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History of Plexiglas

History of Plexiglas thumbnail
Plexiglas can be shaped, is strong and resists weathering.

Plexiglas is a brand name for an acrylic plastic patented by Otto Rohm in 1933. Since then, scientists have developed a variety of chemically similar plastics, generically known as acrylic glass. An increasing trend is the use of Plexiglas and other types of acrylic glass in the medical profession.

  1. Invention

    • According to plastics manufacturer RPlastics, Dr. Leo Baekeland patented the first moldable plastic in 1909. Plexiglas, frequently spelled Plexiglass, is one of several polymethyl methacrylates developed since 1928. Polymethyl methacrylates are shatter-resistant alternatives to glass.

    Development

    • Since 1936, researchers and engineers have found an increasing variety of uses for Plexiglas and other acrylic glasses, from bullet-resistant windows in warplanes to hard contact lenses to acrylic paint.

    Trends

    • Due to its compatibility with human tissue, acrylic glass is an important material in the construction of implants and prosthetics. Medical practitioners continue to find new uses for it in cosmetic surgery, orthopedic surgery and dentistry.

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  • Photo Credit Plexiglass image by Eagle from Fotolia.com

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