Chemical Resistance

Plexiglas® V-series acrylic resins have good resistance to a variety of common cleaners and application environments. The chemical resistance of Plexiglas V-series acrylic resins will vary with the stress level, temperature, reagent, duration of exposure and resin grade. Altuglas recommends that parts made from Plexiglas resins be tested with all reagents under appropriate conditions for the end-use application.

Note: The results of all testing performed to date are believed to be accurate but not guaranteed.

Please note that testing of certain chemicals has not been performed and their effects on acrylic are unknown. The testing to date indicates that acrylic reflectors and refractors should not be exposed to chlorinated hydrocarbons, aromatic hydrocarbons, ketones, ethers and esters. Additional chemicals that have been tested and found to degrade acrylic are synthetic cutting oils and fluids that may contain either potassium hydroxide or triethanolamine. Also the following chemicals were tested and found to chemically attack acrylic. DOP (dioctyphthalate) - a plasticizer which is sometimes used in the manufacture of PVC and vinyl wire jackets. 2-butoxyethanol (ether derivative) - a chemical that is found in some household spray cleaners. Ethoxylated surfactants – a fluid which is sometimes used in capacitors for cooling.

Ethoxylated-nonyl-phenols – a chemical found in some machining coolant fluids. These chemicals are often used in industrial machining operations and will degrade acrylic over time and cause cracking and premature failure. Acrylic refractors and reflectors should not be used in areas where these fluids are used and where these fluids become mists or airborne vapors.

[Exposure of acrylic reflectors to any of the foregoing chemicals voids all warranties.]