ACRYLIC (POLYMETHYL METHACRYLATE)

Name: Acrylic, PMMA, Plexiglas, Lucite, Perspex, Methacrylate glass

Real name: Polymethyl Methacrylate

Composition: C5O2H8

Family: Thermoplastics

Density: 1.18

Temperature range: -40°C/90°C

Owned by: Imperial Chemical Industries (originally 1930)

Acrylic, scientifically known as polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), is a transparent thermoplastic polymer that revolutionized the plastics industry in the 20th century. Its development began in the 1920s, when German and British chemists experimented with methacrylate esters in search of transparent plastics that were stronger than glass. In 1928, British researchers Rowland Hill and John Crawford succeeded in synthesizing PMMA for the first time, and in 1933, the company Röhm & Haas patented the material under the trade name "Plexiglas."

The Second World War marked a turning point in its use, as PMMA was extensively employed to manufacture aircraft canopies, submarine periscopes, and military vehicle windshields, thanks to its superior resistance, lightness, and transparency compared to glass. In the following decades, acrylic gained popularity in commercial, advertising, and architectural sectors, solidifying its position as a versatile material with high aesthetic value. Today, it is widely recognized under commercial brands such as Plexiglas, Lucite, and Acrylite, being essential in the design industry and advanced optical technologies. 

Its impact resistance is moderate: while more resistant than glass, it does not achieve the hardness of other polymers like polycarbonate. However, this apparent disadvantage is compensated by its ease of machining, cutting, molding, and polishing, allowing for high-quality aesthetic finishes. Acrylic also stands out for its chemical resistance to atmospheric agents and its low moisture absorption, which ensures dimensional stability under variable conditions.

PMMA is thermoplastic and can be easily thermoformed, acquiring complex shapes without losing its optical properties. Furthermore, it is compatible with milling, drilling, and laser engraving processes, characteristics that have solidified its position as a star material in industrial and artistic design. Although it is flammable and does not withstand extremely high temperatures, its optical properties and weather resistance position it as an alternative to glass in numerous applications.

Acrylic plays a prominent role in architecture, design, and signage. It is widely used to make display cases, windows, translucent ceilings, partitions, and architectural panels thanks to its lightness and UV resistance. Its high transparency and moldability make it ideal for illuminated signs, outdoor advertising, and commercial displays, where aesthetics are key.

In the automotive and aeronautical industries, PMMA remains essential for windshields, windows, and domes, while in the medical field, it is used to manufacture dental prostheses, intraocular lenses, and surgical equipment, taking advantage of its biocompatibility. Furthermore, its versatility has made it a preferred material for aquariums, lamps, modern furniture, and decorative products.

In advanced technologies, acrylic is used in solar panels, LED lighting, and precision optics due to its excellent light transmission and ease of manufacturing into specific shapes. It is also a popular material in 3D printing and laser engraving, allowing for the customization of functional and decorative pieces. PMMA has transcended its role as a glass substitute to become an iconic material in engineering, design, and science, synonymous with aesthetics, functionality, and durability across multiple industries.