Engineering Plastics
Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA)
PMMA or poly (methyl 2‐methylpropenoate) is produced from monomer methyl methacrylate.
It is a clear, colorless polymer available in pellet, small granules and sheet forms, which are then formed with all thermoplastic methods (including injection molding, compression molding, and extrusion). The highest quality PMMA sheets are produced by cell casting, but in this case, the polymerization and molding steps occur concurrently. It is commonly called acrylic glass.
The strength of the material is higher than molding grades owing to its extremely high molecular mass. Rubber toughening has been used to increase the toughness of PMMA owing to its brittle behavior in response to applied loads. PMMA is 100% recyclable.
Properties
PMMA – is widely used in various applications for its many advantageous properties. Perhaps the most well-known of these properties is light transmission. Typical PMMA grades allow 92% of light to pass through it, which is more than glass or other plastics. This outstanding clarity enables the use of PMMA in many different optical and related applications.
- Light Transmission
- UV-Stability
- Surface Hardness
- Myriad of color choices with excellent stability and surface effects.
- Lightweight
- Easily machined and processed by standard mechanical and thermal techniques.
- Insoluble in water, resistant to salty water.
- Acrylic sheets and their polyethylene protective layers are fully recyclable.
- Some grades are approved for food contact.
- Acrylic sheets do not contain any toxic materials or heavy metals, which may cause environmental damage or health risks.
- When acrylic burns, it does not produce toxic or corrosive gases which is compliant with international standards.
- Easy maintenance (cleaning & polishing)
Applications
Super transparent, amorphous PMMA offers high resistance to UV light and weathering, chemical and heat resistance, long service life, and unlimited coloring options for various applications.
- Instrument panels
- Tail light
- Reflectors
- LED lenses
- Streetlight cover
- Signage
- Dinnerware
- Furniture
- Light guide plate
- Screens
- TVs
- Residential and agricultural roofing
- Decoration
- Luxury sanitary ware
