PLEXIGLAS 8N

PLEXIGLAS 8N is an optically clear (transparent) thermoplastic, and it is widely used as a substitute for inorganic glass, because it shows high impact strength, is lightweight, shatter-resistant, and exhibits favorable processing conditions.
PLEXIGLAS 8N is used in optical waveguides, luminaire covers, automotive lighting, instrument cluster covers, optical lenses and displays. PLEXIGLAS® 8N is listed in AMECA.
PLEXIGLAS 8N, having the IUPAC name of poly [1-(methoxy carbonyl)- 1-methyl ethylene] from the hydrocarbon standpoint, and poly (methyl 2-methylpropenoate) from the ester standpoint, is a synthetic polymer from the methyl methacrylate monomer as illustrated.

CAS Number: 9011-14-7
Molecular Formula: (C5H8O2)x
Molecular Weight: 100.12
EINECS Number: 618-466-4

Synonyms:Poly(methyl methacrylate), Polymethyl methacrylate, Polymethylmethacrylate, Polymethylmetacrylate, Methacrylate polymer, Methacrylate homopolymer, Poly(methyl 2-methylpropenoate), Poly(1-(methoxycarbonyl)-1-methylethylene), 2-Methyl-2-propenoic acid methyl ester homopolymer, Isotactic polymethyl methacrylate, Syndiotactic polymethyl methacrylate, Methacrylate, polymethyl, CAS 9011-14-7, RefChem 929655, UNII Z47NNT4J11, METHYL METHACRYLATE POLYMER;METHYL METHACRYLATE, POLYMERIZED;METHYL METHACRYLATE RESIN;METHACRYLIC ACID METHYL ESTER POLYMER;LUCITE;POLY(METHYL METHACRYLATE-CO-ETHYL ACRYLATE);POLY(METHYL METHACRYLATE), ISOTACTIC;POLY(METHYL METHACRYLATE)

PLEXIGLAS 8N is a good flow, amorphous polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) grade by Roehm. 
Shows high light transmission, very good weather resistance, free colorability due to crystal clarity, optimum mechanical properties and abrasion resistance. 
Suitable for processing by injection molding, exhibits high mechanical strength, surface hardness, maximum heat deflection temperature and mar resistance. 

PLEXIGLAS 8N was discovered in the early 1930s by British chemists, Rowland Hill and John Crawford, followed by its first application by a German chemist, Otto Rohm, in 1934.
Outstanding properties include weather resistance and scratch resistance. 
The presence of the adjacent methyl group (CH3) in the polymer structure prevents it from packing closely in a crystalline fashion, and from rotating freely around the C-C bonds. 

This is why PLEXIGLAS 8N was found to be an amorphous thermoplastic. 
The first major application of the polymer took place during World War II, when PLEXIGLAS 8N was used as aircraft windows and bubble canopies for gun turrets.

PLEXIGLAS 8N is an amorphous thermoplastic molding compound (PMMA).
PLEXIGLAS 8N is a commercial grade of poly(methyl methacrylate) that is produced by cell-casting and supplied as clear, solid acrylic sheets.
It is based on PLEXIGLAS 8N chemistry and is known for very high optical clarity, good surface hardness, and excellent weather resistance.

The “8N” grade typically refers to a standard clear, non-modified cast acrylic optimized for general glazing and display applications.
The material has very high light transmission, typically around 92%, which is higher than most types of glass of the same thickness.
It also shows good resistance to UV radiation and does not yellow easily under outdoor exposure.

Because it is a cast product, it has low internal stress and good dimensional stability.
PLEXIGLAS 8N has good mechanical strength and is significantly lighter than glass, with about half the density.
It can be easily cut, drilled, machined, laser-cut, and thermoformed into complex shapes.

PLEXIGLAS 8N also shows good resistance to many dilute acids and alkalis but is sensitive to organic solvents.
Thermally, it softens at relatively low temperatures compared to engineering plastics, making it suitable for hot forming processes.
It is electrically insulating and has low moisture absorption under normal conditions.

These properties make it suitable for both indoor and outdoor structural and decorative uses.
PLEXIGLAS 8N is widely used for transparent glazing in windows, skylights, greenhouses, and protective barriers.
It is also used as safety glazing where impact resistance and light weight are important.

PLEXIGLAS 8N is commonly used in advertising displays, illuminated signs, light boxes, and point-of-sale stands.
Its high optical clarity makes it suitable for backlit and edge-lit applications.
PLEXIGLAS 8N is used in exhibition stands, museum showcases, and protective covers for sensitive objects.

The material allows clear visibility while providing physical protection.
PLEXIGLAS 8N is used in furniture components such as shelves, table tops, partitions, and decorative panels.
Its surface gloss and formability allow aesthetic design elements.

PLEXIGLAS 8N is used in technical applications such as machine guards, instrument covers, and laboratory shields.
It provides transparency while protecting operators from splashes and mechanical hazards.
It is also used in architectural elements such as balconies, noise barriers, and interior partitions.

The weather resistance of PLEXIGLAS 8N supports long-term outdoor use.
PLEXIGLAS 8N is generally considered non-toxic in solid form and safe for normal handling.
However, cutting, sanding, or machining can generate fine dust that may irritate the eyes and respiratory tract.

Thermal processing can release irritating vapors and decomposition products if overheated.
Adequate ventilation is required during hot forming or laser cutting.
The material is combustible and will burn if exposed to sufficient heat or flame.

During combustion, it can release irritating smoke and fumes.
Contact with strong organic solvents such as acetone, benzene, or chlorinated solvents can cause swelling, cracking, or stress crazing.
This can weaken the material and lead to mechanical failure.

From an environmental perspective, PLEXIGLAS 8N is not biodegradable and can persist in the environment as plastic waste.
Recycling is possible, but improper disposal contributes to microplastic pollution.

Melting point: 150 °C
Boiling point: 108 °C
Tg: 115 °C
Tg: 88 °C
Density: 1.188 g/mL at 25 °C
Refractive index: n20/D 1.49
Flash point: 250 °C
Storage temperature: 2–8 °C
Solubility: Alcohols and aliphatic hydrocarbons (insoluble)
Form: Powder
Color: White
Specific gravity: 1.188
Viscosity: 2.0–4.0 mPa·s (0.5 g/50 mL THF, 20 °C)
Water solubility: Soluble in tetrahydrofuran, toluene, cyclohexanone, ethyl acetate, and chloroform; insoluble in water, alcohols, and aliphatic hydrocarbons
Stability: Stable, combustible, incompatible with strong oxidizing agents
Cosmetics ingredients functions: Film forming
InChI: 1S/C5H9O2/c1-4(2)5(6)7-3/h1-3H3
InChIKey: PMAMJWJDBDSDHV-UHFFFAOYSA-N
LogP: 1.346 (estimated)

PLEXIGLAS 8N is a cast acrylic sheet based on poly(methyl methacrylate) chemistry and represents a standard, non-modified PMMA grade with very high optical purity.
PLEXIGLAS 8N is manufactured by a cell-casting process, which results in low internal stress, excellent surface quality, and uniform thickness.
This production route distinguishes it from extruded acrylic sheets, giving it better machinability and form stability.

The material exhibits outstanding transparency with light transmission of approximately 92%, closely resembling optical glass.
PLEXIGLAS 8N has excellent resistance to ultraviolet radiation and weathering, maintaining clarity and color stability even during long-term outdoor exposure.
Yellowing and embrittlement over time are minimal compared with many other transparent plastics.

PLEXIGLAS 8N has a relatively high surface hardness for an acrylic, which provides good scratch resistance in everyday use.
It also shows good impact resistance relative to glass, while being significantly lighter in weight.
This combination improves safety and ease of handling during installation and transport.

Mechanically, it offers good tensile strength and stiffness, making it suitable for self-supporting panels and structural glazing within defined load limits.
It can be easily machined using conventional tools and is well suited for drilling, milling, sawing, laser cutting, and polishing.
Edges can be flame-polished to achieve a glass-like finish.

Thermally, PLEXIGLAS 8N softens at temperatures around 100–110 °C, allowing thermoforming into curved or complex shapes.
It retains dimensional stability at normal service temperatures and shows low water absorption.
The material is also an excellent electrical insulator.

PLEXIGLAS 8N is a promising polymer for applications in optical, pneumatic actuation, sensor, analytical separation, and conductive devices.
Other applications include the use of PLEXIGLAS 8N in biomedical applications, polymer electrolytes, polymer viscosity, and drug delivery using electro-diffusion or electro-osmotic flow.
Due to its compatibility and easy processing as a polymer moiety, PLEXIGLAS 8N with carbon nanotubes or other inorganic materials plays an important role in the development of nanotechnology. 

PLEXIGLAS 8N can be obtained from its monomer using different techniques of polymerization. 
The monomer undergoes polymerization using the common methods of free radical and anionic initiations by bulk, solution, suspension, and emulsion techniques. 
Following the discovery of a new technique of polymerization by Krzysztof Matyjaszewski in 1995 called Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization (ATRP), Matyjaszewski et al. successfully polymerized the monomer of methyl methacrylate (MMA) to produce PLEXIGLAS 8N as a living polymer with 80% conversion, poly-dispersity as low as 1.1, and an Mn of 20,000 in a few hours.

Uses Of PLEXIGLAS 8N:
PLEXIGLAS 8N is used in production of Carbonate-olefin based copolymer for molded plastics.
PLEXIGLAS 8N is widely used for architectural glazing such as windows, skylights, balcony panels, noise barriers, and interior partitions.
Its high light transmission and weather resistance make it suitable for long-term indoor and outdoor installations.

PLEXIGLAS 8N is commonly used in advertising and visual communication systems including illuminated signs, light boxes, letter signage, and display panels.
The excellent optical clarity improves brightness and color uniformity in backlit applications.
PLEXIGLAS 8N is used in exhibition design and museum showcases to protect artifacts while allowing clear visibility.

It also serves as protective covers for models, instruments, and sensitive equipment.
PLEXIGLAS 8N is used in retail and point-of-sale displays such as product stands, shelves, and transparent enclosures.
Its glossy surface and easy machinability support customized display designs.

PLEXIGLAS 8N is applied in furniture and interior design for table tops, shelving, decorative wall panels, and room dividers.
Thermoforming allows curved and aesthetic design elements.
PLEXIGLAS 8N is used in industrial safety applications such as machine guards, protective shields, and splash barriers.

The material provides visibility while protecting operators from mechanical and chemical hazards.
PLEXIGLAS 8N is used in transportation interiors and equipment covers where lightweight transparent panels are required.
This includes partitions, protective screens, and signage panels.

PLEXIGLAS 8N is used in laboratories and educational facilities for fume hood windows, safety screens, and demonstration enclosures.
Its chemical resistance to many aqueous solutions supports routine lab environments.
PLEXIGLAS 8N is widely used for architectural glazing such as windows, skylights, roof domes, balcony infill panels, and interior partitions.

Its weather resistance and UV stability support long-term outdoor exposure without significant yellowing.
PLEXIGLAS 8N is commonly used in noise-reduction barriers along roads, railways, and industrial zones where transparency is required.
This allows light transmission while reducing visual obstruction for surrounding areas.

PLEXIGLAS 8N is extensively used in illuminated advertising, including light boxes, channel letters, edge-lit signs, and display panels.
Its high optical clarity improves light diffusion and color brightness in signage systems.
PLEXIGLAS 8N is used in shopfitting and retail displays such as product stands, shelving, showcases, and protective covers.

Custom machining and polishing enable high-end visual merchandising designs.
PLEXIGLAS 8N is applied in museum and exhibition construction for vitrines, protective enclosures, and artifact display cases.
It protects sensitive objects from dust and handling while maintaining clear visibility.

PLEXIGLAS 8N is used in furniture and interior decoration for table tops, cabinet doors, decorative wall panels, and room dividers.
Thermoforming allows curved and artistic architectural features.
PLEXIGLAS 8N is used in industrial safety equipment such as machine guards, splash shields, and protective partitions.

Transparency allows visual monitoring while providing physical protection.
PLEXIGLAS 8N is applied in laboratory environments for safety screens, instrument housings, and protective covers for analytical equipment.
It resists many dilute acids, bases, and aqueous chemicals encountered in routine lab work.

PLEXIGLAS 8N is used in transportation and public spaces for partitions, protective screens, and transparent panels in vehicles and stations.
Light weight reduces structural load compared with glass.

PLEXIGLAS 8N is also used in DIY, hobby, and prototyping applications for models, protective cases, and custom fabrication projects.
Easy cutting and bonding make it suitable for small-scale fabrication and rapid design.

Safety Profile Of PLEXIGLAS 8N:
Questionable carcinogen with experimental tumorigenic data by implant route. 
When heated to decomposition it emits acrid smoke and irritating fumes. 
PLEXIGLAS 8N is used as the main constituent of acrylic sheet, moldmg, and extrusion powders.

PLEXIGLAS 8N is generally safe in solid form and does not release hazardous substances during normal use.
However, mechanical processing such as cutting, drilling, sanding, or polishing can generate fine dust that may irritate the eyes, skin, and respiratory tract.

Inhalation of acrylic dust can cause coughing, throat irritation, and discomfort, especially in poorly ventilated areas.
Local exhaust ventilation and dust extraction are recommended during machining operations.
Thermal processing, laser cutting, or overheating can release irritating vapors and decomposition products, including traces of methyl methacrylate monomer.

Adequate ventilation is necessary to prevent inhalation of fumes during hot forming or cutting.
The material is combustible and will burn when exposed to sufficient heat or open flame.
During combustion, it produces dense smoke and irritating gases, which can pose a hazard in fire situations.