POLYMETHYL METHACRYLATE

Polymethyl Methacrylate is a transparent thermoplastic polymer widely known as acrylic, and Polymethyl MethacryLATE is valued for excellent optical clarity, weatherability, and rigid mechanical performance.
Polymethyl Methacrylate is used in sheet and molded parts, coatings, adhesives, medical and dental materials, and specialty composites, and Polymethyl Methacrylate provides good UV stability and long-term outdoor durability compared with many other plastics.
Polymethyl Methacrylate is also used as a rheology and texture modifier in personal care and as a bead material in selected applications, and Polymethyl Methacrylate processing requires attention to static control, dust handling, and thermal management.

CAS Number: 9011-14-7
EC Number: 618-466-4 (polymer listing; grade dependent)
Molecular Formula: (C5H8O2)n
Molecular Weight: Variable (polymer)

Synonyms: Polymethyl Methacrylate, PMMA, Acrylic, Acrylic Resin, Plexiglas (common trade reference), Perspex (common trade reference), Poly(methyl methacrylate), Methyl Methacrylate Polymer, PMMA Resin, Acrylic Plastic, PMMA Powder, PMMA Beads, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Polymethyl methacrylate, POLYMETHYL METHACRYLATE, PMMA, Poly(methyl methacrylate), Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), Acrylic Glass, Acrylic glass, Acrylic Glass (PMMA), Acrylic, Acrylic (PMMA), Plexiglas, Plexiglass (variant), Plexiglas® (trade), Perspex, Perspex® (trade), Lucite, Lucite® (trade), Altuglas (trade), Oroglas (trade), Acrylite (trade), Polyacrylate (PMMA context), Polymethacrylate (PMMA context), Methacrylate Polymer, Methyl Methacrylate Polymer, MMA Polymer, PMMA Resin, PMMA Polymer Resin, PMMA Sheet (material context), PMMA Granules, PMMA Pellets, PMMA Beads, PMMA Powder, PMMA Molding Compound, PMMA Injection Molding Grade, PMMA Extrusion Grade, PMMA Optical Grade, Optical PMMA, Clear PMMA, Transparent PMMA, Cast Acrylic (PMMA), Extruded Acrylic (PMMA), Acrylic Plastic (PMMA), Acrylic Resin (PMMA), PMMA Plastic, PMMA Thermoplastic, Acrylic Thermoplastic (PMMA), Acrylic Polymer (PMMA), Poly(methyl 2-methylpropenoate) (IUPAC-style), Poly(methyl methacrylate) resin, Poly(methyl methacrylate) plastic, Polymethyl Methacrylate (CAS 9011-14-7), CAS 9011-14-7, Polymethyl Methacrylate (EINECS/EC listing variant), PMMA (Acrylic glass polymer), PMMA (Dental acrylic) (use context), PMMA (Bone cement) (use context), PMMA Bone Cement (use context), Dental Acrylic Resin (PMMA), Denture Base Resin (PMMA), Acrylic Denture Resin, PMMA (Orthopedic cement) (use context), PMMA (3D printing resin context) (use context), PMMA (Cosmetic microspheres) (use context), PMMA Microspheres, PMMA Powder (cosmetic), Acrylic Microspheres (PMMA), Polymethyl Methacrylate Beads (cosmetic), PMMA (impact modifier) (use context), PMMA (binder resin) (use context), PMMA (coating resin) (use context), PMMA (ink binder) (use context), PMMA (adhesive resin) (use context), PMMA (molding resin) (use context), PMMA (acrylic resin), Acrylic resin PMMA

APPLICATIONS

Polymethyl Methacrylate is used in transparent sheets and glazing to replace glass in windows, skylights, and protective barriers.
Polymethyl Methacrylate is incorporated into signage and display panels to provide high clarity and excellent weather resistance.
Polymethyl Methacrylate is used in lighting diffusers and lenses to deliver high optical transmission and good UV stability.

Polymethyl Methacrylate is used in injection-molded parts such as covers, housings, and transparent components for consumer products.
Polymethyl Methacrylate is incorporated into automotive light covers and interior trim elements where clarity and surface quality are required.
Polymethyl Methacrylate is used in appliance components that require a glossy, scratch-resistant appearance.

Polymethyl Methacrylate is used in protective shields, machine guards, and safety barriers due to impact resistance and clarity.
Polymethyl Methacrylate is incorporated into point-of-sale barriers and partitions for public spaces.
Polymethyl Methacrylate is used in aquariums and large transparent structures where high strength and optical clarity are needed.

Polymethyl Methacrylate is used in coatings and paints as an acrylic resin to improve hardness, gloss, and weatherability.
Polymethyl Methacrylate is incorporated into clear coats to improve abrasion resistance and long-term outdoor durability.
Polymethyl Methacrylate is used in solventborne and waterborne acrylic coatings where polymer performance supports premium finish.

Polymethyl Methacrylate is used in adhesives and bonding systems to improve clarity and mechanical strength in transparent assemblies.
Polymethyl Methacrylate is incorporated into structural adhesives for acrylic sheet bonding and plastic joining.
Polymethyl Methacrylate is used in UV-curable and solvent-based adhesive formulations where optical clarity is required.

Polymethyl Methacrylate is used in dental applications such as denture base materials due to biocompatibility and ease of processing.
Polymethyl Methacrylate is incorporated into dental crowns, temporary restorations, and orthodontic appliances in compatible systems.
Polymethyl Methacrylate is used in bone cement formulations in orthopedic surgery where controlled polymerization creates mechanical fixation.

Polymethyl Methacrylate is used in medical device housings and components requiring transparency and sterilization compatibility.
Polymethyl Methacrylate is incorporated into contact lens materials in certain designs and formulations.
Polymethyl Methacrylate is used in laboratory equipment and diagnostic devices where clarity supports visual inspection.

Polymethyl Methacrylate is used in personal care as a texture modifier and light-diffusing powder in cosmetics.
Polymethyl Methacrylate is incorporated into primers and face powders to provide soft-focus effect and improved slip.
Polymethyl Methacrylate is used in nail products to improve film properties and appearance in compatible formulations.

Polymethyl Methacrylate is used in 3D printing and additive manufacturing as a resin component or as a processing polymer in compatible systems.
Polymethyl Methacrylate is incorporated into composite resins to improve rigidity and optical performance.
Polymethyl Methacrylate is used in prototyping applications where good surface finish and dimensional stability are desired.

Polymethyl Methacrylate is used in composites and reinforced plastics to improve surface quality and weatherability of finished parts.
Polymethyl Methacrylate is incorporated into gelcoats and resin systems to enhance gloss and UV resistance.
Polymethyl Methacrylate is valued because Polymethyl Methacrylate provides excellent transparency, weather resistance, and versatile processing for industrial, medical, and cosmetic applications.

Polymethyl Methacrylate is used as a transparent plastic for glazing and lightweight panels.
Polymethyl Methacrylate is used as an alternative to glass in windows, skylights, and protective barriers.
Polymethyl Methacrylate supports high light transmission with lower weight than glass.

Polymethyl Methacrylate is used in signage and display fabrication for clear and colored acrylic sheets.
Polymethyl Methacrylate supports illuminated signs, retail displays, and point-of-sale stands.
Polymethyl Methacrylate helps provide clean edges and good optical clarity in fabricated parts.

Polymethyl Methacrylate is used in automotive applications for lighting lenses and interior trim components.
Polymethyl Methacrylate supports tail light lenses and decorative clear parts with good aesthetics.
Polymethyl Methacrylate helps maintain clarity and color stability in designed automotive components.

Polymethyl Methacrylate is used in aircraft and transportation glazing where weight reduction is valuable.
Polymethyl Methacrylate supports cabin windows and transparent covers in certain transportation systems.
Polymethyl Methacrylate helps provide impact resistance and optical performance for glazing applications.

Polymethyl Methacrylate is used in medical device housings and transparent components.
Polymethyl Methacrylate supports visibility of internal parts in diagnostic or lab equipment.
Polymethyl Methacrylate helps meet aesthetic and functional requirements for medical enclosures.

Polymethyl Methacrylate is used as bone cement in orthopedic surgery in specialized formulations.
Polymethyl Methacrylate supports fixation of implants in hip and knee arthroplasty procedures.
Polymethyl Methacrylate helps provide mechanical anchoring between bone and implant surfaces.

Polymethyl Methacrylate is used in dental applications such as denture bases and temporary crowns.
Polymethyl Methacrylate supports dental prosthetics with workable shaping and polishing.
Polymethyl Methacrylate helps provide acceptable strength and aesthetics in dental resins.

Polymethyl Methacrylate is used in intraocular lenses and ophthalmic devices in certain grades.
Polymethyl Methacrylate supports rigid IOLs and optical components with stable refractive properties.
Polymethyl Methacrylate helps maintain clarity and long-term optical performance in ophthalmic use.

Polymethyl Methacrylate is used in contact lens prototypes and rigid lens materials in historical and niche contexts.
Polymethyl Methacrylate supports hard lens optics and durable lens surfaces in certain designs.
Polymethyl Methacrylate helps provide consistent geometry for vision correction devices.

Polymethyl Methacrylate is used in laboratory equipment such as cuvettes, petri dishes, and transparent containers.
Polymethyl Methacrylate supports optical measurement containers in spectrophotometry applications.
Polymethyl Methacrylate helps provide clear, lightweight labware in controlled environments.

Polymethyl Methacrylate is used in aquariums and large display tanks as a thick transparent panel material.
Polymethyl Methacrylate supports large viewing windows with improved impact resistance versus glass in some designs.
Polymethyl Methacrylate helps enable curved and complex shapes in aquarium construction.

Polymethyl Methacrylate is used in furniture and interior design for clear panels and decorative elements.
Polymethyl Methacrylate supports modern furniture, shelving, and protective covers.
Polymethyl Methacrylate helps provide glossy, clean aesthetics in interior products.

Polymethyl Methacrylate is used in consumer electronics as transparent covers and light guides.
Polymethyl Methacrylate supports LED light guide plates and display windows.
Polymethyl Methacrylate helps improve light diffusion or transmission in optical components.

Polymethyl Methacrylate is used in lighting applications for diffusers and lenses.
Polymethyl Methacrylate supports optical parts requiring clarity and controlled light distribution.
Polymethyl Methacrylate helps provide durable, UV-stable performance in indoor lighting.

Polymethyl Methacrylate is used in outdoor lighting and signage requiring weather resistance.
Polymethyl Methacrylate supports UV-stable lenses and covers with good long-term clarity.
Polymethyl Methacrylate helps reduce yellowing compared with some other plastics.

Polymethyl Methacrylate is used in paint and coating formulations as a binder in acrylic resins.
Polymethyl Methacrylate supports film formation and durability in solventborne acrylic coatings.
Polymethyl Methacrylate helps improve gloss and hardness in clear coats.

Polymethyl Methacrylate is used as an impact modifier or processing aid in some polymer blends.
Polymethyl Methacrylate supports improved surface hardness and scratch resistance in blends.
Polymethyl Methacrylate helps improve transparency in compatible formulations.

Polymethyl Methacrylate is used as a plastic additive to improve weathering performance in certain compounds.
Polymethyl Methacrylate supports UV resistance and color stability in outdoor plastics.
Polymethyl Methacrylate helps maintain gloss and surface quality in exposed products.

Polymethyl Methacrylate is used in 3D printing as acrylic-based resins for stereolithography in some systems.
Polymethyl Methacrylate supports rigid printed parts with smooth surface finish after curing.
Polymethyl Methacrylate helps produce transparent or translucent prototypes in resin printing.

Polymethyl Methacrylate is used in model making and prototyping for machining and laser cutting.
Polymethyl Methacrylate supports rapid fabrication of enclosures, jigs, and mockups.
Polymethyl Methacrylate helps achieve clean cut edges and polished appearance.

Polymethyl Methacrylate is used in injection molding of clear parts for consumer products.
Polymethyl Methacrylate supports production of clear housings and decorative components.
Polymethyl Methacrylate helps deliver high-gloss surfaces straight from the mold.

Polymethyl Methacrylate is used in extruded acrylic sheets and rods for industrial fabrication.
Polymethyl Methacrylate supports profiles used in displays, glazing, and lighting.
Polymethyl Methacrylate helps provide consistent dimensions for machining and assembly.

Polymethyl Methacrylate is used in protective guards and sneeze shields in public and retail environments.
Polymethyl Methacrylate supports transparent barriers with easy cleaning.
Polymethyl Methacrylate helps provide safer interaction spaces while maintaining visibility.

Polymethyl Methacrylate is used in swimming pool covers and outdoor protective panels in some designs.
Polymethyl Methacrylate supports outdoor transparency and weather resistance.
Polymethyl Methacrylate helps maintain aesthetics under UV exposure when properly specified.

Polymethyl Methacrylate is used in optical fibers and light pipes in specialty acrylic designs.
Polymethyl Methacrylate supports transmission of light in decorative and functional lighting.
Polymethyl Methacrylate helps provide flexible optical design options in lighting systems.

Polymethyl Methacrylate is used in cosmetic products as a texturizing and blurring powder.
Polymethyl Methacrylate supports soft-focus effect and improved slip in face powders.
Polymethyl Methacrylate helps reduce tack and improves sensory feel in creams.

Polymethyl Methacrylate is used in sunscreens as a texture modifier and film-structure support powder in some formulas.
Polymethyl Methacrylate supports improved spread and reduced greasy feel.
Polymethyl Methacrylate helps improve cosmetic elegance of high-SPF products.

Polymethyl Methacrylate is used in nail products such as acrylic nail systems based on methacrylate chemistry.
Polymethyl Methacrylate supports durable nail enhancements with strong structure.
Polymethyl Methacrylate helps provide shaping and strength in salon nail applications.

Polymethyl Methacrylate is used in controlled-release pharmaceutical and biomedical systems as a polymer matrix.
Polymethyl Methacrylate supports sustained release of drugs in some implant and microsphere technologies.
Polymethyl Methacrylate helps provide stable, biocompatible polymer structure in approved uses.

Polymethyl Methacrylate is used in tissue engineering research as a scaffold or support material.
Polymethyl Methacrylate supports laboratory models requiring rigid, machinable polymer supports.
Polymethyl Methacrylate helps provide consistent surface properties for experimental studies.

Polymethyl Methacrylate is used in chromatography and analytical columns as a polymer support in certain designs.
Polymethyl Methacrylate supports porous bead materials for separation media.
Polymethyl Methacrylate helps provide stable particle morphology for flow-through systems.

Polymethyl Methacrylate is used in electronics potting and encapsulation in acrylic resin systems.
Polymethyl Methacrylate supports clear encapsulants for indicator lights and components.
Polymethyl Methacrylate helps protect parts from dust and moisture while maintaining visibility.

Polymethyl Methacrylate is used in antimicrobial and protective coating research as a durable acrylic backbone polymer.
Polymethyl Methacrylate supports functional coatings with long-term weathering resistance.
Polymethyl Methacrylate helps provide a stable matrix for additives and pigments.

Polymethyl Methacrylate is used in packaging for clear display cases and protective covers.
Polymethyl Methacrylate supports attractive, glossy packaging with high clarity.
Polymethyl Methacrylate helps improve product visibility in retail presentation.

Polymethyl Methacrylate is used in noise barriers and transparent shields along roads and industrial sites.
Polymethyl Methacrylate supports durable transparent panels with weather resistance.
Polymethyl Methacrylate helps reduce visual obstruction compared with opaque barriers.

Polymethyl Methacrylate is used in research to develop recyclable acrylic materials and depolymerization routes.
Polymethyl Methacrylate supports chemical recycling concepts that recover methyl methacrylate monomer.
Polymethyl Methacrylate helps evaluate circularity strategies for acrylic plastics.

Polymethyl Methacrylate is used in quality control to test optical clarity, haze, and impact properties of acrylic parts.
Polymethyl Methacrylate supports standardized property measurement for sheet and molded products.
Polymethyl Methacrylate helps ensure consistent manufacturing quality across production lots.

DESCRIPTION

Polymethyl Methacrylate is a synthetic thermoplastic polymer commonly known as PMMA or acrylic.
Polymethyl Methacrylate is typically transparent and has high light transmission with good optical clarity.
Polymethyl Methacrylate is relatively lightweight compared with glass while still providing rigidity.

Polymethyl Methacrylate has good weathering resistance and tends to resist yellowing under UV exposure compared with many plastics.
Polymethyl Methacrylate can be brittle under impact relative to polycarbonate, so impact requirements affect material choice.
Polymethyl Methacrylate can be machined, laser cut, thermoformed, and polished to high-gloss surfaces.

Polymethyl Methacrylate has good surface hardness and scratch resistance compared with some other transparent plastics.
Polymethyl Methacrylate is soluble in certain organic solvents and can craze under solvent stress.
Polymethyl Methacrylate shows glass transition behavior that influences heat distortion limits.

Polymethyl Methacrylate is widely available in cast and extruded grades with different mechanical and optical properties.
Polymethyl Methacrylate can be compounded with pigments, UV stabilizers, and impact modifiers for tailored performance.
Polymethyl Methacrylate can be produced in food-contact and medical grades depending on specifications.

Polymethyl Methacrylate is used as bone cement and dental resin because it can polymerize to a strong solid matrix.
Polymethyl Methacrylate polymerization can be exothermic in some systems, requiring controlled processing in medical and dental use.
Polymethyl Methacrylate biocompatibility depends on residual monomer and formulation control in medical-grade systems.

Polymethyl Methacrylate should be stored and handled to avoid scratching and solvent exposure that can cause crazing.
Polymethyl Methacrylate is valued for clarity, weather resistance, and versatility across construction, automotive, medical, and consumer markets.

Polymethyl Methacrylate is a polymer of methyl methacrylate monomer and is typically supplied as pellets, sheets, rods, powders, or beads depending on the end use.
Polymethyl Methacrylate has high light transmission and good UV stability, and Polymethyl Methacrylate maintains clarity and color over long-term outdoor exposure.
Polymethyl Methacrylate is rigid and relatively scratch resistant, but Polymethyl Methacrylate can be brittle compared with some engineering plastics, so impact-modified grades are often used.

Polymethyl Methacrylate can be processed by extrusion, injection molding, casting, and thermoforming, and processing conditions must control temperature to prevent degradation and monomer odor.
Polymethyl Methacrylate can be bonded using solvent cements and adhesives, and proper surface preparation improves clarity and bond strength.
Polymethyl Methacrylate is combustible, and Polymethyl Methacrylate should be kept away from ignition sources in dust or machining operations.

Polymethyl Methacrylate should be stored away from excessive heat and sunlight to maintain consistent properties and reduce warping in sheets.
Polymethyl Methacrylate dust and fines can be generated during cutting and sanding, so dust control and appropriate PPE are recommended.
Polymethyl Methacrylate should be used according to supplier specifications and applicable regulations for the intended product category, especially for medical and food-contact applications.

PROPERTIES

Chemical Formula: (C5H8O2)n
Molecular Weight: Variable (polymer)
Common Name: Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA)
Chemical Type: Thermoplastic acrylic polymer
Appearance: Clear solid (sheet/pellets) or white powder/beads (grade dependent)
Odor: Slight characteristic odor when heated (monomer trace possible)
Solubility: Insoluble in water; soluble or swellable in some organic solvents (grade dependent)
Density: ~1.18 g/cm³ (typical)
Glass Transition Temperature: ~105°C (typical)
Optical Transmission: High visible light transmission (typical)
Weatherability: Excellent UV and outdoor durability (typical)
Flammability: Combustible plastic; burns with bright flame (typical)
Processing Methods: Extrusion, injection molding, casting, thermoforming, machining
Storage Temperature: Ambient, dry, away from excessive heat and direct sunlight
Shelf Life: Long shelf life under proper storage; typically 36–60 months for pellets (supplier dependent)

FIRST AID

Inhalation:
Move to fresh air if dust is inhaled.
Seek medical attention if respiratory irritation persists.
Avoid breathing dust during machining and sanding operations.

Skin Contact:
Wash with soap and water after contact.
Remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse.
Seek medical advice if irritation develops or persists.

Eye Contact:
Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes.
Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do, then continue rinsing.
Seek medical attention if irritation persists.

Ingestion:
Rinse mouth with water.
Seek medical attention if discomfort occurs or if a significant amount is swallowed.
Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.

Note to Physicians:
Treat symptomatically.
Consider exposure to methyl methacrylate vapor if heating or polymerization fumes were present.
Provide supportive care based on exposure route and symptoms.

HANDLING AND STORAGE

Handling:
Use appropriate PPE including gloves and safety glasses, especially during cutting, grinding, and machining.
Avoid generating airborne dust and avoid inhalation of fine particles.
Control static electricity and keep away from ignition sources in dusty environments.

Ventilation:
Use local exhaust ventilation during machining and thermal processing to control dust and any fumes.
Maintain good airflow in cutting and polishing areas.
Avoid confined spaces where fumes from hot processing could accumulate.

Storage:
Store in a cool, dry place away from excessive heat and direct sunlight.
Protect sheets from warping by storing flat and properly supported.
Keep containers properly labeled and protected from contamination.

Spill and Leak Procedures:
Sweep up pellets or powder to prevent slip hazards.
Avoid creating dust clouds and use suitable vacuum equipment if needed.
Dispose of waste according to local regulations and facility procedures.

Handling Precautions:
Control processing temperatures to avoid thermal degradation and monomer odor formation.
Use dust collection systems during machining to reduce dust exposure and ignition risk.
Rotate stock using FIFO practices to maintain consistent processing performance and product quality.