Poly Methyl Methacrylate (PMMA), often referred to as acrylic or acrylic glass, is a synthetic polymer that is widely used in various applications such as lenses, screens, and surfaces. PMMA is created through a process known as addition polymerization, where monomers link together to form a polymer without the loss of any atoms.
The monomer for PMMA is methyl methacrylate, which has the chemical formula C5H8O2. During the polymerization process, multiple methyl methacrylate monomers undergo a reaction that results in a long chain polymer. Here’s a simplified representation of the polymerization:
H H H H
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H - C = C - C - C - C - ...
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O O O O
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CH3 CH3 CH3 CH3
In the structural formula, each carbon atom (C) is bonded to sufficient hydrogen atoms (H) to complete its four bonds, illustrating how the polymer structure retains all the hydrogen atoms present in the original monomer. The polymerization process continues, creating a long-chain structure that is characteristic of PMMA.
PMMA is favored for its clarity, light weight, and resistance to UV light and impact, making it a popular choice in many industries. Its ability to be easily shaped and colored further adds to its versatility.