Poly(methyl methacrylate): Difference between revisions
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'''Perspex''' is the name given to polymethyl-2-methylpropanoate, the [[polymer]] of [[methyl methacrylate]]. This [[plastic]] is [[thermoplastic]] and [[transparency (optics)|transparent]]. It is sold by the names '''Plexiglas''', '''Acrylite''' and '''Lucite''' and is commonly called '''Acrylic Glass''' and sometimes '''PMMA'''. |
'''Perspex''' is the name given to polymethyl-2-methylpropanoate, the [[polymer]] of [[methyl methacrylate]]. This [[plastic]] is [[thermoplastic]] and [[transparency (optics)|transparent]]. It is sold by the names '''Plexiglas''', '''Acrylite''' and '''Lucite''' and is commonly called '''Acrylic Glass''' and sometimes '''PMMA'''. |
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[[image:PMMA.png|Structure of perspex]] |
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:Structure of perspex: ([[Carbon|C]]<sub>5</sub>[[Oxygen|O]]<sub>2</sub>[[Hydrogen|H]]<sub>8</sub>)<sub>''n''</sub> |
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The material is often used in place of [[glass]], though its softness leads to it being easily scratched compared with glass. The material has a good degree of compatibilty with human tissue, and can be used for replacement [[intraocular lens]]es in the [[eye]] when the original |
The material is often used in place of [[glass]], though its softness leads to it being easily scratched compared with glass. The material has a good degree of compatibilty with human tissue, and can be used for replacement [[intraocular lens]]es in the [[eye]] when the original |
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Revision as of 23:37, 24 July 2004
Perspex is the name given to polymethyl-2-methylpropanoate, the polymer of methyl methacrylate. This plastic is thermoplastic and transparent. It is sold by the names Plexiglas, Acrylite and Lucite and is commonly called Acrylic Glass and sometimes PMMA.
The material is often used in place of glass, though its softness leads to it being easily scratched compared with glass. The material has a good degree of compatibilty with human tissue, and can be used for replacement intraocular lenses in the eye when the original lens has been removed in the treatment of cataracts. Hard contact lenses are frequently made of this material; soft contact lenses are often made of a related polymer, in which acrylate monomers are used that contain one or more hydroxy groups to make them hydrophilic.
Perspex can be joined using cyanoacrylate cement (so-called "Superglue"), or by using liquid acetone to dissolve the plastic at the join which then fuses and sets, forming an almost invisible weld. Perspex can also be easily polished, by which method cut edges (which turn opaque) can be returned to transparency.
Unlike glass, perspex does not filter UV (ultraviolet) light. Some manufacturers coat their perspex with UV films to add this property.