PMMA (Acrylic) vs PVC-U (Rigid PVC): 0% composition overlap. Significantly different materials serving different application areas.
PMMA (Acrylic) vs PVC-U (Rigid PVC)
Side-by-side chemical composition and mechanical property comparison.
Overview
PMMA (Acrylic)
Polymethylmethacrylate — the optical-quality plastic. 92% light transmission (better than glass). Excellent weathering resistance and UV stability. Hard but brittle (no yielding — fractures). Trade names include Plexiglas (Röhm/Evonik), Perspex (Lucite), Acrylite (Mitsubishi). Used for signs, displays, light guides, automotive tail lamps, aquariums, skylights, and protective shields.
PVC-U (Rigid PVC)
Unplasticized Polyvinyl Chloride — the second-most produced plastic globally. Hard, rigid, self-extinguishing (LOI 45%), excellent chemical resistance to acids/bases/salts, and very low cost. Key limitation: max service temp only 60°C. Developed in 1930s Germany. Used for water/sewage pipes, window profiles, electrical conduit, cladding, and chemical tanks/fittings. NOT the flexible PVC used in cables — that is PVC-P (plasticized).
| PMMA (Acrylic) | PVC-U (Rigid PVC) | |
|---|---|---|
| Material Number | — | — |
| Category | Polymers | Polymers |
| Standard | ISO 10350 | ISO 10350 |
Chemical composition (wt%) — Pro
| Element | PMMA (Acrylic) | PVC-U (Rigid PVC) | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Polymer (Polymethyl Methacrylate) | 99–99.9% | — | — |
| Base Polymer (Polyvinyl Chloride) | — | 95–99.9% | — |
Mechanical properties — Pro
| Property | PMMA (Acrylic) | PVC-U (Rigid PVC) | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 50–75 | 48–55 | MPa |
| Elongation | 2–6 | 30–50 | % |
| Elastic Modulus | 2.7–3.2 | 2.8–3.2 | GPa |
| Density | |||
| Glass Transition Temp (Tg) | |||
| light_transmission | |||
| Water Absorption (24h) | |||
| Yield Strength | |||
| Continuous Use Temp | |||
| hardness_shore_d |
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PMMA (Acrylic) and PVC-U (Rigid PVC) have significantly different compositions (0% overlap). These materials are not interchangeable and serve different application areas.
Automated assessment based on composition analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
Is PMMA (Acrylic) the same as PVC-U (Rigid PVC)?
PMMA (Acrylic) and PVC-U (Rigid PVC) have a 0% composition overlap. They are generally not directly interchangeable.
Can I replace PMMA (Acrylic) with PVC-U (Rigid PVC)?
Generally not recommended. The compositions differ significantly (0% overlap). These materials have different alloying concepts and are intended for different applications.
What is the difference between PMMA (Acrylic) and PVC-U (Rigid PVC)?
The main differences are in the following elements: overall alloying content. PMMA (Acrylic) is a Polymers grade, while PVC-U (Rigid PVC) is a Polymers grade.
Related Comparisons
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Data provided for reference only. Always verify against the applicable specification for critical applications.
All data is for reference only. Equivalents indicate similarity, not identity. Always verify against the applicable specification for safety-critical applications. materialref.com accepts no liability for decisions based on this data.