Acrylic vs. PVC: Which One Is Right for Your Project?

Acrylic vs. PVC

When it comes to choosing the right material for your project, there are many factors to consider, including durability, cost, and appearance. Two popular options for a variety of applications are acrylic and PVC. While both materials have similarities, they also have significant differences that can affect their suitability for your project.

In this article, we’ll explore the differences between acrylic and PVC, including their composition, properties, and common applications. By the end, you’ll have a better understanding of which material is right for your project.

The Differences Between Acrylic and PVC: Which One Is Right for Your Project?

Composition

Acrylic, also known as polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), is a transparent thermoplastic made from a polymer of methyl methacrylate. It is often referred to as “plexiglass” or “Lucite.” Acrylic is lightweight, shatter-resistant, and has excellent optical clarity, making it ideal for applications where transparency is important.

PVC, on the other hand, is a synthetic plastic polymer made from vinyl chloride. It is a thermoplastic material that can be easily molded and shaped when heated. PVC is available in both rigid and flexible forms, depending on the amount of plasticizers added during manufacturing.

Acrylic has a higher tensile strength than PVC, meaning it is less likely to break under stress. It is also more scratch-resistant and has better UV resistance, making it ideal for outdoor applications. However, acrylic is more brittle than PVC and can crack under high impact.

PVC is more flexible than acrylic and can be used in a wider range of applications. It is resistant to chemicals, water, and most acids, making it suitable for use in plumbing and electrical systems. PVC is also flame-retardant and has good insulation properties. However, it is more prone to scratching and yellowing over time, especially when exposed to UV light.

Typical Properties Of Acrylic Vs PVC

Acrylic and PVC are two widely used thermoplastics that have different physical and chemical properties. Understanding the properties of each material is crucial when selecting the right material for a particular application. In this article, we will compare the properties of acrylic and PVC to help you make an informed decision.

PropertiesUNITSASTM TESTACRYLICPVC
Specific gravity　D7921.191.42
Light transmittance (transparency/clarity)%D10039280(Clear PVC)
Tensile elongation %D6384.5/
Heat deflection temperature @ 66 psi/264 psi°FD648195158
Maximum continuous service temperature in air°F　160140
Flexural strengthpsiD79017,00012,800
Tensile strengthpsiD63810,0007,500
Tensile modulus of elasticity psiD638400,000411,000
Flexural modulus of elasticity psiD790480,000481,000
Compressive strength（10% Deformation ）psiD69517,000/
Izod impact (notched, 73°F)ft-lbs/inD2560.41
Coefficient of linear thermal expansionin/in/°Fx10-5D69643.2
Dialectic strengthV/milD149430380
Water absorption (immersion 24 hours)%D5700.20.06
  • Specific Gravity: The specific gravity of a material is its density relative to the density of water. Acrylic has a specific gravity of 1.19, while PVC has a higher specific gravity of 1.42. This means that PVC is heavier than acrylic and is more dense.
  • Light Transmittance: The light transmittance of a material is its ability to transmit light through it. Acrylic has a light transmittance of 92%, while PVC has a light transmittance of 80% for clear PVC. This means that acrylic is more transparent and clearer than PVC.
  • Tensile Elongation: Tensile elongation is the amount of deformation a material undergoes before it breaks. Acrylic has a tensile elongation of 4.5%, while PVC does not have a defined value. This means that acrylic is more resistant to breaking than PVC.
  • Heat Deflection Temperature: The heat deflection temperature of a material is the temperature at which it deforms under a specified load. Acrylic has a heat deflection temperature of 195°F at 66 psi and PVC has a heat deflection temperature of 158°F. This means that acrylic can withstand higher temperatures before deforming than PVC.
  • Maximum Continuous Service Temperature: The maximum continuous service temperature of a material is the highest temperature at which it can be used for extended periods without degrading. Acrylic has a maximum continuous service temperature of 160°F in air, while PVC has a maximum continuous service temperature of 140°F. This means that acrylic can be used in higher-temperature environments than PVC.
  • Flexural Strength: Flexural strength is a measure of a material’s ability to resist deformation under load. Acrylic has a flexural strength of 17,000 psi, while PVC has a flexural strength of 12,800 psi. This means that acrylic is more resistant to deformation under load than PVC.
  • Tensile Strength: Tensile strength is a measure of a material’s ability to resist breaking under tension. Acrylic has a tensile strength of 10,000 psi, while PVC has a tensile strength of 7,500 psi. This means that acrylic is more resistant to breaking under tension than PVC.
  • Tensile Modulus of Elasticity: The tensile modulus of elasticity is a measure of a material’s stiffness. Acrylic has a tensile modulus of elasticity of 400,000 psi, while PVC has a tensile modulus of elasticity of 411,000 psi. This means that both materials have similar stiffness.
  • Flexural Modulus of Elasticity: The flexural modulus of elasticity is a measure of a material’s ability to resist deformation under load. Acrylic has a flexural modulus of elasticity of 480,000 psi, while PVC has a flexural modulus of elasticity of 481,000 psi. This means that both materials have similar resistance to deformation under load.
  • Compressive Strength: Compressive strength is a measure of a material’s ability to resist deformation under compressive stress. Acrylic has a compressive strength of 17,000 psi at 10% deformation, while PVC does not have a defined value. This means that acrylic is more resistant to deformation under compressive stress than PVC.
  • Izod Impact: The Izod impact test measures a material’s resistance to impact. Acrylic has an Izod impact of 0.4 ft-lbs/in, while PVC has an Izod impact of 1 ft-lbs/in. This means that PVC is more resistant to impact than acrylic.
  • Coefficient of Linear Thermal Expansion: The coefficient of linear thermal expansion is a measure of a material’s tendency to expand or contract with changes in temperature. Acrylic has a coefficient of linear thermal expansion of 4 in/in/°Fx10-5, while PVC has a coefficient of linear thermal expansion of 3.2 in/in/°Fx10-5. This means that PVC expands and contracts less than acrylic with changes in temperature.
  • Dielectric Strength: Dielectric strength is a measure of a material’s ability to resist electrical breakdown under high voltage. Acrylic has a dielectric strength of 430 V/mil, while PVC has a dielectric strength of 380 V/mil. This means that acrylic is more resistant to electrical breakdown than PVC.
  • Water Absorption: Water absorption is a measure of a material’s ability to absorb water when immersed in it for a specified time. Acrylic has a water absorption of 0.2%, while PVC has a water absorption of 0.06%. This means that PVC is more resistant to water absorption than acrylic.

Clear Acrylic VS PVC General Characteristics

　PVC (Clear/Rigid)PMMA (Acrylic)
ClarityNot BadBest. Can also be polished.
DurabilityNot badScratch-resistant
Stiffness/FlexibilityRigidRigid
Temperature ResistanceLowMedium
Insulation/Dielectric StrengthLowMedium
UV ResistanceNot BadGood
Chemical ResistanceGood (not esters, ketones, ethers, or chlorinated hydrocarbons)Good (not alcohol or methylene chloride)
CostCheapExpensive
Forms AvailableSheet & TubeSheet, Rod, & Tube
Cutting/FabricatingGoodGood

While both acrylic and PVC are versatile and widely used materials, they have different physical and chemical properties. Acrylic has a lower specific gravity, higher light transmittance, better tensile elongation, higher heat deflection temperature, higher maximum continuous service temperature, higher flexural strength, higher tensile strength, higher compressive strength, higher dielectric strength, and lower water absorption compared to PVC. PVC, on the other hand, has a higher specific gravity, lower light transmittance, better impact resistance, lower coefficient of linear thermal expansion, and is more resistant to chemicals and acids.

Common Applications

Acrylic is commonly used in applications where transparency is important, such as windows, skylights, and signs. It is also used in furniture, aquariums, and displays. Acrylic sheets can be cut, drilled, and shaped to fit a variety of purposes.

Acrylic Applications

  1. Windows and Skylights – Acrylic’s high transparency and durability make it an ideal choice for windows and skylights in buildings.
  2. Signs – Acrylic is often used to make signs, both for outdoor and indoor use, due to its clarity and ability to be formed into different shapes and sizes.
  3. Furniture – Acrylic furniture is popular due to its modern and sleek appearance. It is often used for tables, chairs, and other decorative pieces.
  4. Aquariums – Acrylic is a popular material for aquariums due to its clarity and ability to be molded into various shapes.
  5. Displays – Acrylic is used in point-of-sale displays, museum exhibits, and other applications where transparency is important.

PVC is often used in construction for pipes, fittings, and siding. It is also used in electrical cables, inflatable products, and medical equipment. Flexible PVC is used in inflatable boats and water toys.

PVC Applications

  1. Pipes and Fittings – PVC pipes and fittings are commonly used in plumbing and drainage systems due to their chemical resistance and low cost.
  2. Electrical Cables – PVC is a popular material for electrical cables due to its insulating properties and ability to withstand extreme temperatures.
  3. Siding – PVC siding is used in construction due to its durability, weather resistance, and low maintenance requirements.
  4. Inflatable Products – PVC is often used to make inflatable products, such as air mattresses, pool toys, and bounce houses.
  5. Medical Equipment – PVC is a popular material for medical equipment, such as blood bags and IV bags, due to its ability to be sterilized and resistance to chemicals.

In conclusion, acrylic and PVC have a wide range of applications due to their unique properties. Acrylic is commonly used for transparent applications, while PVC is commonly used for applications that require chemical resistance and durability. Understanding the properties of each material is crucial when selecting the right material for a particular application.

FAQs

Yes, acrylic is generally more expensive than PVC due to its superior optical clarity and UV resistance.

PVC laminates are multi-layered, pre-processed decorative sheets based on polyvinyl chloride, made by pressing together a paper with plastic resins.

Acrylic made of polymer fiber is similar to lacquer. It is a durable option that leaves a reflective and glossy sheen on the surface, which lasts for years. It is available in a wide range of bright colors that uplift the aesthetics of your interiors, with glossy red being a popular choice.

Both PVC laminate sheets and Acrylic are popular choices for modular kitchen cabinets. These are comparing two different kinds of decorative sheets. Check out the main difference between them for this application which will help you make the choice.

Pros and Cons of Acrylic and PVC Laminates

AcrylicPVC
Proshigh-end aesthetic easy to clean and maintain high durabilitymuch cheaper as compared to acrylic sheets high durability when compared to acrylic. easy to clean and maintain
CONSquite Expensive than PVCnot as reflective as acrylic and high-end when compared to Acrylic

Both PVC Laminates and acrylic perform well in many aspects. Being a high-gloss option, acrylic is visually more appealing than PVC laminates. But PVC laminates are more budget-friendly than Acrylic. So, two main factors into consideration that the look you are after and your affordability when you decide to choose the material. If you need more guidance, please feel free to contact us. Our experts will be happy to help you out!

Yes, PVC is resistant to most outdoor elements, but it may yellow over time when exposed to UV light.

PVC is better for electrical applications due to its chemical resistance and insulation properties.

Conclusion

Choosing the right material for your project is essential for achieving the desired outcome. While acrylic and PVC have similarities, they also have significant differences that can affect their suitability for specific applications.

By understanding the composition, properties, and common applications of each material, you can make an informed decision about which one is right for your project. Consider factors such as durability, cost, and appearance when making your choice, and always consult with a professional if you are unsure.

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