1. Perspex Sheet: Its History And Uses
The history of the Perspex Sheet is fascinating. The story goes back to 1843 when the first
acrylic acid was created. However, it wasn't until 1933 that the German chemist Otto Rohm
patented and registered the brand name PLEXIGLAS. This is important because what is
commonly thought of as Plexiglas has become such a household word, like Kleenex, that it may
have been forgotten that Plexiglas was once a patented name. From there acrylic glass was
used for submarine periscopes and gun turrets for airplanes. Since that time acrylic glass has
become a household product.
Acrylic Sheet
There are really two kinds of plastics. Thermoset which is plastic that is formed into a
permanent shape, and thermoplastic which is pliable and can be reshaped. Poly (methyl
methacrylate) (PMMA) is a transparent thermoplastic. PMMA is generically known as acrylic
glass. Some brand names are Plexiglas, Lucite and Perspex. PMMA is often times a lower cost
alternative to polycarbonate (PC). Another benefit that PMMA has over PC is the absence of
potentially harmful bisphenol-A subunits found in polycarbonate.
Acrylic Sheets
While the Perspex Sheet is similar to glass in that it is clear, it is superior to glass in many ways.
It is stronger and more impact resistant than glass and only has half the weight. Scratches can
be buffed out and high quality acrylic does not yellow. Unlike glass, when broken, it does not
shatter into millions of sharp shards. Acrylic instead breaks into larger, almost dull pieces, easily
seen to the negative eye. Acrylic is made in sheets, of varying thicknesses. Acrylic is primarily
made from petroleum. Cutting the acrylic sheet is fairly simple and they can be glued together
seamlessly.
Perspex Acrylic Sheet
There is a wide variety of uses for Perspex Sheets. A variety of windows are made from them
material including aircraft windows, police windows, and race car windows. (Using perspex
sheets in race cars will help make them lighter - and faster than using glass.) Advertising and
store signs are often made from coloured and clear acrylic and even roofing materials are made
from acrylic sheets, as the thermoplastic can be corrugated. Additionally, Perspex Sheet are
used as artists mediums as well as use for framing. Perspex sheets can also be made into
furniture. Perspex Sheets have such a wide variety of uses!