Acrylic is polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), which is sold under the brand names of Plexiglas, Lucite, Perspex, and Crystallite. PMMA is a tough, highly transparent material with excellent resistance to ultraviolet radiation and weathering. It can be coloured, moulded, cut, drilled, and formed.
- High hardness.
- Good weather resistance.
- High clarity.
- Good chemical resistance.
- Good impact resistance.
- High heat resistance.
- Good UV resistance.
- Poor solvent resistance.
- Subject to stress cracking.
- Low continuous service temperature.
- Flexible grades unavailable.
- Poor impact resistance.
Its major uses are due to its transparency:
- Windows.
- Aircraft canopies.
- Car light casings.
- Furniture.
- Table tops.
- Sign boards.
- Windshields.
- Incubators.
- Security shields.