Plexiglass

Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) poly(methyl 2-methylpropenoate) is a thermoplastic and transparent plastic. Chemically, it is the synthetic polymer of methyl methacrylate. It is sold under many trade names, including Policril, Plexiglas, Gavrieli, Vitroflex, Limacryl, R-Cast, Per-Clax, Perspex, Plazcryl, Acrylex, Acrylite, Acrylplast, Altuglas, Polycast, Oroglass, Optix and Lucite and is commonly called acrylic glass, simply acrylic, perspex or plexiglas. Acrylic, or acrylic fiber, can also refer to polymers or copolymers containing polyacrylonitrile.

PMMA is often used as an alternative to glass, and in competition with polycarbonate (PC). It is often preferred because of its moderate properties, easy handling and processing, and low cost, but behaves in a brittle manner when loaded, especially under an impact force. To produce 1 kg of PMMA, about 2 kg of petroleum is needed. PMMA ignites at 460 °C and burns, forming carbon dioxide, water, carbon monoxide and low molecular weight hydrocarbons, including formaldehyde.[1]

Impact resistant substitute for glass

• PMMA Acrylic glass is commonly used for constructing residential and commercial aquariums. Designers started building big aquariums when poly(methyl methacrylate) could be used. The spectacular size of both flat panels and tunnels in aquariums such Monterey Bay, Tokyo Sea Life Park, Osaka, Nagoya and Dubai Aquariums were made possible with the introduction of acrylic.
• PMMA is used in the lenses of exterior lights of automobiles. [5]
• The spectator protection in ice hockey rinks is made from PMMA.
• Motorcycle helmet visors
• Police vehicles for riot control often have the regular glass replaced with acrylic to protect the occupants from thrown objects.
• Acrylic is used for viewing ports and even complete hulls of submersibles, such as the Alicia submarine's viewing spheres and the Bathyscaphe Trieste's windows.
• Polycast acrylic sheet is the most widely used material in aircraft transparencies (windows). In applications where the aircraft is pressurized, stretched acrylic is used.
• Acrylic is an important material in the making of certain lighthouse lenses.[6]

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