In modern construction, mirror plastic has become the most promising building material in terms of ease of installation and processing. It has reliable operational parameters and is used in various areas of design: from office interiors and shopping and entertainment centers to residential premises and industrial premises. Plastic with a reflective surface is an excellent replacement for old mirror sheets. Mirror polymer is lightweight, strong, less brittle than a mirror, and structurally safer.
Varieties of mirror polymer
Plastic with a mirror coating is divided into three main types:
- Mirror plexiglass (acrylic mirror).
- Polystyrene sheet.
- Mirror polyvinyl chloride (mirror PVC).
Most materials from reflective sheet plastic are completely identical to the polymer base itself in terms of technical characteristics. The reflection effect on the surface is achieved in the same way as the production of a conventional mirror - a reflective polished layer of aluminum or chromium is created. As a result, plastic with a mirror (or metallized) surface has a specific operating environment separately for each source polymer. For example, acrylic plastic with a reflective element can be used to create advertising panels and external signs. Mirror polyvinyl chloride has a high resistance to physical stress as opposed to plexiglass and is used for the manufacture of outdoor advertising elements using the vacuum molding method .
Polystyrene sheets as less resistant to the negative effects of the external environment and more flexible material are adopted by construction and design companies in the construction and design of nightclubs, restaurants and retail premises.
Acrylic mirror
One of the most common sources for creating reflective plastic surfaces is acrylic. Mirror acrylic plastic is characterized by such positive properties as transparency, high resistance to moisture and heat. It has a light weight, maximum reflective effect, bright display without distortion and physical shock resistance.
The undoubted advantage over other analogues is the ultraviolet resistance.
But still this material has some disadvantages. Its mirror surface is soft and therefore easily scratched, even with involuntary movements. However, such a negative consequence is easily eliminated. This is achieved by applying a protective layer to the reflecting plane, the opposite of the mirror side.
Acrylic based mirror plastic can have different colors. This implies its use in the manufacture of mirror panels for suspended ceilings, wall finishes, for furniture inserts and partitions between rooms, sliding door systems and fences in the form of a fence. In this case, the installation methods are determined for each case in a separate order.
Reflective polystyrene
Mirror plastic sheet has high impact resistant parameters and is made of a polystyrene composite with the addition of synthetic rubber. The rubberized additive protects the material from the appearance of unwanted small cracks, while maximizing the strength of the polymer and its performance.
Due to the fact that this material is not transparent, like plexiglass, a reflective coating layer is applied to the outer surface, which acts as a base. In order to avoid damage to the mirror coating, a protective film is immediately applied to the material. A reflective element in this type of mirror plastic is a special film with an aluminum coating.
Reflective polystyrene sheets have high flexibility and durability. The operating temperature limit reaches 70 ℃, while the material retains all its technical capabilities. Polystyrene is well resistant to mechanical damage in the form of shock, has a high resistance to scratches and cuts, and is stable in contact with aggressive chemical media.
Mirror PVC
Polyvinyl chloride is a modern and very popular material in the construction and interior decoration of premises. The reflective design is similar to mirror polystyrene - a reflective film is applied to the PVC base , on top of which a protective layer is added.
Such mirror plastic has a number of technical advantageous characteristics:
- Very high moisture resistance, regardless of the duration of contact.
- Certain resistance to alkalis, acids and various chemicals. Therefore, caring for the product is not particularly difficult.
- Fireproof material.
- Excellent durability
- It is easily processed by various tools (drills, saws, milling cutters, etc.).
- Mirror PVC is flexible, can be mounted on curved surfaces without any problems.
- Fastening can be done using adhesive solutions or welding.
- Ecologically safe - there are no heavy metals in the composition.
- The dense structural composition prevents the spread of negative microorganisms.
- Ergonomic.
Self-adhesive plastic
Mirror adhesive plastic can be:
This type of plastic is a polymer, on one side of which an adhesive layer is applied. The mirror polymer supplied in rolls differs from the sheet one in that it must be deployed a day before installation to ensure that it straightens. Both sheet and rolled self-adhesive plastic can be attached to any surface. But at the same time, moisture must be avoided on adhesive surfaces. Plastic can be processed with a hand or electric construction tool. It is worth paying attention to the cutting process: during such manipulations, cooling along the polymer separation line is necessary.
Interior solutions
You can veneer almost any room with modern plastic with mirror reflection. Moisture-resistant types are used in bathrooms, bathrooms or kitchens. Mirror polystyrene is recommended for use in dry living quarters. Self-adhesive plastic can be placed in the children's room, as it is shockproof and safe.
Placed mirror panels on the ceiling or walls visually expand the living or working space, saturate with reflected light.