A thermoset monomer developed by Fosta-Tek Optics, Leominster, Mass. (fostatek.com) is replacing glass in several instrument-display windows and data-capture applications. The company says its ADC (Allyl diglycol carbonate) optical sheet combines high optical quality, excellent resistance to chemicals and gamma radiation, low cost, and ease of fabrication.

“ADC was originally a replacement for glass in prescription lenses and holds over 50% of that market,” says Danielle Provencher, ADC coordinator. “Its optical properties are close to those of mineral glass. For instance, it has a transmission value of 92% and haze as low as 0.3 to 0.9%.”

Chemical and solvent resistance make the material suitable for medical and lab environments, adds Provencher. “Its optical and mechanical properties are unaffected by long term exposure to almost any organic chemical, including ketones, alcohols, aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons, and cleaning solvents and alkalis.”