PMMA, Poly(methyl methacrylate), is a transparent thermoplastic belonging to a category of materials called engineering plastics. PMMA is generically referred to as acrylic and acrylic glass, and as brand names such as Plexiglass, Lucite, Crylux, Acrylite, Astariglas, Perclax, and Perspex.
PMMA can be molded at very high temperatures and becomes solid after cooling. PMMA is most frequently used in sheet form and is superior to glass in terms of weight, toughness, and shatter resistance.
When Did the Use of PMMA Begin?
Commercial use of PMMA began with the development of Plexiglass and Lucite back in 1937. Lucite was used more for making jewelry, handbags, and cosmetic packaging. Plexiglass was used for the production of aircraft windows, lighthouse lenses, and aquariums.
PMMA was also used by the military during World War 2 when most resources were given to war efforts. PMMA use included the making of airplane windshields and submarine periscopes during wartime. Even during this period, furniture manufacturers began using PMMA. Helena Rubinstein, a Polish-American businesswoman who flourished in cosmetics and art collection, had a suite made of PMMA built for her apartment in New York City in 1939. Ladislas Medgyes designed the furniture in Rubinstein’s apartment which included a bed and chairs made of PMMA.
The height of PMMA use in furniture was in the 1960s and 1970s as more designers- John Mascheroni and Charle Hollis Jones made use of the material.
What are the Uses of PMMA?
PMMA is commonly used because of the following.
- Its high impact resistance
- Its high optical clarity
- Its innate weatherability and resistance to UV
- Its topnotch dimensional stability
- Its lightweight properties
- Its excellent chemical resistance
- Its exceptional durability
PMMA is used for making the following.
- Lenses
- Fashion accessories
- Frames and display products
- Signages
- Skylights and architectural glaze
- Shelves and retail fixtures
- Light paneling
- Aquariums and terrariums
- Protective barriers
