Journey via MMA to PMMA – Infographic

Just how do a liquid which has just 5 carbon atoms, 2 oxygen atoms and 8 hydrogen atoms supply for durable purposes where thermal resistance, electrical resistance and mechanical strength is of prime importance? A better solution is in one word – “Polymerisation”.
Through this infographic, we trace right onto your pathway of MMA (Methyl Methacrylate), a liquid monomer which is polymerised to bring about PMMA polymer (Polymethyl Methacrylate), and it is various grades.


MMA might be polymerised to PMMA through solution polymerisation, emulsion polymerisation and bulk polymerisation techniques. All these reactions occur in the presence of a catalyst. The resulting thermoplastic resin might be modified to numerous shapes, sizes and forms based on the additives.
Various grades of SUMIPEX®, the Polymethyl methacrylate resin manufactured by Sumitomo Chemical, which might be obtained on adding additives are:
• ‘High Impact Grade of SUMIPEX® PMMA’ – Properties like high flow and good heat resistance get this well suited for 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 excellent chemical resistance are the properties of this 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 the usage of this grade in automotive parts like 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 levels of foreign contaminants bring 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 suggested for intricate parts and thin-wall parts molding like watch and clock cover, lighting cover, name plate, house ware, etc.
• ‘General Purpose Grades of SUMIPEX® PMMA’ – General Purpose Grades determine among normal and optical grades/special grades. General Purpose Grades like MH, LG, LG2, etc. also come under “Extrusion Grade”, “Heat Resistance Grade” and “High Flow Grade”. With balanced properties like heat resistance and mechanical strength, this grade is suitable for making great deal of products like house ware, stationery, telephone buttons, piano keys, electrical accessories, ornaments, etc.
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