Journey from MMA to PMMA – Infographic

How can a liquid which has just 5 carbon atoms, 2 oxygen atoms and eight hydrogen atoms provide for robust purposes where thermal resistance, electrical resistance and mechanical strength is of prime importance? The answer lies in a word – “Polymerisation”.
Through this infographic, we trace your journey of MMA (Methyl Methacrylate), a liquid monomer which is polymerised to result in PMMA polymer (Polymethyl Methacrylate), as well as various grades.


MMA may be polymerised to PMMA through solution polymerisation, emulsion polymerisation and bulk polymerisation techniques. These reactions occur in the existence of a catalyst. The resulting sumitomo chemical japan may be modified to various shapes, sizes and forms depending on the additives.
The varied grades of SUMIPEX®, the Polymethyl methacrylate resin created by Sumitomo Chemical, that are obtained on adding additives are:
• ‘High Impact Grade of SUMIPEX® PMMA’ – Properties like high flow and good heat resistance get this to ideal 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 include the properties with this grade that favour its utilization in 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 like 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 amounts of foreign contaminants are 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 like 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. also come under “Extrusion Grade”, “Heat Resistance Grade” and “High Flow Grade”. With balanced properties like heat resistance and mechanical strength, this grade works for making great deal of products like house ware, stationery, telephone buttons, piano keys, electrical accessories, ornaments, etc.
To get more information about sumitomo chemical japan go this useful resource: click for info

Leave a Reply