Journey coming from MMA to PMMA – Infographic

How do a liquid which has just 5 carbon atoms, 2 oxygen atoms and eight hydrogen atoms be used for heavy duty purposes where thermal resistance, electrical resistance and mechanical strength is of prime importance? The result is in a word – “Polymerisation”.
Through this infographic, we trace your journey of MMA (Methyl Methacrylate), a liquid monomer that’s polymerised to cause 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 happen in a good a catalyst. The resulting sumitomo chemical asia may be modified to various shapes, sizes and forms based on the additives.
The assorted grades of SUMIPEX®, the Polymethyl methacrylate resin produced 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 suitable 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 are 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 usage of this grade in automotive parts for example tail lamp, instrument cluster, optical Lens, general light fittings, 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 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 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 contrast between 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 is suitable for making massive amount products for example house ware, stationery, telephone buttons, piano keys, electrical accessories, ornaments, etc.
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