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Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA)
3-8 usd/kg
Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), acrylic, is a transparent plastic often compared to glass. Indeed, the two materials are used in many of the same applications – glazing, aquariums, household items, tableware and furniture, for example – with acrylic being lighter, more resistant to impact and easier to form into complex and intricate shapes. The disadvantages of acrylic, when compared to glass is that it is not inert (glass is virtually inert) and will crack and weaken if exposed to certain chemicals, it softens and melts at much lower temperatures (160 degC versus 1,700 degC for glass), and it is less scratch resistant.
As a transparent plastic, it is available in standard and custom colours, from muted tones through saturated fluorescents. Edge glow is the result of light passing through the surface and refracting internally until it meets a cut edge in tinted or semi-transparent materials. This phenomenon is utilised in signage, lighting and instrument panels, for example, that are made from acrylic. A cut edge may be the perimeter, or a score on the surface, such as made by laser cutting or engraving.
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Sustainability concerns
Non-renewable ingredients
Raw material generates polluting by-products
Potentially toxic in use
Low circularity potential
Hazardous end of life
Potential conflict commodity (3TG)
Microplastics
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is blended with other thermoplastics to combine the benefits of both. Mixed with polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) to make PVC/PMMA, also called PVC-acrylic and acrylic PVC, it yields a thermoformable, high-impact, fire-resistant sheet suitable for a range of applications in transport interiors. Examples include Boltaron (Simona) and Kydex (Sekisui).
PVC/PMMA is available in a wide range of grades, colours and finishes suitable for use in aircraft, rail, bus, coach and marine interiors. Applications include thermoformed panels, wall cladding, covers and seat backs. It is also suitable for product covers and medical equipment, in particular large thermoformed parts.
