Poly Methyl Methacrylate

Poly-methyl methacrylate is an Engineering polymer which is a transparent thermoplastic commonly used as an alternative to glass. PMMA has several alternative names like acrylic, acrylic glass, plexiglass, acrylate, Lucite, Perspex, etc. The production of PMMA involves four stages namely, emulsion polymerization, solution polymerization, and bulk polymerization. It is essentially produced from a compound called propylene, which is obtained by refining lighter versions of crude oil.The process begins when propylene and benzene react together to form cumene. The cumene is then oxidized to produce cumene hydroperoxide.Next, the cumene hydroperoxide is treated with acid to form acetone. The resulting acetone undergoes a three-step process where it is finally converted into methyl methacrylate.

Usage

Industrial applications for Poly-methyl Methacrylate are numerous. The automotive industry, for instance, uses PMMA to manufacture rear light indicators and dashboard covers. Healthcare and medical industry applications of PMMA are in blood sample tubes, diagnostic dishes, andtoothbrushes.The Building and Construction Industry uses PMMA for making Windows, port-holes, and domes. PMMA is also used for making popular consumer products and household items such as salad bowls, plates, pens, lamp covers, etc.The optical industry uses properties of PMMA like transparency and UV resistance for making optical products like sunglasses, watch glasses, diffuser panels, etc. Other uses of PMMA include point-of-purchase displays, blister packaging, rear lights, instrument clusters for vehicles, appliances, glass lenses, window panels, skylights, bullet proof security barriers, signs and displays, bathtubs, LCD screens, furniture, etc.