Polymer Used for Acrylic Glass Production

Commonly known as plexiglass, this material is rigid, transparent, and thermoplastic. Naturally colorless with exceptional clarity, it can be dyed and is resistant to many corrosive chemicals.

The hardness of PMMA lies between wood and steel, comparable to brass or lightweight alloys.

Selected Properties of Plexiglass:

• High transparency in the visible light spectrum (transmittance of about 92% for a 3 mm thick sheet).
• UV resistance, preventing yellowing (UV-protected sheets).
• Easy to process, due to its thermoplastic nature.
• Maximum operating temperature: 80°C.
• Softening temperature: 115°C.
• Annealing process (relaxation of internal stresses after processing) occurs at a constant temperature of 80°C (1 hour per 2 mm thickness).
• Relatively low depolymerization temperature, facilitating easy recycling.
• Density: 1.19 g/cm³.
• Tensile strength: 75 MPa.
• Compressive strength: 100 MPa.
• Impact resistance (Charpy notched test): 1.5 kJ/m².
• Shore D hardness: 75.

Disadvantage:

• Low surface hardness – The surface of the sheets is easily scratched, especially noticeable on glossy finishes.