Artificial Glass—The Versatility of Poly(methyl methacrylate) from Its Early Exploitation to the New Millennium

Michael S. Chisholm
Ineos Acrylics, PO Box 90, Wilton, Middlesbrough, Cleveland TS90 8JE, England
J. Chem. Educ., 2000, 77 (7), p 841
DOI: 10.1021/ed077p841
Publication Date (Web): July 1, 2000
History, Education, and Documentation

Abstract

Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) has been exploited as a material for over 60 years. More commonly recognized under trade names such as Lucite, Perspex or Plexiglas, it was originally developed during the 1930s as a safe replacement for glass in aircraft canopies. PMMA has the important advantages of being lighter and less brittle than glass; it is more easily fabricated and is much less likely to cause cuts and lacerations when broken. Nowadays, these advantages and others are exploited in applications ranging from hospital incubators to automotive rear light clusters. The development of means to toughen and increase the glass transition temperature (Tg) of PMMA has further enhanced its utility.

Keywords (Audience):

General Public

Keywords (Domain):

Polymer Chemistry

Keywords (Feature):

Products of Chemistry

Keywords (Subject):

Industrial Chemistry
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  • Received: August 03, 2009

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