Transcript Plexiglass - Ohio University

Plexiglass
Amy Lynch - Winter 2009
What is Plexiglass?
• Plexiglass is a thermoplastic and transparent plastic. In
scientific terms, it is the synthetic polymer of mehtyl
methacrylate, (PMMA)
• Sold by the trade names Plexiglas, Vitroflex, Limacryl, R-Cast,
Per-Clax, Perspex, Plazcry, Acrylex, Acrylite, Acrylplast,
Altuglas, Polycast, Oroglass, Optix, and Lucite.
• Plexiglass was developed in 1928 and was brought to the
market in 1933 by Rohm and Haas Company.
• It is often used as an alternative to glass.
History of Plexiglass
• The first acrylic acid was created in 1843. Methacrylic acid,
derived from acrylic acid, was formulated in 1865. The
German chemists Fittig and Paul discovered in 1877 the
process that turns methyl methacrylate into polymethyl
methacrylate, essentially Plexiglas.
• In 1933 the German chemist Otto Rohm patented and
registered the brand name Plexiglas. It was first sold
commercially in 1936.
• During World War II acrylic glass was used for submarine
periscopes, windshields, canopies, and gun turrets for
airplanes.
How is Plexiglass made?
• Plexiglass is processed at 240-250 degrees celsius. A molding
process is used such as injection molding, compression
molding, and extrustion.
• Sheets of plexiglass can be joined by using adhesive such as
Superglue, with heat, or by using solvents to dissolve the
plastic at the joint which then fuses and sets, forming an
almost invisible weld.
Properties of Plexiglass
• It is less than half the density of glass and similar to that of other
plastics.
• Has an impact strength higher than that of glass. It does not shatter
under force, but instead breaks into large dull pieces.
• Transmits up to 98% of light at 3 mm thickness and gives a reflection
of about 4% from each of its surfaces.
•
Filters ultraviolet light
• Allows infrared light to pass
• Has excellent environmental stability compared to other plastics.
What is Plexiglass used for?
• Plexiglass is often used for constructing residential and
commercial aquariums.
• Other examples include:
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Motorcycle helmet visors
Police riot control vehicles
Aircraft windows
Ice hockey spectator protection
Artistic and aesthetic uses
Art and Aesthetics
• Contemporary furniture makers often incorperate Lucite and
other PMMA products into designs.
• Trasparent quality, environmental stability, and durability
allow designers to work with Plexigass in a creative way.
This aquarium is a
plexiglas cylider, allowing
the spectator to view the
fish from a 360 degree
perspective.
Art and Aesthetics
Plexiglas can be colored
and tinted. The
transparency emits light
and allows for multiple
possibilities in the
aesthetic value of the
material.
Art and Aesthetics
These tubular slides are made of plexiglas and metal.
Visitors to Tate Modern in London can ride the slides to
the floor. It creates an interactive and beautiful piece of
art.