The history of acrylic: from aviation materials to aquarium engineering applications

Acrylic, scientifically known as polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), is a highly transparent polymer material. Its history dates back to the 1930s, when German and British scientists synthesized this new plastic almost simultaneously. Due to its high transparency, light weight, and high strength, acrylic was first used in aviation during World War II to make aircraft cockpit covers and submarine observation windows. This was also the stage when acrylic's "crystal-clear, steel-tough" properties were first recognized and utilized by human.

In the latter half of the 20th century, with advances in synthesis and processing technology, acrylic began to gradually enter the civilian market. It is widely used in advertising light boxes, window displays, medical equipment, architectural decoration, and other industries, gradually becoming a material that combines beauty and practicality. The advantages of acrylic are particularly evident in the field of aquarium engineering.

Compared with traditional glass, acrylic boasts a light transmittance exceeding 92%. Even thick boards maintain a clear, transparent appearance, without the green refraction characteristic of glass. Furthermore, acrylic boasts over ten times the impact resistance of ordinary glass, making it better withtand the water pressure of large aquariums and oceanariums. This makes acrylic an ideal choice for constructing large aquariums and ocean tunnels. Nowadays, many of the world's famous oceanarium viewing tunnels and giant viewing tanks cannot do without the support of acrylic sheets.

It can be said that acrylic, originating from an aerospace material, has become an indispensable core material for modern aquarium projects for decades of development. Lanhu Acrylic leverages this material advantage, combined with its professional design and construction experience, to create a safe, clear, and stunning viewing experience for its customers. Whether it's a costumed aquarium or a large-scale aquarium project, Lanhu provides reliable solutions, allowing people to experience the underwater world in the most intuitive way.