acrylic resins: Synthetic resinsmade by polymerizing esters or otherderivatives of acrylic acid (propenoicacid). Examples are poly(propenonitrile)(e.g. Acrilan), and poly(methyl 2-methylpropenoate) (polymethylmethacrylate, e.g. Perspex).
The process involved in casting acrylic resinsis complex and forms a specialized field. Themethyl-methacrylate monomer contains inhibitorsthat must be removed before adding thecatalyst. The resin must be cured under veryaccurately controlled conditions.The primary use of cast acrylics is in opticallyclear sheet, rod, or tube stock and in theembedment of specimens for museums and displayof industrial parts, as well as for theembedment of decorative motifs in the jewelryindustry.
