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Quizzes > Science > Chemistry

Can You Identify These Acrylic Plastic Characteristics? Take the Quiz!

Think you know the best method of cementing transparent plastics and spot fiberglass damage? Start the quiz!

Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art illustration of acrylic plastic panels test tools and labels on teal background for transparent plastics quiz

Are you curious about the secrets behind crystal-clear plastics? Take our free Acrylic Plastics Quiz and discover which is an identifying characteristic of acrylic plastics while testing what is the most common method of cementing transparent plastics. You'll also learn why fiberglass damage that extends completely through a laminated sandwich structure can compromise strength and uncover the coefficient of expansion of most plastic enclosure materials is a critical design factor. By the end, you'll gain confidence in material selection and join a community of skilled professionals. Need a warm-up? Try our material sorting test or challenge yourself with the properties of water quiz . Ready to prove your expertise? Start now!

What is the chemical name of the acrylic polymer commonly used in plastics?
Polyethylene
Polypropylene
Polymethyl methacrylate
Polyvinyl chloride
The most common acrylic plastic is polymethyl methacrylate, abbreviated PMMA. It is synthesized from methyl methacrylate monomer and is prized for its clarity and weather resistance. PMMA is used under trade names like Plexiglas and Lucite.
Which trade name is well-known for acrylic plastic?
Nylon
Kevlar
Lucite
Teflon
Lucite is one of the most recognized trade names for polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). It was introduced by DuPont in the 1930s and remains popular in various industries. Other trade names include Plexiglas and Acrylite.
Which of the following is a key physical characteristic of acrylic plastic?
Low impact resistance
Poor weather resistance
High density
Exceptional clarity
Acrylic plastics are renowned for their outstanding optical clarity, transmitting over 90% of visible light. They maintain this clarity under prolonged exposure to the elements better than many other plastics. This makes them ideal for glazing applications like aquariums and skylights.
What is the typical density of acrylic compared to water?
1.19 g/cm³
0.85 g/cm³
2.20 g/cm³
0.95 g/cm³
Acrylic plastic has a density of about 1.19 g/cm³, making it slightly heavier than water. Its density is significantly lower than that of glass, which is around 2.5 g/cm³. This contributes to its use as a lightweight alternative to glass.
Acrylic is often used as a lightweight alternative to which material?
Wood
Steel
Aluminum
Glass
Acrylic provides many of the optical benefits of glass while weighing about half as much. Its shatter-resistant nature also makes it safer in many applications. As a result, it is frequently used instead of glass in windows, display cases, and signage.
What is the approximate melting temperature range of acrylic plastic?
80°C to 100°C
50°C to 70°C
160°C to 190°C
200°C to 250°C
Acrylic softens and becomes moldable between 160°C and 190°C, which is why thermoforming processes typically heat it in this range. Above this temperature, the polymer chains become mobile enough to reshape before solidifying upon cooling.
Acrylic plastic is known for its:
Electrical conductivity
Flexibility
Magnetism
Rigidity and impact strength
Acrylic is rigid yet tough, offering good impact resistance compared to glass. While not as impact-resistant as some other plastics, it still resists breakage and shattering. Its rigidity also allows it to maintain shape under load.
Which of these is NOT a typical use for acrylic plastic?
Insulation material
Automotive headlights
Aquarium tanks
Window glazing
Acrylic is widely used for glazing, signage, aquariums, and light covers, but it is not used as an insulation material. Its thermal insulation properties are far inferior to dedicated insulating foams and fibers. Instead, it excels in clarity and weather resistance.
At approximately what temperature is acrylic sheet best thermoformed?
160°C
80°C
110°C
220°C
Thermoforming of acrylic is commonly carried out at around 160°C, where the material softens sufficiently for bending and shaping. Heating to this point avoids degradation while allowing good formability. After molding, the sheet retains clarity and dimensional stability.
What is the approximate refractive index of clear acrylic?
1.33
1.49
1.62
1.74
Acrylic typically has a refractive index of about 1.49, very close to that of crown glass. This property helps maintain excellent clarity and light transmission in optical applications.
Compared to polycarbonate, acrylic offers:
Greater flexibility
Higher UV stability
Higher impact resistance
Electrical conductivity
Acrylic is more resistant to UV radiation and outdoor weathering than polycarbonate, which tends to yellow over time if not UV-stabilized. Polycarbonate is tougher against impact, but acrylic maintains optical clarity longer under sun exposure.
What is the typical light transmission percentage for clear acrylic?
60-65%
92-93%
70-75%
85-90%
Clear acrylic sheets transmit about 92 - 93% of visible light, which exceeds standard float glass. This high transmission makes it a preferred material for optics, signage, and displays. Its clarity is one of its most valued features.
Compared to glass, acrylic is:
Heavier
Conductive
More brittle
Lighter
Acrylic weighs about half as much as glass of the same size and thickness, making it easier to handle and install. Despite being lighter, it offers better impact resistance and similar clarity. These attributes drive its use as a glass replacement.
Acrylic's coefficient of linear thermal expansion is:
Near zero
Lower than glass
About the same as glass
Higher than glass
Acrylic expands and contracts more than glass when heated or cooled, with a coefficient around 7.7×10?? /°C. Glass typically has a lower value near 9×10?? /°C. This higher expansion rate must be accommodated in design.
Which solvent is commonly used for welding acrylic sheets?
Acetone
Water
Nitric acid
Methylene chloride
Methylene chloride is a primary component in many acrylic cements and welding solvents. It softens the PMMA surfaces by dissolving polymer chains, allowing them to interdiffuse and form a strong joint.
Acrylic is often abbreviated as PMMA, which stands for:
Poly(propylene methacrylate)
Poly(methylene methacrylate)
Poly(methyl methacrylate)
Poly(ethylene methacrylate)
PMMA stands for poly(methyl methacrylate), referring to the methyl ester of methacrylic acid. This polymer forms transparent, rigid, and weather-resistant sheets used in various applications.
What process is used to bond acrylic sheets without leaving visible glue lines?
Epoxy adhesive
Solvent welding
Ultrasonic welding
Mechanical fastening
Solvent welding uses a chemical solvent to soften the mating surfaces of acrylic sheets. As the solvent evaporates, polymer chains interdiffuse and create a seamless joint with clarity matching the parent material. This method avoids visible glue lines common with adhesives.
Which solvent is a key component in acrylic cements such as Weld-On?
Ethanol
Tetrahydrofuran
Toluene
Methylene chloride
Methylene chloride is commonly used in acrylic cements like Weld-On to dissolve PMMA at the bonding interface. It effectively softens and re-solidifies the acrylic polymer for a strong, clear seam.
What is crazing in acrylic plastics?
Bubbling during molding
Surface whitening cracks
Yellow discoloration
Warping under heat
Crazing refers to networks of fine cracks beneath the surface of acrylic, often appearing as white lines. It typically results from stress, chemical attack, or solvent exposure. Although not full-thickness cracks, crazes can weaken the material and affect optical clarity.
PMMA is produced by polymerization of methyl methacrylate mainly via:
Condensation polymerization
Free radical polymerization
Ionic polymerization
Ziegler - Natta catalysis
Methyl methacrylate polymerizes through free radical initiation, often using peroxides or azo initiators. The process yields high molecular weight PMMA with good optical properties. Other mechanisms are less common in commercial PMMA production.
The glass transition temperature (Tg) of acrylic is closest to:
120°C
60°C
30°C
90°C
Acrylic has a glass transition temperature near 90°C, at which point the polymer transitions from a glassy to a rubbery state. Below Tg, PMMA remains rigid; above Tg, it softens and can be deformed. This value is important for thermoforming and service temperature limits.
What is the main benefit of UV-resistant grades of acrylic?
Improved electrical conductivity
Increased hardness
Greater flexibility
Reduced yellowing
UV-resistant acrylic contains additives that absorb or block UV radiation to prevent polymer chain degradation. This greatly reduces yellowing and maintains clarity over long outdoor exposures. It also helps retain mechanical properties.
Extruded acrylic sheets typically have which advantage over cast acrylic?
Lower cost
Higher chemical resistance
Higher optical clarity
Better thickness tolerance
Extruded acrylic is generally less expensive than cast acrylic because the continuous extrusion process is faster and more efficient. However, cast acrylic often offers better optical quality and chemical resistance.
Which method is best for cleaning acrylic surfaces without scratching?
Microfiber cloth with mild soap
Steel wool pads
Abrasive cleaners
Cotton ball with acetone
A soft microfiber cloth and mild soapy water safely remove dirt without scratching acrylic's surface. Abrasive pads and solvents like acetone can damage and dull the finish. Always use non-abrasive, plastic-safe cleaners.
What happens when acrylic is exposed to acetone?
It becomes opaque but intact
It hardens
No effect
It dissolves
Acetone is a strong solvent for PMMA, causing it to dissolve or craze rather than simply clean. This makes acetone unsuitable for cleaning or bonding acrylic surfaces. Specialized solvents are required for welding or cementing.
Acrylic's impact strength compared to glass is approximately:
Equal
10 times greater
Half as much
2 times greater
Acrylic is about ten times more impact-resistant than glass, making it much less likely to shatter on impact. This toughness, combined with its light weight, makes it ideal for safety glazing and protective barriers.
What is the most common thickness for commercial acrylic sheets?
1/2 inch
1/8 inch
1 inch
2 inches
A 1/8-inch (3 mm) thickness is one of the most widely available and versatile commercial sheet sizes for acrylic. It balances rigidity and ease of handling for applications like displays, signage, and protective guards.
Is acrylic hygroscopic (absorbs moisture from the air)?
True
Only with UV coating
Only above 80% humidity
False
Acrylic is not hygroscopic and absorbs very little moisture (around 0.2%). This low moisture uptake helps maintain its mechanical and optical properties in humid environments.
For seamless 90-degree joints, two acrylic panels are often mitered at:
45 degrees
90 degrees
30 degrees
60 degrees
A 45-degree miter on each panel creates a seamless 90-degree corner when solvent welded. This joint minimizes visible edges and ensures strength. Proper alignment and solvent application are key.
Acrylic has a flammability rating under UL94 of:
Non-flammable
5VA
V-2
HB
Acrylic typically meets the UL94 HB rating, indicating a horizontal burn rate of less than 76 mm per minute. It is combustible but will self-extinguish once the flame source is removed. Specialized flame-retardant grades can achieve higher UL94 ratings.
Which additive is commonly used to improve the impact strength of acrylic?
Metal fillers
Glass fibers
UV stabilizers
Rubber copolymerization
Rubber toughening involves copolymerizing PMMA with rubber particles to absorb and dissipate impact energy. This modification significantly increases impact strength without sacrificing clarity.
Compared to extruded acrylic, cast acrylic generally offers:
Higher transparency
Lower surface hardness
Less chemical resistance
Lower cost
Cast acrylic is produced in molds, resulting in higher molecular weight and better optical clarity. It also has slightly better chemical and scratch resistance than extruded acrylic. However, it often costs more.
The intrinsic viscosity of acrylic correlates primarily with its:
UV stability
Molecular weight
Thermal conductivity
Color
Intrinsic viscosity is a measure of how a polymer solution resists flow and is directly related to molecular weight. Higher molecular weight PMMA exhibits higher intrinsic viscosity, indicating longer polymer chains.
Stress whitening in acrylic occurs due to:
Surface chemical reaction
Localized microvoid formation
Moisture absorption
Network chain scission
Stress whitening appears as white regions where microvoids form under mechanical stress, scattering light. These voids occur at stress concentrators, such as notches or sharp corners. Proper design and processing minimize stress whitening.
Which initiator is commonly used for bulk polymerization of PMMA?
Azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN)
Benzophenone
Benzoyl peroxide
Potassium persulfate
AIBN is a popular free radical initiator for bulk MMA polymerization due to its decomposition temperature and controllable radical generation. It yields high-purity PMMA with consistent molecular weight distribution.
The degree of polymerization in acrylic affects its:
Electrical conductivity
Tensile strength
Melting point
Color
Higher degrees of polymerization (longer chains) generally increase tensile strength, impact resistance, and thermal properties of acrylic. Molecular weight distribution directly influences mechanical performance.
Acrylic typically absorbs about what percentage of moisture at equilibrium?
0.2%
5%
1.5%
10%
Acrylic has low water uptake of around 0.2% at equilibrium. This minimal moisture absorption helps preserve dimensional stability and mechanical properties. Other plastics like nylon absorb much more water.
Under sustained load at elevated temperature, acrylic may exhibit:
Thermal expansion only
No change
Creep deformation
Instant brittle fracture
Acrylic, like many polymers, undergoes creep under long-term loading, especially at temperatures near or above its Tg. This time-dependent deformation must be considered in design to prevent permanent distortion.
Adding UV absorbers to PMMA protects against:
Thermal degradation
Oxidative aging
Chain scission from UV exposure
Chemical solvent attack
UV absorbers in acrylic formulations absorb harmful UV radiation and dissipate it as heat, preventing chain scission and yellowing. This extends the outdoor lifetime of PMMA components.
The coefficient of linear thermal expansion for acrylic is approximately:
7.7 × 10?? /°C
1 × 10?? /°C
2 × 10?? /°C
5 × 10?? /°C
Acrylic expands at about 7.7×10?? per degree Celsius, much higher than most glasses. Designers must account for this to avoid thermal stress or distortion.
In injection molding of acrylic, sink marks are primarily caused by:
Insufficient packing pressure
Gas porosity
Contamination in feed
Excessive mold temperature
Sink marks occur when the packed polymer cannot compensate for shrinkage during cooling. Increasing packing pressure or adjusting gate location can reduce sink marks in acrylic parts.
Acrylic polymer chains are linked by which type of bond?
Amide bonds
Ionic bonds
Ester linkages
Ether linkages
PMMA consists of repeat units connected by ester linkages formed during polymerization of methyl methacrylate. These ester bonds contribute to the material's rigidity and thermal properties.
The Vicat softening temperature for acrylic is roughly:
160°C
200°C
70°C
110°C
Acrylic Vicat softening temperature is around 100 - 110°C, indicating when it begins to deform under a specified load. This parameter helps predict performance under heat and load.
During solvent welding of acrylic, polymer chain interdiffusion occurs primarily by:
UV curing
High-pressure extrusion
Surface dissolution by solvent
Thermal melting
Solvent welding works by partially dissolving the acrylic surfaces, allowing polymer chains to interdiffuse across the joint. Once the solvent evaporates, the chains entangle and solidify, forming a strong bond.
In the extrusion of acrylic sheets, minimizing birefringence relies on controlling:
UV stabilizer content
Screw speed only
Pigment concentration
Cooling rate
Proper cooling rate controls stress development in extruded acrylic, reducing internal stresses that cause birefringence. Slow, uniform cooling yields clearer, less stressed sheets.
Which type of laser wavelength is most effective for cutting acrylic?
10.6 µm CO2 laser
800 nm diode laser
10 nm X-ray laser
355 nm ultraviolet laser
CO2 lasers operating at 10.6 µm are highly absorbed by acrylic, allowing precise, clean cuts without excessive burning. Other laser types lack the right absorption characteristics.
Polymerization of methyl methacrylate in bulk is exothermic and:
Requires tight temperature control to avoid runaway
Generates no heat
Is endothermic overall
Occurs only below 0°C
Bulk MMA polymerization releases significant heat, and without adequate cooling or staged addition, the reaction can accelerate uncontrollably. Industrial processes use temperature control to maintain safety and product quality.
Adding monomer to cast acrylic controls the:
Viscosity of the reaction mixture
Shrinkage upon cure
Electrical conductivity
Surface hardness
Adjusting monomer-to-polymer ratios in cast MMA molds changes the viscosity, affecting bubble release and surface finish. Proper viscosity ensures smooth, void-free sheets.
In solvent bonding of acrylic, the optimal bondline gap for methyl methacrylate cement is:
0.5 - 1 mm
1 - 2 mm
0.05 - 0.1 mm
2 - 3 mm
A very thin bondline gap of 0.05 - 0.1 mm allows effective capillary action of the MMA cement, ensuring strong interdiffusion without solvent pooling. Wider gaps reduce joint strength and clarity.
A two-part acrylic adhesive bonds by reactively coupling through which functional group?
Methacrylate ester
Silane
Epoxy ring
Isocyanate
Reactive acrylic adhesives use methacrylate ester groups that copolymerize with the acrylic surface under heat or UV, forming covalent bonds. This yields high-strength, durable joints.
The gel point during methyl methacrylate polymerization indicates:
Initiator decomposition is complete
Molecular weight degradation
Monomer evaporation begins
Network formation and onset of rigidity
The gel point is when polymer chains link into a continuous network, causing the system to transition from liquid to gel. This is critical in cast acrylic production to gauge curing progress.
Photoinitiated polymerization of acrylic often employs which photoinitiator?
AIBN
Benzoin methyl ether
Potassium persulfate
Benzophenone
Benzoin methyl ether is a common photoinitiator that, upon UV exposure, generates free radicals to initiate MMA polymerization. It allows precise control over cure in UV-curable acrylic formulations.
Expert-level surface preparation for bonding acrylic often includes:
Ultrasonic cleaning only
Flame treatment
Sandblasting with glass beads
Solvent wipe only
Flame treatment oxidizes the acrylic surface, improving wettability and adhesive bonding by creating polar functional groups. It enhances bond strength for both solvent and adhesive joints.
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Study Outcomes

  1. Identify Acrylic Characteristics -

    Determine which is an identifying characteristic of acrylic plastics by evaluating their optical clarity, surface hardness, and chemical resistance.

  2. Explain Cementing Methods -

    Describe what is the most common method of cementing transparent plastics and how solvent welding ensures strong, durable bonds in acrylic assemblies.

  3. Define Laminated Fiberglass Damage -

    Understand fiberglass damage that extends completely through a laminated sandwich structure and recognize through”thickness failures in composite panels.

  4. Analyze Thermal Expansion -

    Interpret the coefficient of expansion of most plastic enclosure materials and compare expansion rates to prevent stress-related deformation.

  5. Implement Delamination Control -

    Apply best practices to minimize delamination in composite structures using metal fasteners and account for thermal expansion differences.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Optical Clarity & UV Resistance -

    Acrylic plastics (PMMA) are prized in aerospace for their exceptional light transmission (up to 92%) and inherent UV-blocking properties. A handy mnemonic is "CLEAR" (Clarity, Light transmission, Enduring UV, Acrylic, Resilient). According to NASA's polymer handbook, these traits help acrylic windows resist yellowing at high altitudes.

  2. Solvent Welding: The Common Cementing Method -

    When asked what is the most common method of cementing transparent plastics, solvent welding tops the list by chemically fusing surfaces with solvents like MEK or dichloromethane. This technique forms a seamless joint - think of it as "plastic glass" welding - and achieves strength comparable to the base material. ASTM D638 tests show joints often exceed 80% of virgin acrylic tensile strength.

  3. Thermal Expansion & ΔL = α·L₀·ΔT -

    Most plastic enclosure materials share a coefficient of expansion in the range of 50 - 100×10❻❶/°C; acrylic sits near 70×10❻❶/°C. Use ΔL = α·L₀·ΔT to predict dimensional changes under temperature swings in flight. Remember "Alpha In Plastics" to link α (expansion coefficient) with plastic design.

  4. Through-Thickness Delamination in Composites -

    Fiberglass damage that extends completely through a laminated sandwich structure is known as through”thickness delamination or a "full-depth crack." This failure mode can dramatically reduce load”bearing capacity and serve as a fatigue initiation site. Regular C”scan inspections detect these hidden delaminations before catastrophic failure.

  5. Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA) Structure -

    Which is an identifying characteristic of acrylic plastics? Their repeating methyl methacrylate units ( - [CH₂ - C(CH₃)(COOCH₃)] - ) give PMMA its glasslike rigidity yet 17× higher impact resistance than glass. A quick memory trick: "PMMA = Pretty Much My Acrylic" to recall its polymer backbone composition and strength profile.

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