Acrylic Properties and Uses
Acrylic is a versatile man-made product which can be utilized in a variety of industrial and residential purposes. It is identified as polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) is a synthetic material that is treated with alcohol when it is reacted to acrylic acid from petroleum distillates.
Acrylics have a huge range of uses. Clear acrylic sheets can be used as an alternative for glass, exactly where glass is not a practical material to be used. Acrylics can be used in the manufacturing of bathrooms showers, furniture, lights and dishware. Acrylic sheets can even be made into cosmetic products like the use of fake nails and dental purposes.
Positive Side of Using Acrylics Sheets
Acrylics are a strong material which can withstand the worst of weathers, has very high clarity and is resistant to the harmful UV rays. Acrylics can withstand huge loads and pressures, is waterproof (does not yellow when left out in the rain) and can be recycled with effort. Acrylic sheets can be molded using plastic machining to be turned into a broad range of shapes and sizes. Acrylics are in fact better than glass in ways such as it is flexible, shatter-proof and does not crack easily. These positive properties of acrylic sheets make it perfect to be used as windows, shower doors, skylights and aquariums. It is about 16 times more durable and a lot lighter as well.
Downsides of Using Acrylic Sheets
Acrylics however, tend to scratch extremely easily. Its impact on the environment is the most negative trait of acrylic sheets. The process in which acrylics are manufactured is very toxic and releases tons of harmful fumes into the atmosphere, damaging the ozone layer. It is also quite difficult to be recycled and all non-biodegradable will be buried in a landfill and stay the same unless it is cute into slabs and modified into something else. Sometimes cheaper acrylic tends to yellow with time. It isn’t that big of a problem but will look slightly less attractive if it were car windows or aquariums.
Caring for acrylics is relatively easy. Acrylics are sturdy and strong, but there are substances which can harm the appearances and finish of it. Certain window cleaning sprays, scouring pads have harsh ingredients that can permanently damage the surface of acrylic sheets and give it a frosty look which is irreversible. It is recommended to just use a soft damp cloth when cleaning acrylic materials. A little soap can be added if necessary but harsh solvents should be avoided at all costs.
