Journey coming from MMA to PMMA – Infographic

How do a liquid which includes just 5 carbon atoms, 2 oxygen atoms and 8 hydrogen atoms be utilized for durable purposes where thermal resistance, electrical resistance and mechanical strength is of prime importance? The result is in a word – “Polymerisation”.
Through this infographic, we trace right onto your pathway of MMA (Methyl Methacrylate), a liquid monomer that is polymerised to cause PMMA polymer (Polymethyl Methacrylate), and it is various grades.


MMA could be polymerised to PMMA through solution polymerisation, emulsion polymerisation and bulk polymerisation techniques. All these reactions take place in a good a catalyst. The resulting pmma polymer could be modified to varied shapes, sizes and forms with regards to the additives.
The different grades of SUMIPEX®, the Polymethyl methacrylate resin manufactured by Sumitomo Chemical, which can be obtained on adding additives are:
• ‘High Impact Grade of SUMIPEX® PMMA’ – Properties like high flow and good heat resistance get this suited to manufacturing extruded sheets/ pipes/ rods, construction materials, automotive parts and industrial applications
• ‘Extrusion Grade of SUMIPEX® PMMA’ – Good extrusion molding characteristics, high surface hardness, superb weatherability and ideal chemical resistance would be the properties of the grade that favour its utilization in extruded sheets/ pipes/ rods.
• ‘Heat Resistant Grades of SUMIPEX® PMMA’ – Excellent heat resistance, excellent surface hardness and mechanical strength enables use of this grade in automotive parts for example tail lamp, instrument cluster, optical Lens, general light fittings, etc.
• ‘Optical Grades of SUMIPEX® PMMA’ – With excellent heat resistance and flow properties, the optical grades with extremely low numbers of foreign contaminants can be used light Guide panels and optical lenses.
• ‘High Flow Grade of SUMIPEX® PMMA’- With characteristics like high-flow during injection molding and good moldability, this grade is recommended for intricate parts and thin-wall parts molding for example watch and clock cover, lighting cover, name plate, house ware, etc.
• ‘General Purpose Grades of SUMIPEX® PMMA’ – General Purpose Grades determine contrast between normal and optical grades/special grades. General Purpose Grades like MH, LG, LG2, etc. are available under “Extrusion Grade”, “Heat Resistance Grade” and “High Flow Grade”. With balanced properties for example heat resistance and mechanical strength, this grade is acceptable in making wide range of products for example house ware, stationery, telephone buttons, piano keys, electrical accessories, ornaments, etc.
More details about pmma polymer check out our website: click for more

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