ACRYLIC
ACRYLIC
Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA)
Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA)
Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA), commonly known as Acrylic or by trade names such as Perspex® or Plexiglas®, is a high-performance, transparent thermoplastic. Renowned for its exceptional optical clarity and weather resistance, it serves as a lightweight and shatter-resistant alternative to glass.
Acrylic is available as sheets, rods, bars and tubes in a vast spectrum of colours, including transparent tints, opaque, translucent, pastel, satin, fluorescent, and metallic finishes. Whether cast or extruded, acrylic is highly versatile, easily machined, and can be bonded seamlessly using solvent cements.
Key Properties
Mechanical & Physical
- High Optical Clarity
Offers a light transmission rate of up to 92%, surpassing that of standard glass. - Impact Strength
Significantly higher impact resistance than glass, Acylic does not shatter into sharp shards upon failure. - Lightweight
Roughly half the density of glass, making it easier to handle and install. - Thermal Stability
Maintains dimensional stability within its service temperature range and is easily thermoformed.
Chemical & Thermal
- Weather Resistance
Highly resistant to UV radiation and environmental weathering, preventing yellowing even after long-term outdoor exposure. - Surface Hardness
Good scratch resistance for a plastic, although lower than glass. It can be polished to restore clarity. - Chemical Resistance
Excellent resistance to inorganic acids, alkalis, and aliphatic hydrocarbons. - Electrical Insulation
High dielectric strength makes it an effective insulator for electrical components.
COMMON APPLICATIONS
Technical Details
| TEST METHOD | VALUE | VALUE (IMPERIAL) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| PHYSICAL PROPERTIES | |||
| Density | ISO 1183 | 1.19 g/cm³ | 0.043 lb/in³ |
| Water Absorption (24h) | ISO 62 | 0.3% | 0.3% |
| Water Absorption (Saturation) | ISO 62 | 2.1% | 2.1% |
| MECHANICAL PROPERTIES | |||
| Tensile Strength at Yield | ISO 527 | 75 MPa | 10,870 psi |
| Tensile Modulus of Elasticity | ISO 527 | 3,300 MPa | 478.6 ksi |
| Elongation at Yield | ISO 527 | 4% | 4% |
| Elongation at Break | ISO 527 | >4% | >4% |
| Flexural Strength | ISO 178 | 115 MPa | 16,680 psi |
| Flexural Modulus | ISO 178 | 3,000 MPa | 435 ksi |
| Charpy Impact (Notched) | ISO 179 | 2.0 kJ/m² | 0.95 ft-lb/in² |
| Rockwell Hardness | ISO 2039-2 | M 95 | M 95 |
| THERMAL PROPERTIES | |||
| Melting Temperature | DSC | 160°C | 320°F |
| Heat Deflection Temp (1.8 MPa) | ISO 75 | 95°C | 203°F |
| Max. Service Temp (Long Term) | 80°C | 176°F | |
| Min. Service Temp | -40°C | -40°F | |
| Thermal expansion (CLTE) | ISO 11359 | 70 x 10⁻⁶/K | 3.9 x 10⁻⁵ in/in/°F |
| Thermal Conductivity | DIN 52612 | 0.19 W/(m·K) | 1.32 BTU·in/(hr·ft²·°F) |
| Flammability Rating | UL 94 | HB | HB |
| ELECTRICAL PROPERTIES | |||
| Dielectric Strength | IEC 60243 | 30 kV/mm | |
| Volume Resistivity | IEC 60093 | 10¹⁵ Ω·cm | |
| Surface Resistivity | IEC 60093 | 10¹⁴ Ω | |
| Dielectric Constant (1 MHz) | IEC 60250 | 2.8 | |
| Dissipation Factor (1 MHz) | IEC 60250 | 0.03 |
Values are typical average values and should be used for material selection and design guidance only.
Technical Details
| TEST METHOD | VALUE | |
|---|---|---|
| PHYSICAL PROPERTIES | ||
| Density | ISO 1183 | 1.19 g/cm³ |
| Water Absorption (24h) | ISO 62 | 0.3% |
| Water Absorption (Saturation) | ISO 62 | 2.1% |
| MECHANICAL PROPERTIES | ||
| Tensile Strength at Yield | ISO 527 | 75 MPa |
| Tensile Modulus of Elasticity | ISO 527 | 3,300 MPa |
| Elongation at Yield | ISO 527 | 4% |
| Elongation at Break | ISO 527 | >4% |
| Flexural Strength | ISO 178 | 115 MPa |
| Flexural Modulus | ISO 178 | 3,000 MPa |
| Charpy Impact (Notched) | ISO 179 | 2.0 kJ/m² |
| Rockwell Hardness | ISO 2039-2 | M 95 |
| THERMAL PROPERTIES | ||
| Melting Temperature | DSC | 160°C |
| Heat Deflection Temp (1.8 MPa) | ISO 75 | 95°C |
| Max. Service Temp (Long Term) | 80°C | |
| Min. Service Temp | -40°C | |
| Thermal expansion (CLTE) | ISO 11359 | 70 x 10⁻⁶/K |
| Thermal Conductivity | DIN 52612 | 0.19 W/(m·K) |
| Flammability Rating | UL 94 | HB |
| ELECTRICAL PROPERTIES | ||
| Dielectric Strength | IEC 60243 | 30 kV/mm |
| Volume Resistivity | IEC 60093 | 10¹⁵ Ω·cm |
| Surface Resistivity | IEC 60093 | 10¹⁴ Ω |
| Dielectric Constant (1 MHz) | IEC 60250 | 2.9 |
| Dissipation Factor (1 MHz) | IEC 60250 | 0.03 |
Values are typical average values and should be used for material selection and design guidance only.
CHEMICAL RESISTANCE
| CATEGORY | REPRESENTATIVE SUBSTANCE | RATING | NOTES |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acids (Weak) | Dilute Sulphuric Acid | A | Stable against most dilute mineral acids. |
| Acids (Strong) | Concentrated Nitric Acid | C | Can cause crazing and surface degradation. |
| Alcohols | Ethanol, Isopropanol | C | Solvent action causes swelling and stress cracking. |
| Alkalis (Bases) | Sodium Hydroxide | A | Highly resistant to alkaline solutions. |
| Aromatic Hydrocarbons | Benzene, Toluene | C | Dissolves or severely softens the material. |
| Chlorinated Solvents | Methylene Chloride | C | Rapidly dissolves PMMA; used in solvent bonding. |
| Fuels | Petrol, Diesel | B/C | Dependent on additives; generally risks cracking. |
| Ketones | Acetone, Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) | C | Immediate attack, will dissolve the polymer. |
| Oxidizing Agents | Hydrogen Peroxide, Chlorine | A | Generally stable under normal conditions. |
| Water / Steam | Ware/Steam | A | Excellent water resistance, avoid high-pressure steam. |
RATING SCALE:
A (Excellent): Little to no effect.
B (Good/Fair): Minor swelling or slight changes in properties; acceptable for short-term exposure.
C (Poor): Severe degradation or stress cracking. Not recommended.
CHEMICAL RESISTANCE
| CATEGORY | EXAMPLE | RATING |
|---|---|---|
| Acids (Weak) | Dilute Sulphuric Acid | A |
| Acids (Strong) | Concentrated Nitric Acid | C |
| Alcohols | Ethanol, Isopropanol | C |
| Alkalis (Bases) | Sodium Hydroxide | A |
| Aromatic Hydrocarbons | Benzene, Toluene | C |
| Chlorinated Solvents | Methylene Chloride | C |
| Fuels | Petrol, Diesel | B/C |
| Ketones | Acetone, Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) | C |
| Oxidizing Agents | Hydrogen Peroxide | A |
| Water / Steam | Water / Steam | A |
RATING SCALE:
A (Excellent): Little to no effect.
B (Good/Fair): Minor swelling or slight changes in properties; acceptable for short-term exposure.
C (Poor): Severe degradation or stress cracking. Not recommended.
FAQ
SERVICES
Plastock has extensive experience in all cutting, laser and manufacturing techniques across a huge range of industries and materials using the latest technologies. With expert engineering knowledge and world class equipment, we can help with the design, development, fabrication and installation or your project. No job is too big or too small.
SERVICES
Plastock has extensive experience in all cutting, laser and manufacturing techniques across a huge range of industries and materials using the latest technologies. With expert engineering knowledge and world class equipment, we can help with the design, development, fabrication and installation or your project. No job is too big or too small.
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