Journey via MMA to PMMA – Infographic

Just how do a liquid containing just 5 carbon atoms, 2 oxygen atoms and 8 hydrogen atoms supply for robust purposes where thermal resistance, electrical resistance and mechanical strength is of prime importance? The solution is based on one word – “Polymerisation”.
Through this infographic, we trace your way of MMA (Methyl Methacrylate), a liquid monomer that is polymerised to lead to PMMA polymer (Polymethyl Methacrylate), and its various grades.


MMA might be polymerised to PMMA through solution polymerisation, emulsion polymerisation and bulk polymerisation techniques. Each one of these reactions happen in a good a catalyst. The resulting pmma thermoplastic might be modified to several shapes, sizes and forms depending on the additives.
Various grades of SUMIPEX®, the Polymethyl methacrylate resin made by Sumitomo Chemical, that are obtained on adding additives are:
• ‘High Impact Grade of SUMIPEX® PMMA’ – Properties like high flow and good heat resistance get this to 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 excellent chemical resistance include the properties of this grade that favour its use in extruded sheets/ pipes/ rods.
• ‘Heat Resistant Grades of SUMIPEX® PMMA’ – Excellent heat resistance, excellent surface hardness and mechanical strength enables using this grade in automotive parts such as tail lamp, instrument cluster, optical Lens, general lighting fixtures, 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 suggested for intricate parts and thin-wall parts molding such as 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. will comw with under “Extrusion Grade”, “Heat Resistance Grade” and “High Flow Grade”. With balanced properties such as heat resistance and mechanical strength, this grade is suitable to create great deal of products such as house ware, stationery, telephone buttons, piano keys, electrical accessories, ornaments, etc.
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