Characteristics & Applications Of PMMA

Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) is a non-degradable poly acrylate and is the most commonly applied non-metallic implant material in the field of orthopedics. First, it was used to be the essential ingredient in making dentures, then it started using in orthopedic surgery during mid of the 1950s

Also known as acrylic Plexiglas, it can also said to be an affordable substitute for polycarbonate when it doesn’t require high strength. 

Moreover, it’s also free of any potentially harmful bisphenol (subunits found in polycarbonate) it is handy, enables convenient processing, comprises of moderate properties, and available in minimum price.

This post aims to tell you all about PMMA, what this product is about, how it is made, its type and uses.

How Is Acrylic (PMMA) made?

Alike other plastics, acrylic starts manufacturing with an extraction of hydrocarbon fuels into lighter groups called “fractions” some of which are joined with different impetuses to create plastics (usually by means of polymerization).

Types of PMMA

 PMMA is divided into two types;

Modified PMMA: It can achieve high scratch and impact resistance.  It can also be coated with a special abrasion-resistant coating as supplied in Acrylite AR

Non – modified PMMA: When it is loaded, it behaves in a brittle manner mainly under force impact and is more inclined to scratching than regular inorganic glass.

What are the Characteristics of Acrylic (PMMA)?

PMMA is known for its incredible features which are enlisted below;

The key feature of PMMA tube is, it can also be categorized as a “thermoplastic” which becomes liquid at its peak melting point (160 degrees Celsius in the case of Acrylic).

 Another significant attribute about PMMA is, it can be cooled, and reheated again without any notable degradation. The thermoplastics like Acrylic, they liquefy Instead of burning, this makes them easily injected, and then subsequently recycled.

Uses / Applications of PMMA

PMMA is known to be one of the best plastics in industrial market today. It was first used in World War II for making airplane windows, canopies, submarine periscopes, and turrets. It can be cut into amazingly fine shapes utilizing laser cutting innovation on the grounds that the material vaporizes upon effect with the concentrated laser vitality.

It is an extraordinarily helpful plastic for those applications where high effect opposition isn't an issue. Acrylic is very scratch resistant compared to other clear plastics. It is a lighter alternative to glass and an economic substitute for polycarbonate in applications where quality is anything but an essential factor.

Currently, Acrylic tube are used for diversified applications which make the most of its natural transparency, as well as the impact resistance of certain variants. PMMA sheets are widely used in;

·         Lenses

·         Paint

·         Security barriers

·         Acrylic nails

·         Medical devices

·         LCD screens, &

·         Furniture

·         Apart from these applications, PMMA is also used in tanks, windows, and enclosures around exhibits for its clarity.


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