Physical Properties of Asahi Chemical PMMA Plastic Raw Materials in Japan

1. The density of PMMA is lower than that of glass: the density of PMMA is approximately 1150-1190 kg/m3, which is half of that of glass (2400-2800 kg/m3);

2. The weight of PMMA is relatively light: the density of PMMA is 1.19g/cm3, and the weight of materials of the same size is only half of that of ordinary glass, and 43% of that of aluminum metal (which belongs to light metals). 

3. PMMA has a high mechanical strength: the relative molecular weight of organic glass is about 2 million, which is a long chain polymer compound and the chains that form the molecules are very soft. Therefore, the strength of organic glass is relatively high, and its tensile and impact resistance is 7-18 times higher than that of ordinary glass. There is a type of organic glass that has been heated and stretched, in which the molecular chain segments are arranged in a very orderly manner, significantly improving the toughness of the material. Nail this type of organic glass into it, and even if the nail penetrates, there will be no cracks on the organic glass. This type of organic glass will also not break into pieces after being penetrated by bullets. Therefore, stretched organic glass can be used as bulletproof glass and also as a cockpit cover on military aircraft. 

4. The melting point of PMMA is relatively low: The melting point of PMMA is about 130-140 ° C (265-285 ° F), which is much lower than the high temperature of glass about 1000 ° C. 

5. PMMA has a high transmittance

6. Visible light: PMMA is currently the best polymer transparent material, with a transmittance of 92%, which is higher than that of glass [1]. 

7. Ultraviolet light: Quartz can completely penetrate ultraviolet light, but it is expensive. Ordinary glass can only penetrate 0.6% of ultraviolet light, but PMMA can penetrate 73%. PMMA cannot filter out ultraviolet (UV) rays. Ultraviolet light can penetrate PMMA, and some manufacturers [2] coat the surface of PMMA to increase its effectiveness and properties in filtering out ultraviolet light. On the other hand, PMMA has better stability compared to polycarbonate when exposed to ultraviolet light

8. Infrared: PMMA allows infrared rays with wavelengths less than 2800nm to pass through. When the wavelength of IR is less than 25000 nm, it can basically be blocked. There is a special colored PMMA that can allow specific wavelength IR to pass through while blocking visible light (applied for remote control or thermal sensing, etc.).