Acrylic resin refers to a group of thermoplastic materials derived from compounds such as acrylic acid or methacrylic acid. The acrylic derivatives are added to heated plastic to create a material that can be used for many purposes. The material that is created from the thermoplastic acrylic mixture has high heat and impact resistance, as well as good clarity and UV resistance. Not only are the various range of products containing these resins diverse, they are outstanding in terms of durability.
Polymethyl methacrylate, one of the more rigid variations of acrylic resin, was first marketed in Germany in 1927. A similar form known as Plexiglas® began to be manufactured in the United States in 1936 and quickly grew in popularity. Initially, the substance was manufactured for industrial and automotive applications, but it quickly became used in many commonplace applications. Products that were typically made with extremely fragile glasses were quickly replaced by the cheaper, more durable acrylic.
The use of these resins has continued to grow in popularity across the globe, and it is considered an affordable yet durable material for manufacturing various products. Versions of it are used to produce aquarium windows, cell phone display screens, and bathtub liners, as well as vehicle head and tail lights. They are also used as optical wave guides for LCD screens on televisions and computer monitors. The resins are used to create acrylic paint, which is a top paint choice amongst many artists. Jackson Pollock and David Alfaro Siqueiros were among the first popular artists to incorporate acrylic paint into their work.
Acrylic casting resins are pourable compounds that are used to cast parts and make molds for creating placed structures. These casting resins are used to make rubber and composite material in addition to epoxy and polyester. Acrylic resin is a major component in making masks, tires, or any product that requires durability with flexibility. The casting resins are also used to produce filler material such as fiberglass and aramid fiber.
Materials processed with polymers are used to create harder forms of acrylic-based products. These include plates, rods, shelving, and other forms of durable plastic. This type of acrylic also acts as the hard, protective coating on many appliances and automotive parts.
In comparison with other resin systems, acrylic adhesives are environmentally-resistant and fast-setting adhesives that are often superior to non-acrylic adhesives. These adhesives can be found in both emulsion and solvent-based variations. They are strong enough to be used for building construction, and a specialized variation is commonly used for bonding implant prostheses to bone.
Acrylic resins have become a key component in global manufacturing. They are widely used in the health and medical field, electronic productions, and appliance and automotive manufacturing. Some types of resins may also be purchased as a separate material for individual artistic or household needs.