Acrylic vs. Glass Danielle McBroom Matt Ziff Self-Selected Presentation Danielle McBroom Matt Ziff Self-Selected Presentation

Acrylic Glass  Most commonly know as Plexiglas.  Developed in 1928 and appeared on the market in 1933 by Rohm and Haas Company.  It is a transparent plastic and thermoplastic.  Thermoplastic- polymer that turns to liquid when heated and freezes when cooled sufficiently.  There are two common types of acrylic glass, cell and extruded.  It has moderate properties, is easy to handle and process, and has a low cost.  The melting point of acrylic glass is F which gives it a level 3 fire rating.  Acrylic glass used as windows helps to insulate homes better.  Acrylic Glass is the most clear material with a 93% transparency rating.

Uses of Acrylic Glass  Lenses of exterior lights of automobiles  Hockey Rinks  Viewing ports in submersibles  Can replace eye lenses removed due to Cataracts  Bone cement  Dentures  CD’S and DVD’S  Artificial Fingernails  Electric Guitars  Drum Sets  Casing for Apple Computers  High heel shoes  LED Signs  Jewelry

Acrylic Glass and Sustainability  Acrylic glass is recyclable.  It is categorized under plastic group 7.  If processed correctly, Acrylic Glass will not release harmful pollutants into the air.  It can be incinerated for thermal recycling or physical/chemical recycling.

Acrylic Glass and Sustainability  Recently, a way to make purely organic Acrylic Glass has been discovered.  This new technique involves straining bacteria to find enzymes that could be used in biotechnological production.  The enzyme is called 2- hydroxyisobutyryl.  In the future, it will be made of alcohol, sugars, or fatty acids.  The new product, “O-Glas” or “Piacryl”, is made with an enzyme that will change raw materials into the components needed to make the glass.

Glass  Inorganic product  It has been around since 12,000B.C.E.  Includes silica, calcium oxide, magnesium oxide, and aluminum oxide.  Glass soes not fall under the categories of liquid, solid, or gas. It is classified as a rigid liquid or amorphous solid.  Glass is favored because it resist chemical reactions, does not release chemicals, and can withstand heat and cold.  Color can be added to glass. Also, other substances can be used to “frost” or fog glass.

Uses of Glass  Windows  Display cases  Eye Glasses  Architectural purposes  Eating utensils such as drinking glasses, dishes, and bowls.  Car windshields

Acrylic Glass vs. Glass  Acrylic glass is easily scratched, whereas glass is hard to scratch. However, the scratches can be buffed out.  Glass can weigh 4 to 10 times more than glass.  Glass is highly breakable. Acrylic glass can withstand high impact.  Acrylic glass can be shaped virtually any way desired. It can be melted at corners so that there are no seams. Glass is difficult to bend and looses strength when bent.