Glazing comparison

• • • Record in progress

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
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

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

• Omnexus Materials Selection: List of Tranaparent Polymers