Acrylic Glass Isn’t Just For Construction Sites
When it comes to the term Plexiglas, most people are apt to think of the clear panels protecting fans in a hockey arena. Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) has quite a few practical uses that are socially well known. But it also has some interesting applications that might indeed be a surprise.
Construction sites can make use of acrylic glass when it comes to building large commercial structures, namely arenas and marinas. The glass is used in both residential and commercial aquariums, as well as sports centers. It is also used for more safety- oriented applications, including helmet visors and police riot-gear shields. Acrylic glass is one of those building materials that are seen all over society in a variety of uses, but rarely noticed for what they are.
Construction Sites
PMMA is less dense than regular glass, and has a much higher impact strength level. When PMMA is broken it does not shatter, but crumbles. It transmits more light than standard glass, but can be easily coated to absorb ultra-violet light.
Plexiglas is a compatible material to use for cataract treatment replacement lenses. In powder form it can be mixed with liquid methyl methacrylate (MMA) to create bone implants. It is also used to make dentures. In larger applications it is the most common material for aircraft windshields and windows, and is frequently used for transparent bubbles on underwater crafts. As far as safety and durability go, this building material is ideal for many different uses on many different levels.
Construction sites may boast the most well known use of PMMA, but certainly not the most significant.