Plexiglass
Plexiglass, also known as acrylic glass or PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate), is a transparent thermoplastic. It was first developed in the 1930s and is known for its high light transmittance, weather resistance, and shatterproof properties. Plexiglass is used in a wide range of applications including construction, advertising, automotive industry, and medicine.
Physical and Chemical Properties
Plexiglass exhibits several remarkable physical and chemical properties:
High light transmittance: Plexiglass has a light transmittance of up to 92%, making it an ideal material for applications requiring high clarity.
Weather resistance: Plexiglass is resistant to UV radiation and weather effects, so it does not yellow or become brittle outdoors.
Shatterproof: Plexiglass is much more shatter-resistant than glass and does not break into sharp shards.
Lightweight: Plexiglass is lighter than glass and easy to handle and install.
Thermoplasticity: Plexiglass can be shaped at high temperatures and moulded into various forms.
Chemical resistance: Plexiglass is resistant to many chemicals and solvents.
Uses of Plexiglass
Thanks to its unique properties, Plexiglass finds wide application in many areas:
Construction: Used in windows, skylights, partitions, and protective covers due to its high light transmittance and shatter resistance.
Advertising: Used in illuminated signs, displays, and panels as it is easy to shape and print on.
Automotive industry: Used in headlights, taillights, and dashboards due to its clarity and weather resistance.
Medicine: Used in medical devices, incubator windows, and protective visors due to its sterilizability and shatterproof nature.
Furniture and interior design: Used in modern furniture, room dividers, and decorative elements because of its elegant appearance.
Artistic applications: Used in sculptures, installations, and artworks as it is easy to shape and work with.
Aquariums: Used in building aquariums and terrariums due to its clarity and shatter resistance.
Advantages of Using Plexiglass
Using Plexiglass offers numerous advantages:
High transparency: Plexiglass provides excellent light transmittance and clarity.
Weather resistance: Plexiglass withstands UV radiation and weather without yellowing or becoming brittle.
Shatterproof: Plexiglass is more shatter-resistant than glass and does not break into sharp pieces.
Lightweight and easy to process: Plexiglass is lighter than glass and can be easily cut, drilled, and shaped.
Versatility: Plexiglass can be used in a wide variety of applications from construction and advertising to medicine and art.
Summary
Plexiglass is a versatile and highly transparent thermoplastic with unique physical and chemical properties. It finds broad application in construction, advertising, automotive industry, medicine, furniture manufacturing, art, and aquariums. The combination of high light transmittance, weather resistance, shatterproof quality, and ease of processing makes Plexiglass an indispensable material in many fields.
Further Information
More information on Plexiglass and its applications can be found in textbooks on materials science and polymer chemistry, as well as on specialised plastic industry websites.