ACRYLIC (PMMA: POLYMETHYL-METHACRYLATE)
Material Information
Acrylics are thermoplastics that are produced by the polymerization of acrylic esters. Acrylics are easily sawed, drilled, milled, engraved, and finished. They can be readily bent or thermoformed at low temperature. They offer high light transmittance and most acrylics have been UV stabilized for good weatherability. This makes them the best choice for light-transmitting applications. Acrylics offer a high strength to weight ratio, have a higher coefficient of thermal expansion than metals, have low electrical conductivity, and also have good arc resistance. Although acrylics are unaffected by moisture such as aqueous lab chemicals, detergents, cleaners, dilute inorganic acids, alkalis, and aliphatic hydrocarbons, they are not recommended for use with chlorinated or aromatic hydrocarbons, esters, or ketones. Acrylics are available most commonly in a clear color but can be found in a wide variety of colors. It is available in cast, continuous cast, and extruded grades in the form of sheet, rod, and tube. Sheet comes with masking on both sides.
Application
- Signs
- Point of purchase displays
- Models
- Lenses
- Electrical parts
- Glazing
- Furniture
- Windows and skylights
- Aircraft windows
Properties
- High optical clarity
- High tensile strength
- High resistance to heat distortion
- Outstanding weatherability
- Good electrical properties
Physical |
Astm Test Method |
Acrylic |
| Density (lb/in^3) | D792 | 0.043 |
| Specific Gravity | D792 | 1.18 |
| Water Absorption @ 24 hours (%) | D570 | 0.03 |
Mechanical |
||
| Tensile Strength (PSI) | D638 | 8,000 – 11,000 |
| Tensile Modulus (PSI) | D638 | 350,000 – 500,000 |
| Tensile Elongation at Break (%) | D638 | 2 |
| Flexural Strength (PSI) | D790 | 12000 – 17000 |
| Flexural Modulus (PSI) | D790 | 350,000 – 500,000 |
| Compressive Strength (PSI) | D695 | 11,000 – 19,000 |
| Compressive Modulus (PSI) | D695 | – |
| Izod Impact (Notched), ft-lb/in | D256 | 0.3 |
| Rockwell Hardness | D785 | M80 – M100 |
Thermal |
||
| Coefficient of Thermal Expansion, 10^-5/°F |
D696 | 5 to 9 |
| Heat Deflection Temperature 264 psi, ºF | D648 | 150 – 210 |
| Melting Point, °F | D3418 | 265 – 285 |
| Continous Service Temp (Operating), °F | – | 150 – 200 |
| Thermal Conductivity, BTU-in/hr-ft² °F | F433 | 3.9 |
| Flammability Rating | UL94 | – |
Electrical |
||
| Dielectric Strength, Short Term, (Volts/Mil) @ .125″ Thick |
D149 | 400 |
| Volume Resistivity (ohm/square) | D257 | – |
| Dielectric Constant at 60hz | D150 | 4 |
| Dissipation Factor at 60Hz | D150 | 0.0 |
Optical |
||
| Light Transmission, Minimum (%) | – | 92 |
| Refractive Index | – | 1.48 – 1.50 |
NOTE:
The information contained herein are typical values intended for reference and comparison purposes only. They should NOT be used as a basis for design specifications or quality control. Contact us for manufacturers' complete material property datasheets. All values at 73°F (23°C) unless otherwise noted.