®

PLEXIGLAS /
TUFFAK
®

PLEXIGLAS ACRYLIC &

TUFFAK POLYCARBONATE
SHEET PRODUCTS
 I N T R O D U C T I O N

This brochure presents general design principles on Plexiglas acrylic

sheet for building applications, and specific design and specification
recommendations on Plexiglas sheet for window glazing.

Its purpose is to encourage the proper use of Plexiglas acrylic sheet in

construction, and to aid architects in designing and preparing specifica-
tions consistent with the properties and characteristics of the material.

This brochure has been prepared for you – the professional user.
With that in mind, all data have been organized into sections to
assist in the comparison and selection of products, as well as in
design and specification.
Important Phone Number for Information About Plexiglas
Sheet Technical Information: 215-419-7049 or 800-217-3258
WHAT IS PLEXIGLAS SHEET?
Plexiglas acrylic plastic sheet is a trademark belonging to
Arkema. The product’s major advantages are optically clear
transparency, good impact resistance, light weight, weather
resistance, formability to complex shapes, and machinability.
Along with colorless transparent sheet, Plexiglas acrylic is
produced in a wide variety of transparent, translucent and opaque
colors, as well as in a range of surface patterns. Sheet thickness-
es range from 0.060" to 2.000" (1.5mm to 50mm).
GRADES OF PLEXIGLAS SHEET
Plexiglas G Sheet
Premium architectural-grade Plexiglas G sheet satisfies the
requirements of nearly all high-performance applications. It
is available in our broadest range of colors and patterns.
Plexiglas MC Sheet
Commercial-grade Plexiglas MC sheet is suitable for most building
glazing applications. It has virtually the same weatherability,
impact strength, rigidity, surface hardness, and transparency as
Plexiglas G sheet. Plexiglas G sheet and Plexiglas MC sheet do
differ somewhat in their resistance to certain chemicals.
Plexiglas SB Sheet
Plexiglas SB acrylic sheet bullet-resisting glazing material is a
lightweight, crystal-clear, non-laminated alternative for UL-752
Class I security applications. The material offers cost savings
when compared with bullet-resisting glass or polycarbonate of the
same UL class rating. This version of Plexiglas SB acrylic sheet
is listed by Underwriters Laboratories as resisting medium-power
small arms in both indoor and outdoor applications.
Plexiglas SB acrylic sheet is easy to cut, drill, rout and cement
using conventional tools. The cell-cast sheets are paper masked,
with several UL-752 stickers strategically placed on the surface
of the paper.
Plexiglas SB acrylic sheet is available in standard sheet sizes
of 4', 5' and 6' x 8'. The standard thickness is 1.25".
FORMS OF PLEXIGLAS SHEET AVAILABLE
Colorless Sheet –Plexiglas G sheet sizes vary from 48"x 96"
to 72"x 96", with thicknesses from 0.118" to 2.000" (3mm to
50mm). Plexiglas MC sheet is available in thicknesses from
0.060" to 0.354" (1.5mm to 9mm) in ten standard sizes.
White Translucent Sheet –Six standard densities, which vary
in percentage of light transmission and degree of light diffusion.
Light transmission also varies with the thickness of the sheet.
This product serves well in lighting and sign applications.
Translucent Colors –A wide range of 19 standard, brilliant to
low-chroma colors that transmit and diffuse light.
Translucent color sheets, including the 7000 series whites, are
ideal for most sign applications because of their luminous quality,
intrinsic color, and weatherability.
Transparent Colors –A selection of eight standard transparent
high-chroma colors that provide see-through, color filtering, solar
heat, and glare control.
Typical applications include glazing, electronic filters, displays and
fixtures. A special transparent color, 3030 Green, provides an
overall glass-like green tinge along its edge, making it a natural
for shelving and display applications.
Opaque Colors –Three standard semi-opaque, low-chroma
colors for non-illuminated decorative panels.
Solar Control Colors –Eleven colors in the popular Bronze and
Neutral Gray shades available in sheet sizes from 48" x 72" to 72"
x 120", and thicknesses from 0.060" to 0.472" (1.5mm to 12mm).
Patterned Sheets –Surface textures in seven patterns are avail-
able in colorless transparent sheets. Selected patterns are also
available in transparent, translucent, and semi-opaque colors.
PLEXIGLAS
®

Acrylic Sheet

SPECIALTY GRADES OF PLEXIGLAS Chemical Resistance

ACRYLIC SHEET
Plexiglas UF Sheet (Ultraviolet Filter)
Some applications, such as document and fine art preservation,
call for a filter material that absorbs more ultraviolet (UV) energy
than ordinary glass without absorbing visible light.
While most household cleaners can safely be used with Plexiglas
sheet, the material is affected by alcohol, paint thinners, turpentine
and similar solvents. Chemical resistance can be influenced by
several factors, including stresses generated by fabricating opera-
tions and end-use stresses caused by changes in temperature, etc.

Plexiglas G UF-3 and Plexiglas MC UF-5 acrylic sheet absorb Weather Resistance
98% of all UV rays, as well as some visible light, while maintaining Plexiglas acrylic sheet has proved its ability to withstand weather
the full range of physical properties associated with standard and sun exposure with negligible loss of light transmittance and
Plexiglas sheet. Plexiglas G UF-4, developed for mercury vapor clarity. No other type of plastic offers this assurance of satisfacto-
lighting applications, can also be used as a protective shield. ry
Plexiglas G UF-4 sheet does transmit slightly more UV energy outdoor performance.
than Plexiglas G UF-3 and Plexiglas MC UF-5 sheet.
Plexiglas UF-3 sheet will maintain its ultraviolet-filtering capabilities
Plexiglas G UF-3 and UF-4 are available in sheet sizes 48" x 96", when exposed to sunlight. In fact, after nine years’ exposure in
60" x 96" and 72" x 96", and in thicknesses of 0.118", 0.177" and Florida (45° facing south), there is little change in its UV transmit-
0.236" (3mm, 4.5mm and 6mm, respectively). Plexiglas MC UF-5 tance characteristics.
is available in a standard sheet size of 48" x 96", and in thickness-
es of 0.060", 0.080" and 0.118"(1.5mm, 2mm, and 3mm, respec- Sound Abatement
tively). Plexiglas MC UF-5 is also available in a non-glare finish. Plexiglas acrylic plastic sheet offers equal or better sound loss
characteristics than glass. It also has much better breakage resis-
PROPERTIES OF PLEXIGLAS SHEET tance, so it can be used as a transparent sound barrier to reduce
Breakage Resistance noise levels and increase safety at the same time.
(Falling Projectile Impact Strength)
The figures below show that various thicknesses of Plexiglas Table 2: STC Noise Ratings
sheet have greater impact resistance than various types of glass Construction STC
when impacted with a hard object, such as a stone. The test
0.118" PLEXIGLAS Sheet* 25
samples were 12" x 12", with edges loosely clamped.
0.236" PLEXIGLAS Sheet 29
Table 1: Impact Resistance of PLEXIGLAS Sheet and 0.472" PLEXIGLAS Sheet 33
Other Materials 0.944" PLEXIGLAS Sheet 35
*Estimated from measurements of 0.236", 0.472" and 0.944" sheet.
Nominal Weight of F50 Energy
Thickness Free Falling to Break
(in) (mm) Steel Ball (lb) (ft-lb) DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
PLEXIGLAS Sheet 0.098 2.5 0.25 3.0 Thermal Expansion and Contraction
PLEXIGLAS Sheet 0.118 3.0 2.00 4.7 Due to thermal expansion and contraction, Plexiglas sheet is
PLEXIGLAS Sheet 0.177 4.5 2.00 11.1 subject to greater dimensional change than other materials
PLEXIGLAS Sheet 0.236 6.0 5.00 18.1 with which it is used in construction. This dimensional change
difference is shown in Table 3.
Single-Strength 0.100 0.25 0.8
Window Glass
Double-Strength 0.125 0.25 1.8
Window Glass
Plate Glass 0.187 0.25 2.0
Plate Glass 0.250 0.25 1.0

Laminated Safety Glass 0.250 0.25 1.1

Rough Wire Glass
Impact Rough Side 0.250 0.25 2.2
Impact Smooth Side 0.250 0.25 0.2
Polished Wire Glass 0.250 0.25 0.4

Light Transmittance
In colorless form, Plexiglas sheet is as transparent as the finest
optical glass. Its total light transmittance is 92 percent, and haze
measurement for colorless Plexiglas sheet averages only 1 per-
cent.
Rigidity
Plexiglas sheet is not as rigid as many other materials used in
building, although it is more rigid than most other thermoplastic
sheet materials. Lower rigidity can cause the material to deflect
under load, and as a result, shorten. Rigidity expressed in terms
of modulus is shown in Table 3.
TABLE 3: Thermal Expansion/Contraction and
Rigidity Comparison of PLEXIGLAS Sheet vs. Other
Building Materials
Expansion Coefficients
Material ("/"/˚F)
PLEXIGLAS Sheet 0.0000410
Aluminum 0.0000129
Steel 0.0000063
Plate Glass 0.0000050
Temperature/Humidity Bowing
Different temperature and/or humidity conditions on the inner
and outer surfaces of Plexiglas sheet may cause the sheet to
bow somewhat in the direction of the higher temperature and/or
humidity. However, this type of bowing is reversible, and the sheet
will return to its original flatness when the temperature and humidity
differentials are equalized.
Bowing does not affect visibility through flat transparent Plexiglas
sheet, but may cause distorted reflection. In translucent or
opaque panels, where visibility through the material is not
required,
surface textures or formed designs will help disguise specular
reflection distortions.
Service Temperature
The allowable continuous service temperature ranges for Plexiglas G
sheet (180°F to 200°F) and Plexiglas MC sheet (170°F to 190°F)
are sufficiently high for exterior applications and fluorescent lighting.
Design Stress
IMPORTANT—Stresses considerably below ASTM tensile and
flexural values will produce a light surface check known as craz-
ing. To avoid stress crazing, design limits for continuously imposed
loads should not exceed 1500 psi for Plexiglas G sheet and 750
psi for Plexiglas MC sheet at or below room temperature. Stresses
of slightly greater magnitude, but of short duration, may not cause
crazing. Optimum properties can be obtained by sanding cut
edges.
Custom design using Plexiglas for load bearing should only be
done by a design professional familiar with plastics.
U-Factors for Plexiglas Sheet
The amount of heat conducted through Plexiglas glazing is slightly
lower than for glass of the same thickness. The values tabulated
in Table 4 are U-factors for vertical (windows) Plexiglas glazing.
R-values = 1/U-value. U-values are largely unaffected by the
color of Plexiglas sheet.
CODES AND REGULATIONS FOR PLEXIGLAS
ACRYLIC SHEET
Underwriters Laboratories
Both Plexiglas G and MC sheet, colorless and all colors, are listed
as recognized components by Underwriters Laboratories with a
UL flame class of 94HB. These products are subjected to one or
more of the following tests: ultraviolet light, water exposure or
immersion in accordance with UL 746C, where the acceptability
Typical Modulus for outdoor use is to be determined by Underwriters Laboratories.
(psi)
450,000 Building Codes
10,000,000 All grades and colors of Plexiglas sheet are classified as a
30,000,000 CC-2 light-transmitting thermoplastic material under the model
building codes. Typical values for Plexiglas sheet are: self-ignition
10,000,000
temperature (ASTM D1929) in a range of 740° to 880°F; smoke
density rating (ASTM D2843 between 4 and 12 percent; and
horizontal burn rate (ASTM D635) between 1.1 and 1.9 in/mm.
Note: These are small-scale tests and should not be used to
predict how a material will behave in actual fire.
Copies of the approvals of Plexiglas sheet under various codes
will be made available upon request. In addition, reports on the
status of Plexiglas sheet under Federal Government regulations
will be provided promptly.
Assistance can be provided by Altuglas International code
consultants and engineers in interpreting the codes for
installations of Plexiglas sheet that constitute justifiable exceptions
to existing restrictions.
Approvals and research recommendations of general interest
include: ICBO Research Recommendation No. 1084; BOCA Report
No. 91-24 and SBCC Report No. 91-80; New York City Board of
Standards and Appeals Calendars 444-60SM, 657-63-SM; New
York City Department of Water Supply, Gas & Electricity approval
for use in signs and lighting fixtures; New York City MEA 107-69-
M, MEA 146-80-M, MEA 139-80-M; California Fire Marshall File
No. A2560-007.
BUILDING-CONSTRUCTIONS-RELATED
PUBLICATIONS
The following brochures and bulletins are available on request:
Designer’s Guide to Plexiglas Acrylic Sheet (PLA - 3E)
Plexiglas General Information and Physical Properties
(ADV990204)
Plexiglas Fabricating Manual (PLA - 21)
Plexiglas Forming Manual (PLA - 53)
Plexiglas Optical and Transmission Characteristics (ADV980497)
Plexiglas in Architecture (www.altuglasint.com)

TABLE 4: U-Factor for Vertical Windows (BTU/hr./sq.ft./˚F)

Winter Heat Loss1 Summer Heat Gain2
Sheet Thickness (in) Sheet Thickness (in)
Construction 0.118 0.177 0.236 0.354 0.472 0.118 0.177 0.236 0.354 0.944
Single-Glazed 1.06 1.01 0.96 0.88 0.81 0.98 0.93 0.89 0.82 0.76
1
15 mph wind velocity 2
7.5 mph wind velocity
TUFFAK
®
Polycarbonate Sheet
I N T R O D U C T I O N
TUFFAK POLYCARBONATE SHEET—A Clear
Solution to Broken Windows
Virtually unbreakable,Tuffak sheet is 300 times stronger than single-
strength glass and significantly tougher than other transparent sheet
materials in equal thickness.Yet Tuffak sheet weighs only half as much
as glass and provides up to 89 percent light transmittance in normal
window thicknesses. Good weatherability with respect to retention of
physical properties is another important property of Tuffak sheet.These
outstanding characteristics make Tuffak polycarbonate an ideal material
for window glazing in highly vandalized areas and other applications
requiring high impact resistance.Tuffak sheet can be used in both
vertical and overhead glazing applications. (Dead load deflection due
to the weight of the sheet must be considered in overhead applications.)
Tuffak polycarbonate is supplied in colorless transparent sheet
and solar tints for heat and glare control.The material is available in
standard sheet sizes ranging from 24" x 48" to 96" x 96" and 72"
x 120", and in thicknesses from 0.060" to 0.500".
OUTSTANDING PROPERTIES OF
TUFFAK A GENERAL PURPOSE SHEET
Breakage Resistance
It’s not likely that Tuffak A polycarbonate will break, shatter or
chip when bombarded with thrown missiles such as rocks, bricks
or bottles. Nor is it likely that Tuffak A sheet will break when
hammered, twisted or bent. This extreme toughness is essential
in areas where vandalism is prevalent.
Safety
Tuffak A sheet in normal thicknesses of 0.090" and greater
complies with the requirements of the ANSI Z97.1 Safety
Glazing Standard. Tuffak A sheet also meets the requirements of
Underwriters Laboratories for a burglary-resisting material in 1/8"
or thicker sheet. In addition, Tuffak A sheet can be used for safety
guards and other industrial plant applications, which must meet
OSHA requirements.
Light Weight
Tuffak A sheet is half the weight of glass and 43% lighter than
aluminum.
Optical Clarity
Tuffak A sheet transmits 82 percent to 89 percent light, depending
on the thickness of the sheet.
Weatherability
UV-stabilized Tuffak A sheet has good resistance to solar exposure
for five to seven years in moderate climate. Such exposure over a
wide temperature range does not affect its impact strength.
Chemical Resistance
Tuffak A sheet is not seriously affected by most household cleaners.
Recommendations for normal cleaning are included of this brochure.
Thermal Values
Tuffak A sheet has good insulating qualities, which can save
heating costs in winter and air conditioning costs in summer.
Solar Control
Tuffak A sheet solar control glazing is supplied in Neutral Gray and
Bronze tints. These tints reduce solar heat gain through windows
and thus help interiors remain cooler. Reduction of solar heat
transfer contributes to the efficiency of air conditioning, while
admitting adequate amounts of natural daylight.
GLAZING DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
Like all plastic materials, Tuffak A polycarbonate sheet is subject
to certain variables that must be taken into consideration when
designing glazing installations. These variables include rigidity,
bowing, and dimensional changes due to thermal and humidity
expansion and contraction.
Thermal Expansion and Contraction
Tuffak A sheet is subject to greater dimensional change due
to thermal expansion and contraction than other materials with
which it is used in construction. Table 5 compares the coefficients
of expansion of Tuffak A sheet with other building materials.
TABLE 5: Comparison of Coefficients of Thermal
Expansion: Sheets vs. Other Building Materials
TUFFAK Inches/Inch/˚F
Polycarbonate 0.0000380
Alumunim 0.0000129
Steel 0.0000063
Plate Glass 0.0000050
Temperature/Humidity Bowing
Different temperature and/or humidity conditions on the inner
and outer surfaces of Tuffak A glazing may cause the sheet to
bow somewhat in the direction of the higher temperature and/or
humidity. However, this type of bowing is reversible and the
sheet will return to its original flatness when the temperature
and humidity differentials are equalized. Bowing does not affect
visibility through flat transparent Tuffak A plastic lights, but it may
cause distorted reflection. In translucent or opaque panels where
visibility through the material is not required, surface textures or
formed designs will eliminate specular reflection.
Design Stress
Tuffak A sheet has tensile and flexural strength of ASTM test
values as shown in Table 6, on next page.
Design limits for continuously imposed loads on Tuffak A sheet
should not exceed 2,000 psi. Shorter duration, intermittent stresses
can be higher. These recommendations are based on normal
ambient temperature exposure. Higher temperatures, 125°F
and above, require lower working stress values. Tests under use
conditions are recommended when a problem is anticipated.
TABLE 6: ASTM Test Values of TUFFAK A
Tensile Strength, ASTM D638 9,500 psi
Flexural Strength, ASTM D790 13,500 psi
Compressive Strength, ASTM D695 12,500 psi
Modulus of Elasticity, ASTM D638 340,000 psi
Elongation, ASTM D638 and D882 100%
Service Temperature
The allowable continuous service temperature for Tuffak A
polycarbonate is 250° to 270°F in dry air, and 140°F in water
or 100 percent RH air.
Rigidity
Tuffak A sheet is not as rigid as many other materials used in
buildings, although it is more rigid than most other transparent
plastic sheet materials. The modulus of elasticity of Tuffak A sheet
is 340,000 psi. The material will deflect under high wind loads and
shorten as a result of the deflection.
Cold Forming
Flat sheets of Tuffak A can be cold-formed—bent while cold
to a smooth contour—and held to the radius by springing the
material into a curved channel support. The recommended radius
of curvature should be at least 100 times the thickness of the
sheet. Radii of curvature less than those specified may exceed
the design stress limitation for the material, resulting in crazing.
TUFFAK CM-2: A POLYCARBONATE SHEET
THAT COMBINES WEATHERABILITY,
ABRASION RESISTANCE AND TOUGHNESS
Tuffak CM-2 sheet is a virtually unbreakable, transparent
polycarbonate sheet having a durable, clear coating. This coating
significantly increases the resistance of this material to abrasion
caused by airborne grit and dirt, public contact, and repeated
scrubbings in washing operations. In addition, this abrasion-
resistant coating significantly increases the weatherability and
chemical resistance of Tuffak CM-2 sheet and has no adverse
effect on the physical properties of the polycarbonate substrate.
Tuffak CM-2 sheet is designed for use in glazing applications
requiring a combination of abrasion resistance and high impact
resistance. Tuffak CM-2 sheet is ideal as window glazing in
schools, public housing, commercial and light industrial buildings,
store fronts, and glazing in showcases protecting valuable dis-
plays.
Tuffak CM-2 sheet is coated on both sides and each side is
protected with masking for shipping and handling. The sheet is
supplied in a wide range of standard sizes and thicknesses, both
in clear and transparent tints.
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF TUFFAK CM-2
POLYCARBONATE SHEET
Abrasion Resistance
Tuffak CM-2 polycarbonate will not withstand intentional gouging
with sharp objects such as keys, screwdrivers or knives, although
no delamination of the coating will occur beyond the point of
penetration. Once scratched or deeply gouged, the coating can-
not be repaired. Table 7 illustrates the excellent abrasion resis-
tance properties of Tuffak CM-2 sheet.
Because of these results, Tuffak CM-2 sheet is expected to resist
abrasion from most common cleaning procedures.
TABLE 7: Abrasion Resistance1
Property Test Method Typical Values2 for
TUFFAK A TUFFAK CM-2
(uncoated) (coated)
Taber Abrasion ASTM D1044
CS 10F Wheels,
500 gms/wheel
% Haze
Initial ANSI Z26.1 #17 1 1
After 100 cycles 35 3
After 500 cycles 47 10
1
Values quoted are averages at three replicates. When multiple leads or cycles are listed, an individual
sample is used for all tests.
2
Not for specification purposes.
Weatherability
Tuffak CM-2 sheet adds unsurpassed weatherability to the
proven breakage resistance of polycarbonate plastic sheet. (The
weatherability of Tuffak CM-2 sheet has been confirmed by more
than 4,000 hours of accelerated weathering tests and two years
of actual weathering at test facilities in Philadelphia, Pa., Miami,
Fla. and Ocean City, N.J.) Tuffak CM-2 sheet meets the weather-
ing requirements of AS4 and AS5 of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety
Standard #205 for glazing.
Impact Strength
The Tuffak CM-2 polycarbonate substrate has the same impact
strength as uncoated Tuffak A sheet. Normally Tuffak CM-2 sheet
will not break, shatter or delaminate when struck by thrown
missiles such as rocks, bricks and bottles.
Tuffak CM-2 sheet meets the impact strength requirements of
ANSI Z97.1. In nominal 1/8" thickness, Tuffak CM-2 sheet meets
the impact requirements of Underwriters Laboratories for a
burglary-resisting glazing material when tested in accordance
with Standard No. 972. What’s more, Tuffak CM-2 sheet can be
used for safety guards and other industrial plant applications
which must meet OSHA requirements.
Chemical Resistance
Tuffak CM-2 sheet can be cleaned readily with several commercially
available cleaners, such as those listed in Table 8. Tuffak CM-2
polycarbonate has excellent overall chemical resistance, as
illustrated by the chemical resistance data in Table 9. Prolonged
contact with strong mineral acids, ketones, chlorinated hydrocarbons
and aromatics should be avoided, especially along the edges of
the sheet or abraded surface areas.
Optical Clarity
Tuffak CM-2 polycarbonate has greater initial light transmittance
and less haze than Tuffak A uncoated sheet. Both transmit from
82 to 89 percent of light, depending on thickness, with less than
3 percent haze.
TUFFAK
®

Polycarbonate Sheet

FABRICATION, INSTALLATION AND CLEANING TUFFAK XL

Design Stress Limit
Design limits for continuously imposed loads on Tuffak CM-2
sheet should not exceed 1,200 psi, Higher stress levels may
cause crazing of the material.
Cold Forming
Tuffak CM-2 polycarbonate can be cold formed. The radius of
curvature should be at least 180 times the thickness of the sheet.
Tighter radii curves may cause crazing of the material.
Installation
Tuffak CM-2 sheet can be installed in mass transit and architectural
windows with the same techniques applicable to uncoated Tuffak A
sheet. Follow the recommendations given.
Cleaning
Tuffak CM-2 sheet should be washed at regular intervals to
remove smudges, particles of dirt and absorbed industrial
pollutants. The cleaning interval will depend on the degree of
atmospheric pollution in the environment.
Tuffak XL is a polycarbonate sheet integrating impact resistance
with long-term weatherability. Tuffak XL polycarbonate sheet
combines the virtual unbreakability of standard polycarbonate
sheet with a built-in weatherability that comes with a limited
ten-year performance warranty against excessive yellowing,
loss of light transmission and breakage.
Tuffak XL sheet uses a proprietary technology that builds an
ultraviolet barrier into the sheet, while maintaining the integrity of
an all-polycarbonate composite. This integrated barrier provides
a built-in weatherability that will not wear off like surface-applied
coatings, so architectural glazing and signs enjoy excellent long-
term resistance against sun, wind, heat, cold and moisture.
FIGURE 1: TUFFAK XL
Tensile Impact of Aged Sheet – 5,000 hrs Xenon Weather-O-Meter
15.0
12.5

To wash Tuffak CM-2 polycarbonate by hand, use a water

Tensile Impact (ft-lb f/in)

solution of mild soap, household liquid detergent, ammonia or
a recommended industrial cleaner from Table 8. Apply with a soft 10.0
clean cloth, sponge or chamois.

TABLE 8: Selected Recommended Cleaners 7.5

for TUFFAK CM-2
Ammonia Solutions (100% fo 25%)
5.0
Windex
Glass Wax
Glass Plus 2.5

Table 9: Chemical Resistance (Test Method ASTM D1308) 0.0

TUFFAK XL CLLPC* Standard PC
Chemical TUFFAK TUFFAK A
CM-2 SHEET SHEET 0.125" Sheet
(coated) (uncoated) 5,000 hours

Exposure Time * Coated long-life polycarbonates 0 hours

Methylene Chloride (MDC) 4 hrs. (W, C) 1 min. (D, W)

Toluene 4 hrs. (W, C) 1 min. (D, W) FIGURE 2: TUFFAK XL

Solvesso 100 1 week (NC) 4 hrs. (W) Yellowness Index – Xenon Weather-O-Meter
Change in Yellowness Index Delta YI

14
Kerosene 1 week (NC) 1 week (NC)

Acetone 48 hrs. (C) 1 min. (O, W) 10

Oxalic Acid 1 week (NC) 1 week (NC)

Hydrochloric Acid (conc.) 1 week (NC) 1 week (S, W) 6

Nitric Acid (conc.) 1 week (Y, C) 1 week (Y)

2
Sodium Hydroxide (sat.) 1 week (S, W) 48 hrs. (W)

Ammonium Hydroxide (conc.) 1 week (NC) 1 week (NC)

0
Code:
NOTES: TEFLON WASHER placed on surface, tilled
S= slightly Y = yellowed
with chemical indicated and covered with a watch glass.
W = whitened D = dissolved
Samples checked within 1 minute, 4 hours, 16 hours C = crazed NC = no change -2
and then every 24 hours thereafter for a total of 1 week. 0 1000 2000 3000 4000 5000

Exposure (Hours) – 0.125" Sheet

TUFFAK XL CLLPC Standard PC
The ultraviolet-resistant structure of Tuffak XL sheet provides the CODES AND REGULATIONS FOR TUFFAK
glazing and architectural signage industries with these advantages POLYCARBONATE SHEET
over standard, general purpose polycarbonate sheet: Tuffak sheet should be installed in accordance with applicable
● Preserves impact properties significantly longer
code requirements. These requirements include building and fire
safety codes, safety glazing standards, motor vehicle codes,
● Resists yellowing industrial safety codes (including OSHA), and other applicable
● Maintains a higher degree of light transmittance over time codes and standards. Tuffak A sheet meets the requirements of
most codes that set standards for combustible light-transmitting
These weatherability advantages are realized without sacrificing plastics. Copies of the reports of Tuffak A, Tuffak CM-2, Tuffak
thermoformability, general fabricating properties, and other XL, Tuffak V and Tuffak VAR, sheet under various codes will be
characteristics that make polycarbonate the material of choice made available upon request. On other applications where a
in demanding applications. standard is involved, check with Awaits.

TUFFAK V POLYCARBONATE SHEET: BUILDING CONSTRUCTION PUBLICATIONS

For Critical UL-94 Requirements The following brochures and bulletins are available on request:
For critical flammability applications where a UL-94 rating for
vertical burn is required, Tuffak V ranges from UL-94 V-0 for Tuffak Forming and Fabrication (ADV980496)
0.236" clear to UL-94 V-2 for 0.060" clear and colors. Tuffak A Polycarbonate Sheet— Physical Properties (ADV980495)
Tuffak CM-2 Abrasion-Resistant Polycarbonate Sheet
TUFFAK VAR POLYCARBONATE SHEET:
(ADV000723)
For Critical UL-94 Requirements
With Abrasion Resistance Tuffak XL Weatherable Polycarbonate Sheet Technical Manual
Tuffak VAR combines the properties of Tuffak V for critical flam- (ADV980499)
mability applications where a UL-94 rating for vertical burn is
Tuffak in Architecture (www.altuglasint.com)
required with the abrasion resistance of original Tuffak CM-2 abra-
sion-resistant polycarbonate sheet.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: 1-800-647-5569

The statements, technical information and recommendations contained herein are believed to be accurate as of the date hereof. Since the conditions
and methods of use of the product and of the information referred to herein are beyond our control, Arkema expressly disclaims any and all
liability as to any results obtained or arising from any use of the product or reliance on such information; NO WARRANTY OF FITNESS FOR ANY
PARTICULAR PURPOSE, WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY, OR ANY OTHER WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, IS MADE CONCERN-
ING THE GOODS DESCRIBED OR THE INFORMATION PROVIDED HEREIN. The information provided herein relates only to the specific prod-
uct designated and may not be applicable when such product is used in combination with other materials or in any process. The user should thor-
oughly test any application before commercialization. Nothing contained herein should be construed as an inducement to infringe any patent, and
the user is advised to take appropriate steps to be sure that any proposed use of the product will not result in patent infringement.

See MSDS for Health & Safety Considerations.

Altuglas®, Plexiglas®, and Tuffak® are registered trademarks belonging to Arkema.

© 2000 Arkema Inc.

Altuglas International Arkema Inc.

2000 Market Street • Philadelphia, PA 19103-3222 • Tel.: (215) 419-7000, (800) 523-7500 Fax: (215) 419-5512 • www.altuglasint.com

000782 A&B/APL:ATG-206/SWT/9-00 Printed in USA