PMMA

PMMA or Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), also known as acrylic, acrylic glass, or plexiglass, is a transparent thermoplastic often used in sheet form as a lightweight or shatter-resistant alternative to glass. The same material can be used as a casting resin or in inks and coatings, among many other uses.

Chemical Properties

PMMA is a strong and lightweight material. It has a density of 1.17-1.20 g/cm3, which is less than half that of glass. It also has good impact strength, higher than both glass and polystyrene. PMMA ignites at 460 °C (860 °F) and burns, forming carbon dioxide, water, carbon monoxide, and low-molecular-weight compounds, including formaldehyde.

Applications

PMMA is used in the construction of residential and commercial buildings. It is used for residential windows, skylights, illuminated signs, and aircraft canopies. It is also used in the automotive industry for vehicle glazing and headlights. In the medical field, it is used in bone cement and intraocular lenses. PMMA technology is also used in flat screen displays, and in the production of prepress plates in the printing industry.

Health and Safety

PMMA is used in many medical devices due to its biocompatibility, non-toxicity, transparency and stability. However, as with all plastic materials, PMMA can be harmful if inhaled or ingested, and can cause irritation if it comes into contact with the skin or eyes.

See Also

• Acrylic glass
• Thermoplastic
• Bone cement
• Intraocular lens

PMMA Resources
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