Acrylic plastic is used in various applications, including display products, fashion accessories, and lenses. It is lighter than glass and is cheaper than polycarbonate, making it a viable option for products that do not require resistance to high-impact force. Acrylic has a higher level of resistance to scratches compared to other kinds of clear plastic, although it is quite brittle and low on the strength scale compared to other materials. It also has a high level of optical clarity and can be colored to suit various purposes.
Acrylic is made by distilling hydrocarbon fuels and breaking them down into fractions, a lighter group of compounds that are then combined with catalysts to make plastic in a process called polymerization. It is soft and malleable, making it susceptible to scratches compared to harder materials, but it can be repaired.
You can expect your acrylic bathtub to eventually get scratched with normal use. It will scratch if you use harsh scouring pads or other similar abrasive cleaners on the surface. Dropping items on the tub can also cause scratches on the surface. While acrylic retains heat quite well, it is important to keep in mind that exposing the material to water temperatures of more than 167 degrees Fahrenheit can cause softening of the material and loss of shape.