highly sought after and used for translucent / transparent applications. It could be used for CPs, but typically not, because it would be a waste of time and resources (meaning, no point in spending the money) so as to make it opaque. 

Most sporting goods protective equipment is, instead, comprised of Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene – abbreviated, of course, to ABS plastic. It is exceptionally tough and highly resistant to impacts. It can be injection molded or extruded into desired shapes. It readily takes additives to improve heat resistance, strength, and color. Occurring in a natural translucent white, it takes little to no effort to alter its desired color to any of an entire range of pigments. UV resistance can be selectively introduced into the mix as well. ABS is resistant to most acids, alcohols and animal / vegetable / mineral oils, meaning most household and commercial cleaners can be used on it without any damaging effects.

[Aging_Arbiter]