Page 86 - Chemical and process design handbook
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Speight_Part II_A 11/7/01 3:16 PM Page 2.27
ACRYLIC RESINS
The methyl, ethyl, and butyl esters of acrylic and methacrylic acids are
polymerized under the influence of heat, light, and peroxides. The poly-
merization reaction is exothermic and may be carried out in bulk for
castings, or by emulsion, or in solution. The molecular weight decreases
as the temperature and catalyst concentration are increased. The poly-
mers are noncrystalline and thus very clear. Such resins are widely used
because of their clarity, brilliance, ease of forming, and light weight.
They have excellent optical properties and are used for camera, instru-
ment, and spectacle lenses.
Because of their excellent dielectric strength they are often used for
high-voltage line spacers and cable clamps. Emulsions are widely applied
as textile finishes and paints.
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