What is Acrylic Plastic and how does it happen

What is Acrylic Plastic

The modern chemical industry has given interior art a lot of non-traditional materials, but distinguished by exceptional decorative properties. One of the most popular is acrylic glass or plastic, as it is called, guided by the degree of transparency. The possibilities of this material are truly inexhaustible.

CHOOSING ACRYLIC PLASTIC

Acrylic plastic: what is it. The material is obtained by the synthesis of methyl methacrylate by extrusion or casting. Despite the identical chemical composition of both variants, their physical properties differ quite noticeably. These materials are used for various needs, but their main technical and decorative characteristics are similar. Acrylic plastic material has the following properties: The light transmittance of transparent acrylic glass reaches 92% and is in no way inferior to quartz glass.

Painted options have less light transmission; the mass of sheet material is 2.5 times less than that of quartz glass, which makes it possible to significantly lighten the supporting structure; plastic is impact resistant – 5 times higher than that of glass; the material transmits up to 70% of UV rays and is completely insensitive to their effects. It does not lose any transparency or color; important technical characteristics include simple processing.

Cutting, engraving, milling, bending, shaping, and so on – there are many ways; acrylic plastic is insensitive to chemically aggressive substances, with the exception of concentrated strong acids and its own solvent – chlorohydrocarbons; the material is hygienic, so it can be used for kitchens, bathrooms and even aquariums. The disadvantages of plastic are: combustibility – even with additional additives, molded or extruded plastic burns. It ignites at 260 C, which is quite a bit, unfortunately; with good impact strength, it does not differ in hardness – the material is easy to scratch; damaged plastic must be recycled.

Decorative Characteristics

If the most important quality of plexiglass in glazing buildings or vehicles is its transparency, then when using the material for furniture or for decoration, other properties become important. Color range – the colors of acrylic plastic are limited only by a variety of coloring pigments. Here, however, there is one caveat: in the extrusion method of manufacturing, PMMA is pre-melted, and not all pigments can withstand this temperature, so the color palette of extrusion plastic is more limited compared to block shades. Colored or white acrylic plastic for the kitchen is ideal.

Transparency – color affects the light transmission of the material. The indicator fluctuates from 20% – a completely opaque option, to completely transparent with a light transmission coefficient of up to 92%. It is clear that acrylic sheet material in black or bronze color belongs to the category of opaque, and light green, for example, to matte, light-diffusing plastics.

White, by the way, can be both glossy and matte. Both the shade and its intensity are determined by the purpose. So, for the facades of a kitchen set, an opaque brightly colored material is usually chosen, and if a glazed sash is meant, then transparent or translucent. If we are talking about wall panels, then judging by the reviews, matte or completely opaque plates are popular, but reflective – glossy, mother-of-pearl, mirror.

The ability of the material to reproduce different degrees of gloss significantly expands the scope of its application – for furniture, for example, or for advertising products. Glossy acrylic plastic is the natural state of the material, as even when completely opaque it remains shiny. For the kitchen, this option is ideal, as it allows you to create the impression of greater lightness, while all the compartments remain deaf, the things stored in them are invisible. Matte sheet material, judging by consumer reviews, is much less common.

Most often, it does not mean the absence of brilliance, but a certain degree of light scattering. Matte plastic is most often used for light panels, and a satin finish is selected for furniture. Mirror acrylic plastics are an excellent option for visually increasing the space. If a real mirror is quite fragile and creates difficulties in installation, then acrylic is lightweight and easy to install. Mirror tiles are the most popular option for bathroom and kitchen ceilings. But for wall cladding or surface fragments, it is used no less often.

Processing methods

What else is interesting about this unique material is the processing methods. Acrylic plastic is readily used by home craftsmen due to its amazing flexibility and plasticity. Cutting – is done with a conventional hacksaw or an electric tool. Cutting sheet material as required is not difficult. Drilling is also done for decorative purposes.

The fact is that at a high drilling speed, the plastic becomes dull and in such a simple way you can create very decorative wall panels. In addition, if a coloring pigment is placed in the drill, colored matte spots and patterns can be obtained. Bending – at small bending angles is carried out purely mechanically – according to a template. If you need a complex relief, you will need a special form and an oven to heat the material. Milling – the relief of the sheet can be given on the milling table.

Here it is important not to get carried away with speed, and be sure to cool the sheet, since the plastic begins to deform already at 150 C. Acrylic plastic can also be painted at home, the surface holds paint well, but, however, it will lose transparency.