Protective apparel: Lowering the risk of injury with high-performance materials

When all that stands between people and personal injury is protective apparel, the quality of the materials used to make it matters. Which is why strong, lightweight Makrolon® is a popular choice for helmets, fire-fighting wear, riot shields, holsters and other tactical gear. Its high-transparency and heat-resistance make it suitable for gas masks, welding goggles, and protective visors, such as those used by electricians. 

In addition, we have specialized polycarbonates, including fire-resistant and highly transparent Apec® that meet the thermal requirements defined in the EN 443:2008 standard for firefighters’ helmets. Even bulletproof vests can be enhanced with thermoplastic films such as Dureflex®, Platilon®and Pontacol. Finally, the holographic photopolymer film Bayfol® HX enables effective laser glare protection in eyewear for pilots and helmet visors of law enforcement personnel. 

Fire helmets: Meeting increasingly strict safety standards

Polycarbonate’s tough, heat-resistant and good optical properties make it ideal for firefighter helmet visors. And as requirements for these helmets become stricter, manufacturers need materials with better flame-resistant properties. For example, to ensure proper protection for firefighters, specialized helmet manufacturers typically choose Apec® FR1892 polycarbonate, a high-heat, amorphous, high-performance thermoplastic, which meets the thermal requirements defined in the standard EN 443:2008 for firefighters’ helmets. The material also looks good and it well-suited to injection molding. 

Bullet-proof vests: Reliable protection in security situations

Building reliable bullet-proof vests requires high-performance materials that work together seamlessly. Our Platilon® and Dureflex® thermoplastic films deliver the mechanical strength, skin comfort, heat resistance and flexibility in cold conditions that vest manufacturers depend on. To bond the high-tech composite layers — including UHMWPE, para-aramid, ceramics and metals — Pontacol BP thermoplastic adhesive films provide defined, consistent adhesion with controlled deformation and elasticity critical to ballistic performance. Together, these materials help improve the effectiveness of ballistic protection. 

All eyes on safety: Pilots’ glasses and helmet visors with laser glare protection

The blinding of pilots by laser beams poses a serious safety risk, particularly during takeoff and landing. Security and police forces on the ground now face similar dangers and impairments. In addition, the power of laser pointers is increasing, and incidents involving glare attacks are becoming more frequent. Bayfol® HX enables eye protection for law enforcement personnel and pilots without compromising color perception and clarity: the photopolymer film functions as an optical notch filter in helmet visors and glasses that deflects laser beams.

Motorcycle helmet: Premium toughness for your safety

Motorcycle helmet materials must combine high impact resistance with reliable energy absorption to provide effective protection during accidents, e.g. according to ECE R22.06. That’s where Covestro’s Apec XT product series shines. Apec XT delivers on high toughness, which must be maintained over a wide temperature range, ensuring consistent performance in both hot and cold conditions. In addition, these materials offer low weight, high mechanical strength, and long-term durability against UV exposure, moisture, chemicals, and aging.