Journey through MMA to PMMA – Infographic

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Just how can a liquid that has just 5 carbon atoms, 2 oxygen atoms and 8 hydrogen atoms provide for durable purposes where thermal resistance, electrical resistance and mechanical strength is of prime importance? A better solution depends on one word – “Polymerisation”.
Through this infographic, we trace your journey of MMA (Methyl Methacrylate), a liquid monomer that is polymerised to bring about PMMA polymer (Polymethyl Methacrylate), and its particular various grades.


MMA could be polymerised to PMMA through solution polymerisation, emulsion polymerisation and bulk polymerisation techniques. These reactions happen in the use of a catalyst. The resulting sumitomo chemical asia could be modified to varied shapes, sizes and forms depending on the additives.
The different 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 to 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 include the properties of the 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 the application of this grade in automotive parts for example 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 for example 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. come under “Extrusion Grade”, “Heat Resistance Grade” and “High Flow Grade”. With balanced properties for example heat resistance and mechanical strength, this grade works to create wide range of products for example house ware, stationery, telephone buttons, piano keys, electrical accessories, ornaments, etc.
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