Perspex, a type of clear plastic commonly used in construction and manufacturing, is spelled with the phoneme /ks/ instead of /gz/, even though the spelling of "pers-," suggests otherwise. This is because the word is largely based on the trademarked term Plexiglas, which is spelled with /ks/. The correct spelling is therefore /ˈpɜr.spɛks/, with the ending "-ex" being a nod to the word "plexiglass." Despite the unusual spelling, perspex has become a widely recognized term in many parts of the world.
Perspex is a brand name for a transparent thermoplastic material known as polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). It is commonly used as a substitute for glass due to its lightweight, shatter-resistant, and durable properties. Perspex is also referred to as acrylic glass or Plexiglas, depending on regional variations.
Perspex is manufactured by a process called extrusion, where the PMMA resin is mixed with various additives and then melted and forced through a die to form the desired shape. The material can be produced in sheets, rods, tubes, or custom-made molds for specific applications.
This versatile material is often used in construction, architecture, and design industries. It can be found in applications such as windows, skylights, signage, displays, point-of-sale materials, lighting fixtures, car parts, and even aircraft components. Its high transparency and light transmission properties make it ideal for these types of uses.
One of the key advantages of Perspex is its resistance to UV radiation, which allows it to maintain its clarity and transparency for extended periods without yellowing or becoming brittle. It is also highly adaptable, as it can be cut, drilled, engraved, and formed into a wide range of shapes and sizes.
Overall, Perspex is a durable and versatile thermoplastic material that offers excellent optical properties, making it an excellent alternative to traditional glass in various applications.
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The word "perspex" is derived from the combination of two words: "per" and "spex".
The term "per" comes from the Latin word "per" meaning "through" or "by means of". This element is used as a prefix in English to indicate something through which one can see, such as "periscope" or "permeable".
The second element, "spex", is an abbreviation of "special-extrusion" which refers to the process of manufacturing the material.
Therefore, the word "perspex" can be seen as a combination of "per" (meaning through) and "spex" (meaning special-extrusion), representing a material that is transparent and manufactured through a specific extrusion process.