By Eliane Kristensen
Acrylic sometimes called plexiglass refers to a hard transparent plastic material. Originally used for industrial purposes as a lightweight alternative to glass, it is now not only found in most spheres of daily life, but it has also opened new exciting avenues in jewelry, design and art.
The discovery and production of acrylic acid in 1843, was followed by other developments, particularly the discovery of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), more commonly called acrylic. Patented in Germany in 1933, Plexiglas is a well known brand name. Other brand names - such as Lucite and Perspex - are used interchangeably with the term acrylic.
Commercial production of acrylic dates back 1936. It opened new possibilities and was used on...
