How do a liquid containing just 5 carbon atoms, 2 oxygen atoms and eight hydrogen atoms be used for high quality purposes where thermal resistance, electrical resistance and mechanical strength is of prime importance? A better solution depends on a word – “Polymerisation”.
Through this infographic, we trace the journey of MMA (Methyl Methacrylate), a liquid monomer which can be polymerised to bring about PMMA polymer (Polymethyl Methacrylate), and its various grades.

MMA could be polymerised to PMMA through solution polymerisation, emulsion polymerisation and bulk polymerisation techniques. These reactions take place in the presence of a catalyst. The resulting acrylic glass could be modified to several shapes, sizes and forms with regards to the additives.
Various grades of SUMIPEX®, the Polymethyl methacrylate resin created by Sumitomo Chemical, which can be 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 will be the properties of this 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 quantities 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 difference between normal and optical grades/special grades. General Purpose Grades like MH, LG, LG2, etc. come 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 wide range of products including house ware, stationery, telephone buttons, piano keys, electrical accessories, ornaments, etc.
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