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PLEXIGLAS® SHEET: IMPACT PROPERTIES AND CHARACTERISTICS


Breakage/lmpact Resistance
Table 1 compares the impact resistance of Plexiglas® sheet at different thicknesses with various types of glass. Plexiglas® sheet has greater impact resistance than all types of glass, including tempered glass. Data was obtained from test samples one foot square with edges loosely clamped.

The hardness of an object striking Plexiglas® sheet affects its impact resistance. The air-cannon impact test gives a practical measure of impact strength that Plexiglas® sheet can be expected to display in service. This procedure measures the velocity and energy required for a projectile of specified weight and tip radius, shot from an air cannon, to bleak a specimen. Test samples for data in Table 2 are 14 x 20 inch Plexiglas® G sheet, with edges tightly clamped
TABLE 1
Impact Resistance of Plexiglas® Sheet and Other Materials
Nominal thickness

Nominal thickness
Weight of free-falling steel ball
F50 energy to break
Product
in
mm
LB
ft-lb
Plexiglas Sheet
Plexiglas Sheet
Plexiglas Sheet
Plexiglas Sheet
.098
.118
.177
.236
2.5
3.0
4.5
6.0
.25
2.00
2.00
5.00
3.0
4.7
11.1
18.1
Window Glass
Single Strength
Double Strength
.100
.125
.25
.25
0.8
1.8
Plate Glass
Plate Glass
.187
.250
.25
.25
2.0
1.0
Laminated Glass
.250
.25
1.1
Rough Wire Glass
Impact Rough Side
Impact Smooth Side
.250
.250
.25
.25
2.2
0.2
Polished Wire Glass
.250
.25
0.4
TABLE 2:
Air-Cannon Impact Test Results for Plexiglas® Sheet
Nominal
thickness
Nominal
thickness
F50 energy (ft-lb) to break impacted with
F50 energy (ft-lb) to break impacted with
in
mm
Baseball
0.32 LB
Steel-tipped dart
0.6 LB, 1/2 in. rad. tip
.118
3.0
24 (47 mph)
5
.236
6.0
84 (84 mph)
6
.354
9.0
113 (105 mph)
27
.472
12.0
224 (147 mph)
40
.708
18.0
390 (104 mph)
53
.944
24.0
505 (220 mph)
68

Breakage resistance is maximum when the edges of saw-cut sheets or of drilled holes in the sheet are free of notches. Saw blades and drill bits that meet Altuglas International specifications will provide notch-free edges, but it may be desirable to finish edges by sanding or scraping, particularly where the sheet is subjected to high impact.



The statements, technical information and recommendations obtained herein are believed to be accurate as of the date hereof. Since the conditions and methods of use of the product and of the information referred to herein are beyond our control, Arkema expressly disclaims any and all liability. NO WARRANTY OF FITNESS FOR ANY PARTICULAR PURPOSE, WARRANTY OR MERCHANTABILITY, OR ANY OTHER WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, IS MADE CONCERNING THE GOODS DESCRIBED OR THE INFORMATION PROVIDED HEREIN. The information provided herein relates only to the specific product designated and may not be applicable when such product is used in combination with other materials or in any process. The user should thoroughly test any application before commercialization. Nothing contained herein should be construed as an inducement to infringe any patent, and the user is advised to take appropriate steps to be sure that any proposed use of the product will not result in patent infringement.

See MSDS for Health and Safety Considerations.

© 2006 Arkema