Journey through MMA to PMMA – Infographic

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Just how can a liquid which has just 5 carbon atoms, 2 oxygen atoms and 8 hydrogen atoms be used for heavy duty purposes where thermal resistance, electrical resistance and mechanical strength is of prime importance? The solution lies in one word – “Polymerisation”.
Through this infographic, we trace the journey of MMA (Methyl Methacrylate), a liquid monomer that’s polymerised to lead to PMMA polymer (Polymethyl Methacrylate), and its particular various grades.


MMA may be polymerised to PMMA through solution polymerisation, emulsion polymerisation and bulk polymerisation techniques. These reactions take place in a good a catalyst. The resulting pmma thermoplastic may be modified to various shapes, sizes and forms with respect to the additives.
Various grades of SUMIPEX®, the Polymethyl methacrylate resin manufactured by Sumitomo Chemical, which are obtained on adding additives are:
• ‘High Impact Grade of SUMIPEX® PMMA’ – Properties like high flow and good heat resistance make this ideal 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 ideal chemical resistance would be the properties with this grade that favour its use within 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 including tail lamp, instrument cluster, optical Lens, general lamps, etc.
• ‘Optical Grades of SUMIPEX® PMMA’ – With excellent heat resistance and flow properties, the optical grades with extremely low quantities of foreign contaminants can be used for 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 mandatory for intricate parts and thin-wall parts molding including 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 including heat resistance and mechanical strength, this grade works for making great deal of products including house ware, stationery, telephone buttons, piano keys, electrical accessories, ornaments, etc.
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