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 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.
- Plexiglass.
- Polycarbonate.
- Polyethylene.
- Polymers.
- Polyvinyl chloride.
- Rubber.
- Thermoplastic materials in buildings.
- Transparent insulation materials.
Featured articles and news
HE expands finance alliance to boost SME house building
Project follows on from Habiko public-private place making pension partnership for affordable housing delivery.
Licensing construction; looking back to look forward
Voluntary to required contractors (licensing) schemes.
A contractor discusses the Building Safety Act
A brief to the point look at changes that have occurred.
How orchards can influence planning and development.
CIOB Construction Manager of the Year award
Shortlist set to go head-to-head for prestigious industry title.
HSE simplified advice for installers of stone worktops
After company fined for repeatedly failing to protect workers.
Co-located with 10th year of UK Construction Week.
Time for knapping, no time for napping
Decorative split stone square patterns in facades.
A practical guide to the use of flint in design and architecture.
Designing for neurodiversity: driving change for the better
Accessible inclusive design translated into reality.
RIBA detailed response to Grenfell Inquiry Phase 2 report
Briefing notes following its initial 4 September response.
Approved Document B: Fire Safety from March
Current and future changes with historical documentation.
A New Year, a new look for BSRIA
As phase 1 of the BSRIA Living Laboratory is completed.
A must-attend event for the architecture industry.
Caroline Gumble to step down as CIOB CEO in 2025
After transformative tenure take on a leadership role within the engineering sector.
RIDDOR and the provisional statistics for 2023 / 2024
Work related deaths; over 50 percent from construction and 50 percent recorded as fall from height.