Acrylic is a versatile plastic material that is used for a variety of purposes and benefits. It is a transparent thermoplastic homopolymer that is often colloquially referred to as plexiglass). Acrylic plastic was first produced in 1928. Acrylic has unique properties that make it ideal for a variety of purposes, ranging from basic household items to fiber optic cables that power the world. Some of the key properties of acrylic include high impact resistance, high optical clarity, innate weatherability, and UV resistance. Acrylic sheet exhibits glass-like qualities such as clarity, brilliance, and transparency, but at half the weight and many times the impact resistance of glass. Acrylic is used in a variety of applications, including:
- Skylights and commercial windows
- Retail signage and displays
- Aquariums
- Tanning beds
- Architectural applications such as windows and wall partitions
Acrylic is also used to make acrylic fabric, which is made with plastic threads and is lightweight, warm, and soft to the touch. Acrylic fabric closely resembles the look and feel of wool fibers and is used to make sweaters, hats, socks, and knitting yarn. However, acrylic fabric is hydrophobic, meaning it repels water, which can lead to bacteria growth in the fabric and cause odor. Acrylic fabric is also flammable and can be extremely dangerous when it catches fire.
