Does Acrylic Sheet Block Uv
Unlike glass pure acrylic pmma does not filter ultraviolet uv light.
Does acrylic sheet block uv. Which of these rays are block by. Because of this certain acrylics and glass are enhanced with uv protective coatings. Uv rays can change the coloring of photographs paintings documents and more if left exposed to the sun or fluorescent light bulbs. Uv filtering acrylic sheet plexiglass.
Ultraviolet uv radiation which is emitted by the sun and the average light bulb can damage your print over time. Another urban legend is the ultraviolet rays have negative effects on plexiglas over long periods of exposure. When natural gas is made into an acrylic substance it becomes inert which means it doesn t react chemically to heat sunlight or chemical contact. Acrylic can transmit uv light down to 300 nm.
All of the acrylic sheet emco plastics sells is manufactured with plenty of ultra violet stabilizer uv protection. Standard acrylic like e g. The uv protection of this acrylic sheeting only blocks uv wavelengths shorter than 400 nanometers. Acrylite uv filtering op 3 is a continuously manufactured acrylic sheet which filters out 98 percent of damaging uv rays protecting paper artwork prints and documents from fading yellowing and brittling.
As such plexiglas despite the rumors stays clear and bright in the sun. Op 3 acrylic sheet is light weight has superior impact resistance and is an ideal choice for framing articles of value. Plexiglas includes an additive to make the acrylic absorb uv light. Visible light can also be harmful especially in the lower violet range from 400 500 nanometers and is blocked by certain kinds of uv filtering sheeting such as uf3 acrylic and museum grade acrylic.
Does acrylic block uv light. Applications of uv filtering acrylic. Some acrylic materials are made specifically to block ultraviolet rays. Most acrylic plastics will allow light of wavelength greater than 375 nm to pass through the material but they will not allow uv c wavelengths 100 290 nm to pass through.
This means that with proper maintenance of the plexiglas acrylic sheet it should last 10 years or more before it ever yellows. Protect your artwork and keepsakes from natural and artificial light by using uv filtering acrylic. Colorless plexiglas sheet exhibits the same excellent resistance to discoloration when exposed for 20 years or more to constantly lit fluorescent lamps even when the plexiglas sheet is only two inches from the lamp. Ultraviolet rays are blocked by all solid materials except for solocryl or starphire glass.