PERSPEX®️ is a versatile and popular material used for numerous applications, from lighting to interior design and laboratories. But what exactly is the temperature resistance of PERSPEX®️?
In this article, we take a closer look at the factors affecting temperature resistance, applications in high-temperature settings and alternatives to PERSPEX®️. Read on and find out how to get the most out of this versatile material!
Understanding PERSPEX®️ and Temperature Resistance
PERSPEX®️ is a thermoplastic material. This means that when heated, it becomes soft and malleable, and when cooled becomes hard and rigid again. These properties make it easy to shape, but also affect the temperature resistance of PERSPEX®️ for everyday applications.
The temperature resistance of PERSPEX®️ is affected by the composition and structure of the polymer chains. This is because at high temperatures, the polymer chains can break apart, weakening and deforming the material. This can lead to undesirable changes in shape or even breakage.
It is therefore important to consider temperature resistance when using PERSPEX®️. Here you can think of applications where the material is exposed to extreme temperatures, such as lighting applications or near ovens or hotplates. When using PERSPEX®️ for such applications, it is advisable to choose materials with a higher temperature resistance than PERSPEX®️, such as polycarbonate.
Temperature Resistance Range of PERSPEX®️
PERSPEX®️ retains its properties at temperatures from -40°C up to +80°C. At temperatures above 103°C, the material softens and is deformable. The temperature resistance of PERSPEX®️ can be affected by several factors. We have listed the most important ones below.
Thickness
The thicker the PERSPEX®️ sheets, the more resistant it is to high temperatures. This is because thicker material can absorb more heat before it starts to deform or melt.
Exposure time
The time PERSPEX®️ is exposed to high temperatures can also affect its temperature resistance. Prolonged exposure can lead to permanent deformation or melting.
Environmental factors:
Other environmental factors such as humidity, pressure and light can also affect the temperature resistance of PERSPEX®️. For example, moisture can penetrate the pores of the material and accumulate in them. At high temperatures, the moisture can evaporate and expand, causing stresses in the sheet. These stresses can lead to cracking or bursting in the material.
It is therefore important to take these factors into account when using PERSPEX®️ in high-temperature environments and/or in operations involving high temperatures. Choosing the right type of PERSPEX®️ for each application, and adjusting the thickness and avoiding prolonged exposure to high temperatures is therefore important.
Applications of PERSPEX®️ in High-Temperature Settings
PERSPEX®️ can be used in many applications, from indoor to outdoor applications and from functional to aesthetic applications. A few examples of applications that PERSPEX®️ is suitable for are:
Lighting
PERSPEX®️ is widely used as a softener for (LED) lighting. This is because Plexiglas can withstand the temperature generated by LEDs, while also being lightweight and durable. Often, an opal-coloured sheet is used for the most beautiful effect.
Laboratories
PERSPEX®️ is also a popular material in laboratories because of its temperature resistance and transparency. Amongst other things, it is used to make insulation hoods and screens.
Interior design
PERSPEX®️ can be used in architecture and interior design, for example as glazing for a garden shed, as protection for lamps, or as (part of) furniture.
Solar
PERSPEX®️ is also used in the solar industry. It is resistant to high temperatures and can be used as a protective layer for solar panels.
In general, PERSPEX®️ is suitable for applications where the material is exposed to temperatures between -40°C and +80°C.
Alternatives to PERSPEX®️ in High-Temperature Settings
There are, of course, several alternatives to PERSPEX®️ on the market. These materials each have their own advantages and disadvantages compared to PERSPEX®️. It is important to carefully consider the specific conditions of your project and the temperature resistance required yourself. Below, we have listed some of these materials:
Polycarbonate
Like PERSPEX®️, polycarbonate is a (clear) plastic. Polycarbonate can be used in temperatures up to 120°C, and is also the most different from PERSPEX®️, because it is more impact-resistant.
Toughened glass
This is glass that has been treated under high temperature and pressure, making it stronger and more heat-resistant than normal glass. It can withstand temperatures up to 300°C.
Ceramic
This is a material composed of inorganic substances, such as clay and sand. Ceramic is highly heat-resistant and can withstand temperatures up to 1500°C.
Metal
Some metals, such as stainless steel, can withstand high temperatures. Stainless steel, for example, can tolerate temperatures up to around 1000°C.
Silicone
This is a material composed of silicone compounds and can tolerate temperatures up to around 200°C. It is often used for seals and as a coating.
How to Enhance the Temperature Resistance of PERSPEX®️
There are several techniques you can use to improve the temperature resistance of PERSPEX®️.
Apply a special coating
A coating can be applied to the surface of PERSPEX®️ to increase its temperature resistance. This can be a silicone-based coating, for example.
Combine PERSPEX®️ with other materials
Plexiglas can be combined with other materials to improve its temperature resistance. For example, the material can be laminated with glass to create a structure that can withstand higher temperatures.
Choose a thicker sheet
The thickness of the PERSPEX®️ can also affect its temperature resistance. In general, thicker sheets can withstand higher temperatures better than thinner sheets.
In the table below, we have listed these techniques. So you can find all the pros and cons of each technique at a glance.
| Applying a special coating | Laminating with a different material | Choosing a thicker sheet | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Improves temperature resistance | ++ | ++ | + |
This article in brief:
– PERSPEX®️ is a thermoplastic material that becomes soft and deformable when heated.
– The temperature resistance of PERSPEX®️ is affected by several factors, such as thickness, exposure time, environmental factors and composition of the polymer chains.
– PERSPEX®️ can be used in many applications, including lighting, laboratories, interior design and solar energy.
– Alternatives to PERSPEX®️ in high-temperature settings include; toughened glass, ceramics, metals and silicones.
– Techniques to increase the temperature resistance of PERSPEX®️ include: applying a special coating, combining it with other materials, or choosing a thicker sheet.
Final thoughts
It is therefore important to consider temperature resistance and the environmental factors that affect it when using PERSPEX®️. Choosing the right thickness and type of PERSPEX®️ and protecting it from direct sunlight and humidity, can extend the life of the material. In addition, techniques are available to increase the temperature resistance of PERSPEX®️, which can make the material suitable for a wider range of applications.
