Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA)
3-8 usd/kgPolymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), acrylic, is a transparent plastic often compared to glass. Indeed, the two materials are used in many of the same applications – glazing, aquariums, household items, tableware and furniture, for example – with acrylic being lighter, more resistant to impact and easier to form into complex and intricate shapes. The disadvantages of acrylic, when compared to glass is that it is not inert (glass is virtually inert) and will crack and weaken if exposed to certain chemicals, it softens and melts at much lower temperatures (160 degC versus 1,700 degC for glass), and it is less scratch resistant.
As a transparent plastic, it is available in standard and custom colours, from muted tones through saturated fluorescents. Edge glow is the result of light passing through the surface and refracting internally until it meets a cut edge in tinted or semi-transparent materials. This phenomenon is utilised in signage, lighting and instrument panels, for example, that are made from acrylic. A cut edge may be the perimeter, or a score on the surface, such as made by laser cutting or engraving.
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Acrylic composite matrix resin systems, such as Elium supplied by Arkema, provide a thermoplastic alternative to traditional thermoset resin systems such as epoxy, polyester and vinyl ester. An acrylic base polymer is diluted in a reactive monomer blend. The liquid is very fluid prior to polymerisation, allowing for conventional manufacturing processes to be utilised, such as resin infusion, resin transfer and vacuum infusion. Fibre reinforcements include glass, basalt and carbon, for example. An initiator is mixed in the kick-start the polymerisation process. The monomers join together to form a high molecular weight thermoplastic matrix. Once polymerised, it can be heated and thermoformed, like a conventional acrylic. However, the fibre reinforcement will restrict forming. As a composite matrix, it is used to make high performance composite parts for wind turbines, construction, transportation, marine, sports and consumer goods. At the end of its life, it can be recycled (down-cycled) by mechanical or chemical means; the same as for other acrylics.