Acrylic
Kasey Denis
General Information
Acrylic plastic, also known as plexiglass is a clear material that resembles glass but weighs 50% less than glass of equal thickness. Acrylic is known as one of the clearest materials, offering a transparency rate of 93%, and can be used in a wide variety of applications.
Acrylic plastic polymers are formed by reacting a monomer with a catalyst. The catalyst starts the reaction and enters into it to keep it going, but does not become part of the resulting polymer.
Environmental Impact
Although acrylic plastic is a very useful material, it is not an eco-friendly material. The production of 1kg of acrylic plastic requires approximately 2kg of oil and releases 5.5kg of CO2 into the ecosystem.
In addition to the fossil materials used to produce acrylic glass, sunlight hitting acrylic sheets releases carbon dioxide particles into the atmosphere. Because of this, for many years scientists have been highlighting the need to reduce the use of acrylic sheets as much as possible, and to optimize the production process in order to reduce energy use during processing.
Although acrylic sheets are theoretically recyclable, the recycling process is not simple, and this has often led to acrylic waste being released, with significant impacts on the environment.
Use in Interior Setting
1. This drawer shows that many stains can be used together to make a cohesive and creative accent drawer.
2. An acrylic table top was used for the dinet in this quaint kitchen in order to visually open up the space. A Portland Couple Renovate a 1982 RV, Turning It Into Their New Home - Dwell
3. This rounded acrylic porthole in the breakfast nook overlooks the Columbia River and creates a beautiful view in this pretty kitchen. A Lunar Lander-Inspired Tiny House is an Otherworldly Escape - Dwell
4. These cherry-ply cabinets have sanded acrylic doors that create extra storage space in this family kitchen. Bay Wash - Dwell
5. Shiny red acrylic plastic coats the walls in this hallway to create a pop of color in this residence. Red, Wood, and Blue - Dwell
Tabletop
Acrylic plastic is a versatile material that can be used for a wide variety of furnishings, including a tabletop. An acrylic plastic tabletop not only helps to protect the integrity of the furniture, it also creates a beautiful glossy finish on the tabletop. Since acrylic is so lightweight, it’s easy to maneuver around your home and inexpensive to bring to new homes making it a great choice for this kitchen tabletop.
Testing Organizations:
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EPA - Conduct an Acrylic and Modacrylic Fibers Production Test
Relevant standards through ASTM:
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ASTM F484-08: Standard Test Method For Stress Crazing Of Acrylic Plastics In Contact With Liquid Or Semi-Liquid Compounds
Sources
How acrylic plastic is made - material, making, used, processing, parts, Raw Materials (madehow.com)
https://www.renewablematter.eu/articles/article/the-unsustainable-prevalence-of-plexiglass
https://www.creativemechanisms.com/blog/injection-mold-3d-print-cnc-acrylic-plastic-pmma
https://www.acmeplastics.com/acrylic