Differences Between Lucite and Plastic

Lucite vs Plastic

Before we talk about the differences between Lucite and plastic, we shall elucidate to all readers the most important information of all: there are many types of plastic. It isn’t just the type of shopping bag that carries all of your grocery items. It isn’t just the bottled water you just purchased. It isn’t just the straw you used in your soda. It isn’t just the clear material that separates office cubicles. One such kind of plastic is Lucite.

So let’s start with a definition of plastic.

Plastic is defined as a classification of synthetic or semi-synthetic polymer. A polymer is made up of several repeated subunits that are known as monomers, and these are strung together. They have a broad range of properties that are natural and synthetic. Familiar synthetic plastics like Styrofoam, as well as natural biopolymers like your DNA and proteins, include the wide range of polymer.

Plastic is also defined as anything that is synthetic or semi-synthetic products that can be molded or shaped.

With that being said, we shall now begin to differentiate and distinguish plastic from Lucite.

What is Lucite?

Lucite is actually a brand name. It is the brand name of DuPont’s acrylic type of material that has the properties of plastic and glass, which means it is clear. It is heavier, as well, compared to traditional plastic.

Here is then a summary of the differences between plastic and Lucite:

Lucite is heavier.
Lucite is another type of plastic; that is, acrylic.
Plastic is a synthetic, or semi-synthetic polymer.
Lucite is more dense.
Lucite is carved out.

To make a clearer distinction, there are seven types of plastic. Not only are there 7 types of plastic, manufacturers of plastic should clearly mark their products with the specific SPI (Society of the Plastics Industry) Code to properly classify such products.

Plastic called PET are made with Polyethylene Terephthalate and has an SPI code of 1. This type of plastic makes for plastic bottles and is recycled. This is a common household item and usually absorbs the odor and flavor of the food or item stored in it.

Plastic called HDPE are made with High-Density Polyethelene and has an SPI code of 2. It is usually used to store soap, detergents, motor oil, milk, to mention a few. They are considered safe but not good to recycle if the original content is not food or drink.

Plastic that has a code of SPI 3 is called PVC or plastic that is made with Polyvinyl Chloride, hence, it is not recycled, and shouldn’t come in contact with food.

Plastic with an SPI code of 4 uses Low-Density Polyethylene or LDPE. It is quite durable and flexible, and good examples of this type of plastic is cling wrap, sandwich bags, and plastic grocery bags, to name a few.

PP is the type of plastic that has an SPI code of 5 and it is made of Polypropylene. While it is not commonly recycled, this type of plastic is used to make plastic diapers, Tupperware, yogurt boxes, and syrup boxes, to name a few.

The type of plastic that has an SPI code of 6 is Polystyrene or PS, but is better known as Styrofoam. It is great for insulation, rulers, and license plates, to name a few.

Plastic with an SPI code of 7 is also called miscellaneous types of plastic because its content cannot be defined by the other six codes.

Now that you know more about plastic, it is now easier and better for you to be able to determine Lucite. While Lucite is just another type of plastic, it has its own properties and characteristics that would differentiate it from the regular type of plastic that you get to meet on a day-to-day basis.

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