Acrylic – Polymethyl Methacrylate
Acrylic is a transparent, rigid thermoplastic offering exceptional clarity, high rigidity and excellent exterior weather resistance. It is commonly used as a lightweight alternative to glass in signage, glazing and display applications.
Polymethyl Methacrylate, also known as PMMA or Acrylic, is a synthetic resin produced through the polymerisation of methyl methacrylate.
Acrylic is a transparent and rigid plastic that is frequently used as a substitute for glass.
Typical Applications
- Shatterproof windows
- Skylights
- Illuminated signs
- Aircraft canopies
- Glazing
- Displays
- Fabricated components
Main Features
- Excellent transparency, with a 92% light transmission
- Elevated hardness
- They can be fabricated
- Bright and colourless
- Intermediate mechanical strength
- High rigidity
- The surface is suitable for buffing
- Resistant to outside weather
Dimensional Stability to Heat
Prolonged exposure to heat must not exceed 80°C.
Ageing
Acrylic sheets show excellent stability in outside weather conditions, including exposure to UV radiation.
Even after years of exposure to sunlight, the sheets do not show any substantial variations in their properties.
When used in exterior applications, the protective film must be removed immediately, as exposure to sunlight can cause permanent adhesion to the sheet.
Cracking Under Pressure
The appearance of cracking essentially depends on the combined action of:
- A chemical agent
- Temperature
- Applied stress
- The period for which these conditions are applied
| Properties | Code | Unit | Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Density | ISO 1183 | g/cm³ | 1.19 |
| Tensile Strength at Yield | ISO 527 | Mpa | - |
| Tensile Strength at Breakage | ISO 527 | Mpa | 83 |
| Elongation at Breakage | ISO 527 | % | 5 |
| Tensile Modulus of Elasticity | ISO 527 | Mpa | 3 200 |
| Flexural Strength | ISO 178 | Mpa | 120 |
| Charpy Impact Test with Notch | ISO 179 | KJ/m² | - |
| Charpy Impact Test | ISO 179 | KJ/m² | 20 |
| Rockwell Hardness (M/R Scale) | - | - | 92/- |
| Ball Pressure Hardness | ISO 2039 | Mpa | 185 |
| Light Transmission | ASTM D-1003 | % | 92 |
| Refractive Index | ASTM D-542 | - | 1.489 |
| Maximum Service Temperature | - | °C | 80 |
| VICAT Softening Temperature (10N) | ISO 306 | °C | 116 |
| VICAT Softening Temperature (50N) | ISO 306 | °C | 107 |
| Heat Deflection Temperature: HDT A (1.8Mpa) | ISO 75-2 | °C | 97 |
| Heat Deflection Temperature: HDT B (0.45Mpa) | ISO 75-2 | °C | 101 |
| Coefficient of Linear Thermal Expansion | ISO 75-2 | x10⁻⁵/°C | 7 |
Specifications are subject to change without prior notice. These data correspond to raw material values.
| Product | Satisfactory | Regular | Unsatisfactory |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mineral Oil | X | ||
| Vegetable Oil | X | ||
| Acetone | X | ||
| Acetic Acid | X | ||
| Water | X | ||
| Turpentine | X | ||
| Ammonia | X | ||
| Detergents | X | ||
| Ethanol | X | ||
| Petrol | X | ||
| Glycerine | X | ||
| Methanol | X | ||
| Toluene | X |
Specifications are subject to change without prior notice.
