Acrylic (PMMA) sheets — which statements about properties and availability are correct? Select the most comprehensive option.

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: All of the above

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Acrylic (polymethyl methacrylate, PMMA) is widely used for glazing, skylights, signage, and protective screens. It combines excellent clarity with high impact resistance relative to ordinary glass, and it can be thermoformed into diverse shapes.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Comparison is with standard soda-lime glass of equal thickness.
  • Household exposure: soaps/detergents, not strong solvents.
  • Optical transmission evaluated for clear grades.


Concept / Approach:
Clear acrylic exhibits high visible light transmission (around 92–93%) and better impact resistance than ordinary glass (often quoted in the 10–17× range). It resists mild chemicals like household detergents but is sensitive to strong solvents and abrasives. Acrylic can be cast or extruded in sheets, then fabricated by machining or thermoforming into different shapes.


Step-by-Step Solution:

1) Impact & durability: acrylic outperforms glass in breakage resistance in common handling scenarios.2) Chemical resistance: generally fine with soaps/detergents; avoid aggressive solvents.3) Optical clarity: top-tier transmission near 93% contributes to glass-like transparency.4) Formability: available as flat sheets, rods, tubes; thermoformable into complex shapes.


Verification / Alternative check:
Manufacturer datasheets for PMMA list high light transmission, significant impact improvement over glass, and common cleaning guidance with mild detergents.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Each single property is correct but incomplete; only the aggregate answer captures the full attribute set.


Common Pitfalls:
Cleaning with solvents or abrasive pads that craze/scratch acrylic; confusing acrylic with polycarbonate (which has even higher impact strength).


Final Answer:
All of the above

More Questions from Building Materials

Discussion & Comments

No comments yet. Be the first to comment!
Join Discussion