PLEXIGLAS 8N

PLEXIGLAS 8N  (PMMA) is an amorphous transparent thermoplastic polymer. 
PLEXIGLAS 8N (PMMA), often referred to as acrylic glass, is a transparent thermoplastic commonly used as a lightweight and shatter-resistant alternative to glass. 
PMMA's versatility and durability have made PLEXIGLAS 8N a material of choice in various industries, including automotive, medical, construction, and advertising.

CAS No.: 9011-14-7
Chemical Name: Poly(methyl methacrylate)(PMMA)
CBNumber: CB1221699
Molecular Formula: (C5H8O2)x
Molecular Weight: 100.12
MDL Number: MFCD00134349
MOL File: 9011-14-7.mol

SynonymsMETHYL METHACRYLATE POLYMER,lpt,plexiglas,METHYL METHACRYLATE RESIN,Methyl methacrylate copolymer,st1,LUCITE,POLY(METHYL METHACRYLATE), ISOTACTIC,poly(Methacrylicacidmethylester),PMMA,50n

PMMA is recognized as an optical polymer based on its refractive index of 1.49. Hence, PLEXIGLAS 8N  is used in optical fibers.
PLEXIGLAS 8N  finds uses in biological applications because of its low water absorption capability and biocompatible.
The maximum moisture content of PMMA is 1.71% and SBF absorption is 1.96%.Simulated Body fluid test (SBF) is a method to characterize the in vitro bioactivity of ceramic materials, by immersing the materials in an aqueous SBF solution.

An amorphous thermoplastic, prepared by free radical polymerization of PLEXIGLAS 8N. 
PLEXIGLAS 8N is a representative transparent plastic with excellent optical properties, easy processability and high cost-effectiveness.

PLEXIGLAS 8N (PMMA) is a synthetic polymer derived from methyl methacrylate. 
PLEXIGLAS 8N  is a transparent thermoplastic used as an engineering plastic. 
PMMA is also known as acrylic and acrylic glass and by the trade names and brands Crylux, Walcast, Wanjiale, Hesalite, Plexiglas, Acrylite, Lucite, PerClax, and Perspex, among several others (see below). This plastic is often used in sheet form as a lightweight or shatter-resistant alternative to glass. 
PLEXIGLAS 8N  can also be used as a casting resin, in inks and coatings, and for many other purposes.
PLEXIGLAS 8N  is often technically classified as a type of glass in that PLEXIGLAS 8N is a non-crystalline vitreous substance, hence its occasional historical designation as acrylic glass.

PLEXIGLAS 8N  is a transparent, rigid thermoplastic commonly known as acrylic or acrylic glass. 
PLEXIGLAS 8N  is widely used as a lightweight, shatter-resistant alternative to glass in windows, aquariums, and signs, as well as in medical devices like bone cement and lenses.

PLEXIGLAS 8N  (PMMA), a synthetic resin produced from the polymerization of methyl methacrylate. 
A transparent and rigid plastic, PMMA is often used as a substitute for glass in products such as shatterproof windows, skylights, illuminated signs, and aircraft canopies.

History
The first acrylic acid was created in 1843. Methacrylic acid, derived from acrylic acid, was formulated in 1865. 
The reaction between methacrylic acid and methanol results in the ester methyl methacrylate.

PLEXIGLAS 8N was developed in 1928 in several different laboratories by many chemists, such as William R. Conn, Otto Röhm, and Walter Bauer, and first brought to market in 1933 by the German company Röhm & Haas AG (as of January 2019, part of Evonik Industries) and its partner and former U.S. affiliate Rohm and Haas Company under the trademark Plexiglas.

Polymethyl methacrylate was discovered in the early 1930s by British chemists Rowland Hill and John Crawford at Imperial Chemical Industries (ICI) in the United Kingdom.
[citation needed] ICI registered the product under the trademark Perspex. 
About the same time, chemist and industrialist Otto Röhm of Röhm and Haas AG in Germany attempted to produce safety glass by polymerizing methyl methacrylate between two layers of glass. 
The polymer separated from the glass as a clear plastic sheet, which Röhm gave the trademarked name Plexiglas in 1933.
Both Perspex and Plexiglas were commercialized in the late 1930s. 
In the United States, E.I. du Pont de Nemours & Company subsequently introduced its own product under the trademark Lucite. 
In 1936 ICI Acrylics began the first commercially viable production of acrylic safety glass. 
During World War II both Allied and Axis forces used acrylic glass for submarine periscopes and aircraft windscreen, canopies, and gun turrets. 
Scraps of acrylic were also used to make clear pistol grips for the M1911A1 pistol or clear handle grips for the M1 bayonet or theater knives so that soldiers could put small photos of loved ones or pin-up girls' pictures inside. 
They were called "Sweetheart Grips" or "Pin-up Grips". 
Others were used to make handles for theater knives made from scrap materials.
Civilian applications followed after the war.

Methyl methacrylate is one of the most common methacrylates. 
This acrylic monomer, the essential component of the fluid mixed to the powder, may cause allergic contact dermatitis mainly in dental technicians and dentists. 
Cases were also reported in those using seulptured nails and in ceramics workers.

PLEXIGLAS 8N is a premium, amorphous polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) molding compound, structurally identical to standard acrylic plastic. 
PLEXIGLAS 8N is composed of the repeating monomer formula ((C_5H_8O_2)_x) (CAS Number: 9011-14-7) and is widely used for high-precision injection molding.

Names
Common orthographic stylings include polymethyl methacrylate and polymethylmethacrylate. 
The full IUPAC chemical name is poly(methyl 2-methylpropenoate), although it is a common mistake to use "an" instead of "en".
Although PMMA is often called simply "acrylic", acrylic can also refer to other polymers or copolymers containing polyacrylonitrile. 
Notable trade names and brands include Walcast, Wanjiale, Acrylite, Altuglas,Astariglas, Cho Chen, Crystallite, Cyrolite, Hesalite (when used in Omega watches), Lucite, Optix, Oroglas,PerClax, Perspex,Plexiglas,R-Cast, and Sumipex.

Core Properties & Characteristics
Optical Clarity: Delivers exceptional light transmission (>92%) with a refractive index of 1.48 to 1.49.
Thermal Resistance: Features an optimum heat deflection temperature, with a Vicat softening point of approximately 105°C.
Mechanical Strength: Provides high surface hardness, mar resistance, and excellent weathering and UV stability.
Rheology: Engineered with a melt viscosity optimized for injection molding.

PLEXIGLAS 8N has many technical advantages over other transparent polymers (for example, PC and PS). These include: 
high resistance to UV light and weathering,
excellent light transmission, and
unlimited coloring options
The strength of the PMMA material is higher than molding grades owing to its extremely high molecular mass. 
Rubber toughening has been used to increase the toughness of PLEXIGLAS 8N, which is inherently brittle under applied loads.

Applications
Due to its optical and technical properties, PLEXIGLAS 8N is frequently utilized for:
Automotive lighting, instrument cluster covers, and displays.
Luminaire covers, optical waveguides, and optical lenses.
Precision technical components demanding long-term color retention.

Being transparent and durable, PMMA is a versatile material and has been used in a wide range of fields and applications such as rear-lights and instrument clusters for vehicles, appliances, and lenses for glasses. 
PLEXIGLAS 8N in the form of sheets affords to shatter resistant panels for building windows, skylights, bulletproof security barriers, signs and displays, sanitary ware (bathtubs), LCD screens, furniture and many other applications. 
PLEXIGLAS 8N is also used for coating polymers based on MMA provides outstanding stability against environmental conditions with reduced emission of VOC. 
Methacrylate polymers are used extensively in medical and dental applications where purity and stability are critical to performance.

PLEXIGLAS 8N Chemical Properties,Uses,Production
Overview
PLEXIGLAS 8N (PMMA), having the IUPAC name of poly [1-(methoxy carbonyl)- 1-methyl ethylene] from the hydrocarbon standpoint, and poly (methyl 2-methylpropenoate) from the ester standpoint, is a synthetic polymer from the methyl methacrylate monomer as illustrated.
PLEXIGLAS 8N was discovered in the early 1930s by British chemists, Rowland Hill and John Crawford, followed by its first application by a German chemist, Otto Rohm, in 1934.
PLEXIGLAS 8N is an optically clear (transparent) thermoplastic, and PLEXIGLAS 8N is widely used as a substitute for inorganic glass, because PLEXIGLAS 8N shows high impact strength, is lightweight, shatter-resistant, and exhibits favorable processing conditions.
Outstanding properties include weather resistance and scratch resistance. 
The presence of the adjacent methyl group (CH3) in the polymer structure prevents PLEXIGLAS 8N from packing closely in a crystalline fashion, and from rotating freely around the C-C bonds. This is why PMMA was found to be an amorphous thermoplastic. 
The first major application of the polymer took place during World War II, when PMMA was used as aircraft windows and bubble canopies for gun turrets.
PMMA is a promising polymer for applications in optical, pneumatic actuation, sensor, analytical separation, and conductive devices.
Other applications include the use of PLEXIGLAS 8N  in biomedical applications, polymer electrolytes, polymer viscosity, and drug delivery using electro-diffusion or electro-osmotic flow.
Due to its compatibility and easy processing as a polymer moiety, PMMA with carbon nanotubes or other inorganic materials plays an important role in the development of nanotechnology. 
Wang et al., in the preparation of carbon nanotube polymer composites, used poly (styrene-co-acrylonitrile) with poly (methyl methacrylate)-g-multi walled carbon nanotubes.

Production method
PMMA can be obtained from its monomer using different techniques of polymerization. 
The monomer undergoes polymerization using the common methods of free radical and anionic initiations by bulk, solution, suspension, and emulsion techniques.
Following the discovery of a new technique of polymerization by Krzysztof Matyjaszewski in 1995 called Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization (ATRP), Matyjaszewski et al. successfully polymerized the monomer of methyl methacrylate (MMA) to produce PMMA as a living polymer with 80% conversion, poly-dispersity as low as 1.1, and an Mn of 20,000 in a few hours.

PMMA is routinely produced by emulsion polymerization, solution polymerization, and bulk polymerization. 
Generally, radical initiation is used (including living polymerization methods), but anionic polymerization of PLEXIGLAS 8N can also be performed.

The glass transition temperature (Tg) of atactic PMMA is 105 °C (221 °F). 
The Tg values of commercial grades of PLEXIGLAS 8N range from 85 to 165 °C (185 to 329 °F); the range is so wide because of the vast number of commercial compositions that are copolymers with co-monomers other than methyl methacrylate. 
PMMA is thus an organic glass at room temperature; i.e., PLEXIGLAS 8N is below its Tg. 
The forming temperature starts at the glass transition temperature and goes up from there.
All common molding processes may be used, including injection molding, compression molding, and extrusion. 
The highest quality PLEXIGLAS 8N sheets are produced by cell casting, but in this case, the polymerization and molding steps occur concurrently. 
The strength of the material is higher than molding grades owing to its extremely high molecular mass. 
Rubber toughening has been used to increase the toughness of PMMA to overcome its brittle behavior in response to applied loads.

Physicochemical properties
PLEXIGLAS 8N is one of the amorphous polymers that belong to the acrylate family. 
PLEXIGLAS 8N is a clear, colorless polymer with a glass transition temperature range of 100 degree to 130 degree, and a density of 1.20 g/cm3 at room temperature. 
This polymer melts at 130 degree, with a water absorptivity of 0.3%, moisture absorption at equilibrium of 0.3 to 0.33%, and a linear shrinkage mold of 0.003 to 0.0065 cm/cm.
PLEXIGLAS 8N is among the polymers that have high resistance to sunshine exposure because PLEXIGLAS 8N has a small variation under the effect of UV-radiation. 
PLEXIGLAS 8N has very good thermal stability, and is known to withstand temperatures as high as 100 degree and as low as 70 degree.
PLEXIGLAS 8N also possesses very good optical properties, with a refractive index of 1.490, and a good degree of compatibility with human tissue.
PLEXIGLAS 8N is an organic polymer, and its solubility is expected to be governed by “like-dissolve-like,” with polarity playing a major role. 
PLEXIGLAS 8N shows little deviation, as its solubility is more complex, starting with swelling in the solvent and the subsequent formation of a very soft layer on its surface. 
This is then followed by diffusion of the solvent into the whole polymer before it gives a homogenous solution with the solvent. 
This is the reason why PMMA takes a few minutes before PLEXIGLAS 8N is dissolved completely, even if PLEXIGLAS 8N is in its best solvent.
PMMA hydrolyzed completely with sulfuric acid (H2SO4) to become poly (methacrylic acid) (PLEXIGLAS 8N). 
Hydrochloric acid and hydro-iodic acid are capable of hydrolyzing PMMA, but at a slow rate when compared to sulfuric acid. 
PMMA has a predominantly elemental composition of carbon and hydrogen. 
Therefore, PLEXIGLAS 8N is liable to undergo an exothermic combustion reaction to yield gaseous products (CO2, CO, H2O,) and energy like any other hydrocarbon. 
The thermal decomposition of PMMA has been extensively studied in the absence of oxygen. 
The decomposition temperature varies, depending on the approach used in the synthesis of the polymer. 
Radically polymerized PMMA containing terminal C-C bonds decompose at a temperature of 220 degree with simple mechanisms of monomer repeat units bond scission and C-C bond random scission.

Application
Biomedical
PLEXIGLAS 8N has been used in the area of biomedical applications, which involves the preparation of bone cements for drug delivery/release and cranioplasty. The qualities that made the polymer a potential material for these applications include: non-toxicity, less cost, easy processability, compatibility, minimal inflammatory reactions with tissues, and greater fracture resistance, especially when used in cranioplasty.
PMMA has also been used to widen the applications of chitosan in various fields that include biomedical and pharmaceutical applications. 
Zuhair et al. reported the successful grafting of a PMMA/chitosan blend. The results indicated an increase in the mechanical properties, such as tensile strength and flexural modulus. 
The degradation, porosity, and water absorbency of the blend in synthetic body fluid (SBF) with a pH of 7.4 increased with an increase in the chitosan percentage and immersion time in SBF. These behaviors exhibited by the PMMA/chitosan blend illustrate its potentials for drug release applications.

Cast acrylic
Cast acrylic is a form of PLEXIGLAS 8N that is formed by casting the monomer methyl methacrylate, mixed with initiators and possibly other additives, into a form or mold. 
Sheet and rod stock are created by casting into static forms, while tubing is produced in rotational molds.

Extruded acrylic
Extruded acrylic is formed in a continuous process from solid acrylic pellets, which are heated, mixed, and forced through forming dies followed by polished rollers.
The polymer chains cannot be much longer than the pellets from which they were formed. Chain length results in important differences between cast and extruded acrylic.
Cast acrylic has better thermal stability, higher resistance to crazing when exposed to solvents, and wider thermo-forming range than extruded acrylic. 
Cast acrylic has a better ability to be reworked hot and PLEXIGLAS 8N is known for its superior surface finish and optical properties. 
Cast acrylic is also more scratch-resistant than extruded acrylic. 
Cast acrylic is preferred over extruded acrylic in applications that require machining, such as turning on lathes, milling, or drilling. 
Extruded acrylic, which has less thermal stability, tends to melt and clog cutting tools.

Molecular Separation
Molecular separations in chemistry can be achieved in an advanced way by the use of chromatographic techniques, which involve the use of a stationary phase (inert solid support) and mobile phase (usually solvent or mixture of solvents). 
The common solid supports used are inorganic materials such as silica and alumina, but they have low patronage due to their disadvantages in separating some organic molecules, and limited modifications for maximum efficiency. Therefore, both natural and synthetic polymers have recently been used to replace the inorganic materials. 
PMMA is the most promising synthetic polymer for applications in molecular separation due to its low cost, compatibility, ease of modification, and processability.
Optical applications
Optical science is relevant and studied in many disciplines, including engineering, medicine, pure science, and astronomy. 
Practical applications are found in lenses, microscopes, lasers, fibers, and polymers, to name a few. The optical activity of any material is the result exhibited by that material when interacting with light and the refractive index is the measure of that activity. 
The optical applications of PMMA are due to its refractive index, good resistance to UV light, chemical durability, and good mechanical properties.
Organic polymers are usually cheap, lightweight, and easily processed substrates, and are therefore good for immobilizing semiconductors for heterogeneous photocatalytic applications. Camara et al. revealed the investigation of eleven synthetic polymers susceptible to coating with TiO2 for exposure to solar radiation, with and without the TiO2 layer, for 150 days to study the weathering. 
They observed that only the PMMA retains good optical and mechanical properties of the Titania after natural weathering. 
Therefore, PMMA is the best candidate for the immobilization of TiO2 for photocatalytic treatment applications.
Polymer conductivity and electrolytes
Most polymers are electrical insulators. However, conducting polymers can be prepared using an insulating polymer and electrically conductive fillers called dopants. The electrical properties of PMMA doped with conducting materials under various experimental conditions including photo-induced changes, has been studied. 
PLEXIGLAS 8N was used as an organic insulator, while the PVA-PAA-glycerol was a semiconducting polymer.
Aluminum electrodes were used as bottom and top electrodes for the fabricated devices. Finally, organic memory devices were prepared based on the Au-PtAg nanoparticles as charge storage elements. Herein, PMMA was used as the organic insulator[25].
A polymer electrolyte membrane for battery application must play the following roles: must enable positive ion transport such as Li+ between the electrodes, must block the electron transport, and must be rigid to prevent direct contact between the electrodes. 
The application of PLEXIGLAS 8N in the polymer electrolyte was due to the amorphous nature for porosity’s sake and the mechanical strength PLEXIGLAS 8N has for the provision of the rigidity to the polymer electrolyte membrane.

Sensor application
In search of the production of a quasi-solid-state dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) using a high conductivity polymer gel electrolyte, a suitable polymeric material was needed to be a host matrix in the composite. Therefore, PMMA was found to be a good and compatible polymer for this purpose. 
This was attributed to its mechanical strength, compatibility, and optical clarity.
Solar and nanotechnology applications
Due to the wider application of nanocomposites in the field of nanotechnology, many researchers focused their attention on nanocomposites, their fabrication, and applications. 
Perween et al. reported the use of PMMA and graphite to fabricate plastic chip electrodes (PCEs) via a simple solution casting method. 
This characterization was made using microscopy (SEM and AFM) as well as thermal properties (TGA), and mechanical and electrical properties. 
The fabricated electrode was economically inexpensive, multipurpose, and dispensable for various applications

Chemical Properties
white powder (or clear plastic sheet)

Chemical Properties
PLEXIGLAS 8N is a hard, rigid transparent substance. Straight poly(methyl methacrylate) is somewhat tougher than polystyrene but is less tough than the ABS polymers. 
An outstanding property of poly(methyl methacrylate) is its clarity. 
The material absorbs very little visible light but there is about 4% reflection at each polymer-air interface for normal incident light. 
Thus the transmission of normal incident light through a sheet of the polymer is about 92%. 
Poly(methyl methacrylate) is a polar material and has a rather high dielectric constant and power factor; PLEXIGLAS 8N is a good electrical insulator at low frequencies but is less satisfactory at high frequencies.
Poly(methyl methacrylate) prepared by free radical polymerization is amorphous and is therefore soluble in solvents of similar solubility parameter. 
Effective solvents include aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzene and toluene; chlorinated hydrocarbons such as chloroform and ethylene dichloride; and esters such as ethyl acetate and amyl acetate. 
Some organic materials, although not solvents for the polymer, cause crazing and cracking, e.g. aliphatic alcohols and amines. 
PLEXIGLAS 8N has very good resistance to attack by water, alkalis, aqueous inorganic salts and most dilute acids. 
Some dilute acids such as hydrocyanic and hydrofluoric acids, however, do attack the polymer, as do concentrated oxidizing acids. 
PLEXIGLAS 8N has much better resistance to hydrolysis than poly(methyl acrylate), probably by virtue of the shielding presented by the a-methyl group. 
PLEXIGLAS 8N may be converted to poly(sodium methacrylate) only by rather drastic treatment with, for example, molten sodium hydroxide.
A further outstanding property of poly(methyl methacrylate) is its good outdoor weathering, in which respect the material is markedly superior to most other thermoplastics. 
After several years under tropical conditions the colour change is extremely small. 
PLEXIGLAS 8N is heated above the glass transition temperature (105°C) PLEXIGLAS 8N becomes rubbery and sheet material is easily manipulated at 150-160°C. 
Above about 200°C decomposition becomes appreciable and at 350-450°C a nearly quantitative yield of monomer is readily obtained. 
Thus the recovery of monomer from scrap polymer is a feasible proposition.

Uses
PLEXIGLAS 8N is used in production of Carbonate-olefin based copolymer for molded plastics.
PLEXIGLAS 8N may be used as a reference suspension polymer for the analysis of the composition of PLEXIGLAS 8N (PMMA) by gas chromatography method.
PLEXIGLAS 8N composites have be used in biomedical applications such as dentistry, orthopedic retainers, and bone replacement. 
PLEXIGLAS 8N has been used as substrate for graphene growth.

PLEXIGLAS 8N  is an amorphous thermoplastic molding compound (PMMA).
Typical properties of PLEXIGLAS 8N  molding compounds are:
good flow
high mechanical strength, surface hardness and abrasion resistance
high light transmission
very good weather resistance
free colorability due to crystal clarity

Special properties of PLEXIGLAS 8N  are:
optimum mechanical properties
maximum heat deflection temperature
good flow / melt viscosity
AMECA listing.

Application:
Used for injection molding optical and technical items.

Definition
ChEBI: A macromolecule composed of repeating methyl methacrylate units.

Safety Profile
Questionable carcinogen with experimental tumorigenic data by implant route. 
When heated to decomposition PLEXIGLAS 8N  emits acrid smoke and irritating fumes. 
Used as the main constituent of acrylic sheet, moldmg, and extrusion powders.

Conclusion
PLEXIGLAS 8N  (PMMA) continues to be a material of significant industrial relevance due to its outstanding optical properties, mechanical strength, and adaptability to various environmental conditions. 
As industries increasingly focus on sustainability, the recycling of PLEXIGLAS 8N  offers a pathway to reducing waste and enhancing the environmental footprint of acrylic-based products. 
The ongoing development of additives and advanced processing techniques further extends PLEXIGLAS 8N's applicability, solidifying its position as a versatile and sustainable material in modern manufacturing.

Properties
Melting point: 150 °C
Boiling point: 108 °C
Tg: 115
Tg: 88
Density: 1.188 g/mL at 25 °C
refractive index: n20/D 1.49
Flash point: 250 °C
storage temp.: 2-8°C
solubility: alcohols and aliphatic hydrocarbons: insoluble
form: powder
color: White
Specific Gravity: 1.188
Viscosity: 2.0 to 4.0 mPa-s(0.5g/50mL THF, 20 ℃)
Water Solubility: Soluble in tetrahydrofuran, toluene, cyclohexanone, ethyl acetate and chloroform. Insoluble in water, alcohols and aliphatic hydrocarbons.
Thermal Conductivity: 0.209 W/(m·K)
Stability: Stable. Combustible. Incompatible with strong oxidizing agents.
Cosmetics Ingredients Functions: FILM FORMING
InChI: 1S/C5H9O2/c1-4(2)5(6)7-3/h1-3H3
InChIKey: PMAMJWJDBDSDHV-UHFFFAOYSA-N
LogP: 1.346 (est)