Thoughts on if "plexyglass" is acrylic or polycarbonate

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Modest_Man

Modest_Man

Polypterus
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Jul 5, 2006
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I have the opportunity to purchase some "used plexyglass" sheets as seen HERE (4' X 12' and 5/8" thick). They were used as office windows and for some reason they weren't liked and the woman's husband is a crane operator and somehow got the old windows.

Before I go drop the money on them I'd like to be as certain as possible as to what they are in regards to their molecular composition.

My thought process is as follows.
1)It's not polycarbonate as that would yellow over time if used for a window from the UV rays.
2)It's not extruded as most if not all "plexyglass" is cell cast over .5" thick.
That leaves me with the mouth watering thought that these sheets are cell-cast acrylic.

Feel free to dash my hopes and dreams. Does anyone know what product is usually used in windows?
 
Sounds like you got plenty of good answers in your last thread.
Shoot the lock off your wallet and go buy them.
 
epond83;4231477; said:
I know when you look at the edge of polycarbonate will be darker where as acrylic will be much brighter a clear
Click to expand...

Really? Where did you learn this? If so that would be a great way to try to identify the material.
 
Modest_Man;4230929; said:
My thought process is as follows.

1)It's not polycarbonate as that would yellow over time if used for a window from the UV rays.
2)It's not extruded as most if not all "plexyglass" is cell cast over .5" thick.
That leaves me with the mouth watering thought that these sheets are cell-cast acrylic.

Feel free to dash my hopes and dreams. Does anyone know what product is usually used in windows?
Click to expand...

I do not know if acrylic or polycarbonate is more commonly specified for office windows. I do know that both are used and that there is UV stabilized polycarbonate for situations where maximum security (strength) is needed but without the yellowing.

For sure whatever was used is probably a higher quality product so if it's polycarbonate it's certainly UV stabilized and it's likely a cast product regardless.
 
Yes, but I don't want polycabonate as it "foreshortens when subject to static or dynamic loads" regardless of the UV or cast. And the UV stabilized seems to only last a couple of years before it starts to yellow.
 
Modest_Man;4231588; said:
Yes, but I don't want polycabonate as it "foreshortens when subject to static or dynamic loads" regardless of the UV or cast. And the UV stabilized seems to only last a couple of years before it starts to yellow.
Click to expand...

I don't believe you can use the lack of yellowing as a clear indicator that this is acrylic. I know of UV stablized PC that didn't show any yellowing after years of direct sun exposure. I imagine in certain parts of the country and with certain orientations it would yellow more quickly.

Tough call.
 
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