Acrylic

Acrylic, group of versatile and durable synthetic products manufactured from petroleum as fibers, plastics, and resins for use in fabrics, glass substitutes, and protective paints. The molecules of a petroleum-based synthetic chemical or substance, acrylonitrile or acrylate, are polymerized (combined in a long, repetitive chain) to form acrylic. Orlon, Lucite, and Plexiglas are trademark names for some common acrylic products.

See also: Polymer; Polymerization.