Acrylics in construction

The term ‘acrylic’ refers to chemicals that contain the acryloyl group, derived from acrylic acid, such as polyacrylonitrile and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA).

Acrylics generally have good optical clarity, scratch resistance, dimensional stability and rigidity. They do not deteriorate in sunlight and they have good adhesion, are thermoplastic, easy to form and and easy to cut. However, they are combustible, are not flexible, suffer from stress cracking and are not resistant to solvents.

Acrylics have a very wide range of uses in the construction industry:

• Transparent or translucent sheeting such as acrylic glass (‘Plexiglass’ or ‘Perspex’).
• Opaque cladding and panel materials.
• Paints.
• Resins, sealants, adhesives and adhesive tapes
• Flashing materials.
• Concretes, mortars, renders and asphalt.
• Architectural fabrics.
• Baths, shower trays and sinks.
• Coatings for metals, concrete and masonry.
• Flooring and carpets.
• Worktops.
• Signage.
• Light fixtures.
• LCD screens.
• Furniture.

[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki

• Adhesives.
• Cladding.
• Composites.
• ETFE.
• Expanded polystyrene.
• Fabric structures.
• Glass reinforced plastic GRP.
• India looks at using plastic instead of sand.
• Nylon.
• Paint.
• Polycarbonate.
• Polyethylene.
• Polymers.
• Polyvinyl chloride.
• Thermoplastic materials in buildings.
• Transparent insulation materials.