What Do Fashion Nails, Riot Gear, and Synthetic Intraocular Lenses Have In Common?
Well, the short answer is that they’re all made with the polymer of methyl acrylate AKA acrylic. I’m sure you’ve benefited from that sweet little polymer. I, for one, have acrylic frames throughout my house. I wear contact lenses. I even owned an aquarium (yep, they’re acrylic too!).
Acrylic has widespread applications that benefit any consumer. With it’s flexibility, durability, light weight, and low cost, acrylic glass and materials are perfect for high volume manufacturing. But did you know that acrylic can be fun? Well, okay, maybe fun is a stretch, but acrylic materials are used in more ways than the average person is aware. It’s everywhere - in everything from fabrics to medical implants, electric guitars to museum installations. It’s versatility and adaptability make acrylic the ultimate synthetic substitute.
We probably don’t think much about it. Polymers tend to be low on most peoples’ lists of daily concerns. The more I think about it, though, the more I realize that in many situations, my comfort depends on acrylic goods. To that end, let’s give methyl acrylate a second look. Here are three titillating real-life applications of The Polymer of Methyl Acrylate:
It keeps my nails looking good longer than anything natural would
As every prom-bound high school girl can tell you, if you want to look good, don’t neglect those nails. A good set of acrylics can last up to a month, and depending on the quality, can be relatively inexpensive. You don’t have to worry about nails coming off, either - it takes a long soak in acetone to loosen those bad boys up. Recently, acrylic nails have evolved into a fashion accessory. Nails with acrylic sculpture on them are available (for a price). Offering everything from flowers to astrological signs, these nails add personal flair that is durable and cost effective (not to mention snazzy).
It protects me from the on-ice action at hockey games.
You know you’ve got good seats at a hockey game if you are terrified. The closer you are to the action, the more you are aware of the fact that all that’s between you and a number of large, aggressive men is the sideboard. Rest assured, though, that no out of control body check will break the “glass” and put you at the bottom of a Canadian dog-pile. Because it’s not glass! It’s acrylic plexi-glass. The shatter-resistant nature of the material keeps the game on the ice, and out of your lap.
It protects me at the off-ice riots after the hockey games, for that matter (in the form of police riot gear, not my fake nails. Well, the nails as protection aren’t a bad idea actually).
That’s right - the police are using the same material for anti-riot gear that the hockey stadium uses to enclose the game. Everything from the shields to the protective visors on riot squad members are made from acrylic materials. The strength and low weight of acrylic materials allow the peacekeepers flexibility, while simultaneously keeping them from being weighed down. The result is a highly capable anti-riot squad, and a safe you.
Okay, it’s honesty time: At the hockey games that I go to, my seats are usually way in the back. If there is anything CLOSE to a riot I run away and hide in my car. But guess what? That fictitious hockey game and ensuing riot benefited from my favorite polymer. Just like I benefit from it when I am home alone dancing to “Don’t Stop Believin’” and I knock a picture off the mantle and IT DOESN’T BREAK. Thank goodness for Acrylic frames.
Tags: acrylic frames, acrylic hockey equipment, anti-riot gear, hockey equipment, hockey players use acrylics, Methyl Acrylate, Plastic Products, The Polymer of Methyl Acrylate
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