Glazing types, generic

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Description

Any optically transparent thermoplastic sheet that may be used as a replacement for window glass. Most commonly used polymer types include acrylics, polycarbonates, and polyesters.

Polymer Advantages Applications Commercial brands
Acrylic (PMMA) Optically clear, lightweight, high resistance to UV light and weathering can be obtained in many sizes and shapes, forming does not affect clarity; shatter resistant Display cases, light fixtures, transparent shelves for lightweight materials, indoor and outdoor signage Optix, Plexiglas, Acrylite
Polycarbonate (PC) High strength and stiffness (more than 200 times stronger than glass); lighter than glass; easy to machine, impact resistant, may be exposed to high heat Bullet proof windows and doors, windshields and protective barriers, eyewear, visors in sporting gear, cell phones, signage; furniture; UV grades available Lexan; Tuffak (formerly Makrolon); Palsun; Trizod
Polyethylene Terephphthalate (PET) General purpose; inexpensive; high strength; resistant to chemicals Water bottles, Fibers, films Vivak, Dartex
Amorphous Copolyester (PETG) Wide range of properties with excellent clarity; high strength; resistant to chemicals and heat. Often used as a substitute for PC or PMMA
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Water-clear clarity; high impact strength ; excellent chemical resistance; fire resistant Safety glazing (sneeze guards for COVID); windows; packaging, bags, connectors, valves; UV grades available
Liquid Silicone Rubber (LSR) Low viscosity elastomer with excellent optical clarity and durability; lightweight; easy to process, heat and UV resistant Lighting, electronics
Cyclic Olefin Copolymers (COC) Transparent thermoplastic with good mechanical and moisture barrier properties; high stiffness and strength; may be streilized Packaging, optical discs, lenses, medical applications
Polyethylene (PE) LDPE has good transparency and toughness; very durable Bags, films, plastic parts; tubes
Ionomer Resin Outstanding clarity and toughness; very lightweight Luxury decorative items that are transparent and scratch resistant; packaging; medical devices, bottles
Transparent Polypropylene (PP) Contains additives called clarifiers; have design flexibility, inexpensive and are recyclable Storage boxes, packaging
Fluorinated Ethylene Propylene (FEP) Excellent optical properties (transmits UV, Visible, and IR radiation); most chemically inert; outstanding weathering properties
Styrene Methyl Methacrylate (SMMA) High clarity with glossy surface; excellent thermal stability; scratch resistant; strong and stiff Household products, glassware, medical devices
Styrene Acrylonitrile Resins (SAN) Transparent and durable, high resistance to chemicals, breakage and scratches Appliances, furniture, automotive parts
Polystyrene (General Purpose - GPPS) Inexpensive with good clarity; high stiffness and good dimensional stability; excellent heat resistance; good electrical insulation Toys, CD cases, shower enclosure panels, boxes, refrigerator shelves; plastic cups; disposable products; easily cracks
MABS (Methyl methacrylate ABS) High light transmittance with low haze; introduced as an alternative to PC appliances, sporting goods, medical devices

Synonyms and Related Terms

Physical and Chemical Properties

Optical Properties of Transparent Polymers

Transmission [%] Refractive Index Haze [%]
PC 86-91 1.584-1.586 0.2-2.7
PMMA 89-92 1.49 0.10-2.6
PET 87-92.1 1.575 0.20-5.1
PETG 92 1.55 0.7
Clear PVC Upto 97% 1.381 2.5
LSR 94 1.41 <1
COC 91 1.53 3
LDPE 4.4-94 1.476 3-12
Ionomer Resin 93.4 1.49 2.7-4.2
Transparent PP - 1.347 -
FEP 92 1.55 0.7
SMMA 89-92.8 1.59 0.3-1.0
SAN 86.2-89.3 1.57 0.4-2.8
GPPS 88-90 1.6 0.3-1.1
Transparent ABS 86 1.52 3

Resources and Citations

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