Just how do a liquid containing just 5 carbon atoms, 2 oxygen atoms and 8 hydrogen atoms be utilized for high quality purposes where thermal resistance, electrical resistance and mechanical strength is of prime importance? The answer is based on one word – “Polymerisation”.
Through this infographic, we trace the journey of MMA (Methyl Methacrylate), a liquid monomer that is polymerised to bring about PMMA polymer (Polymethyl Methacrylate), and its various grades.

MMA may be polymerised to PMMA through solution polymerisation, emulsion polymerisation and bulk polymerisation techniques. All these reactions happen in the existence of a catalyst. The resulting sumitomo chemical asia may be modified to numerous shapes, sizes and forms based on the additives.
The different grades of SUMIPEX®, the Polymethyl methacrylate resin produced 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 suited to 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 ideal chemical resistance are the properties of the grade that favour its used 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 including tail lamp, instrument cluster, optical Lens, general lights, 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 usually recommended for intricate parts and thin-wall parts molding including watch and clock cover, lighting cover, name plate, house ware, etc.
• ‘General Purpose Grades of SUMIPEX® PMMA’ – General Purpose Grades determine distinction between normal and optical grades/special grades. General Purpose Grades like MH, LG, LG2, etc. are available under “Extrusion Grade”, “Heat Resistance Grade” and “High Flow Grade”. With balanced properties including heat resistance and mechanical strength, this grade would work in making number of products including house ware, stationery, telephone buttons, piano keys, electrical accessories, ornaments, etc.
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