POLYMETHYL METHACRYLATE (PMMA)

CAS Number: 9011-14-7
EC Number (EINECS): 618-466-4
Molecular Formula: (C₅H₈O₂)ₙ
Molecular Weight: Variable (typically 50,000–200,000 g/mol)
Chemical Class: Thermoplastic (amorphous)

SECTION 1: CHEMICAL IDENTITY AND MATERIAL CLASSIFICATION

Parameter	Description
Chemical Name (IUPAC)	Poly(methyl 2-methylpropenoate)
Other Names	PMMA, Acrylic, Plexiglas, Perspex, Lucite, Acrylic Glass, Polymethyl Methacrylate
CAS Number	9011-14-7
EC Number (EINECS)	618-466-4
Molecular Formula	(C₅H₈O₂)ₙ
Molecular Weight	Variable (typically 50,000–200,000 g/mol)
Chemical Class	Thermoplastic (amorphous)
Structure	–[CH₂–C(CH₃)(COOCH₃)]ₙ–
Appearance	Transparent, colorless sheets, pellets, or granules
Odor	Odorless
E Number	Not applicable

SECTION 2: PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

Property	Value / Range
Appearance	Transparent, colorless sheets, pellets, or granules
Odor	Odorless
Density	1.17–1.20 g/cm³
Glass Transition Temp (Tg)	~105°C
Melting Point	~160°C (processing temperature)
Vicat Softening Point	95–110°C
Heat Deflection Temp (HDT)	75–100°C (at 1.82 MPa)
Max. Continuous Service Temp	80–90°C
Min. Service Temp	-40°C to -20°C
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion	50–80 × 10⁻⁶ /K
Thermal Conductivity	0.17–0.21 W/(m·K)
Specific Heat	1.4–1.5 kJ/(kg·K)
Water Absorption (24h)	0.2–0.4%
Solubility in Water	Insoluble
Solubility in Organic Solvents	Soluble in ketones, esters, aromatics
Refractive Index	1.49–1.50
Light Transmission	92% (transmitted)
Dielectric Constant (1 MHz)	2.6–3.2
Dielectric Strength	15–20 kV/mm
Volume Resistivity	>10¹⁵ Ω·cm
Surface Resistivity	10¹³–10¹⁵ Ω

SECTION 3: MECHANICAL PROPERTIES

Property	Cast PMMA	Extruded PMMA
Tensile Strength	65–75 MPa	50–70 MPa
Tensile Modulus	2.5–3.5 GPa	2.5–3.5 GPa
Elongation at Break	3–5%	2–5%
Flexural Strength	90–110 MPa	80–100 MPa
Flexural Modulus	2.5–3.5 GPa	2.5–3.5 GPa
Izod Impact Strength (Notched)	1.5–2.5 kJ/m²	1.5–2.5 kJ/m²
Charpy Impact Strength	1.5–2.5 kJ/m²	1.5–2.5 kJ/m²
Hardness (Rockwell M)	80–100	80–100
Hardness (Shore D)	80–85	80–85

SECTION 4: CHEMICAL RESISTANCE

Chemical	Resistance at Room Temp
Acids (Dilute)	Good
Acids (Concentrated)	Poor
Alkalies	Good
Alcohols	Good
Aliphatic Hydrocarbons	Good
Aromatic Hydrocarbons	Poor (dissolves)
Chlorinated Solvents	Poor (dissolves)
Ketones	Poor (dissolves)
Esters	Poor (dissolves)
Oils and Greases	Good
Water	Excellent
UV Light	Excellent (UV stable)
Weathering	Excellent

SECTION 5: OPTICAL PROPERTIES

Property	Value
Light Transmission (3 mm)	92%
Refractive Index (n²⁰D)	1.49–1.50
Abbe Number	~57
Haze	<0.5%
UV Cutoff	Absorbs up to ~300 nm
Optical Clarity	Excellent
Color	Colorless

SECTION 6: MAJOR APPLICATIONS AND END-USES

6.1. Optics and Lenses

Application	Advantages
Eyeglass Lenses	Excellent optical clarity, lightweight
Contact Lenses	Optical clarity, biocompatibility
Magnifiers	Optical clarity, machinability
Cameras	Optical clarity, dimensional stability

6.2. Automotive

Application	Advantages
Taillight Covers	Clarity, weatherability
Instrument Cluster Covers	Clarity, dimensional stability
Headlight Lenses	Clarity, UV resistance
Interior Trim	Aesthetics, durability

6.3. Medical and Dental

Application	Advantages
Prosthetic Devices	Biocompatibility, clarity
Dental Materials	Biocompatibility, clarity
Medical Devices	Clarity, sterilization
Surgical Imaging	Optical clarity, dimensional stability

6.4. Construction and Building

Application	Advantages
Window Glazing	Clarity, weatherability
Safety Barriers	Clarity, impact resistance
Lighting	Clarity, weatherability
Ceilings and Walls	Clarity, aesthetics
Skylights	Clarity, weatherability

6.5. Electronics and LCD Displays

Application	Advantages
LCD Displays	Optical clarity, flatness
Television Screens	Optical clarity, flatness
Touch Screens	Optical clarity, durability
Fiber Optics	Optical clarity, low loss

6.6. Consumer Products

Application	Advantages
Acrylic Nails	Clarity, toughness
Furniture	Clarity, aesthetics
Decoration	Clarity, aesthetics
Aquariums	Clarity, durability
Signage	Clarity, weatherability

6.7. Coatings and Paints

Application	Advantages
Industrial Coatings	Clarity, weatherability
Automotive Coatings	Clarity, UV resistance
Varnishes	Clarity, gloss
Architectural Coatings	Clarity, weatherability

SECTION 7: ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES

7.1. Advantages

Advantage	Description
Excellent Optical Clarity	92% light transmission; substitutes for glass
Lightweight	50% lighter than glass
Excellent Weatherability	Suitable for outdoor use with UV stability
Excellent UV Resistance	High resistance to UV radiation
Good Chemical Resistance	Resistant to acids and alkalis
Easy Processability	Injection molding, extrusion, thermoforming
Biocompatibility	Suitable for medical and dental applications
Recyclability	Thermoplastic – can be reprocessed
Aesthetics	Glass-like appearance; variety of colors and finishes

7.2. Disadvantages

Disadvantage	Description
Low Impact Resistance	Notch-sensitive; brittle (similar to GPPS)
Low Heat Resistance	HDT ~75–100°C; not suitable for high temperatures
Solvent Sensitivity	Dissolves in ketones, esters, aromatics
Flammability	Flammable; not flame retardant
Poor Scratch Resistance	Easily scratched; requires hard coating
High Cost	More expensive than GPPS and PET

SECTION 8: PROCESSING METHODS

Method	Temperature Range	Applications
Injection Molding	200–250°C	Lenses, medical devices, automotive parts
Extrusion	190–240°C	Sheets, films, profiles
Cast Polymerization	40–80°C	Optical quality sheets
Thermoforming	140–180°C	Packaging, trays
CNC Machining	Room temperature	Prototypes, custom parts
Laser Cutting	Room temperature	Sheets, signage

SECTION 9: TOXICOLOGY AND SAFETY

Parameter	Value / Description
GHS Classification	Not classified
Oral LD₅₀ (Rat)	>5,000 mg/kg (very low toxicity)
Dermal LD₅₀ (Rabbit)	>5,000 mg/kg
Skin Irritation	Not irritating
Eye Irritation	Mild irritant (dust)
Inhalation (Dust)	May cause mechanical irritation
Thermal Decomposition	>250°C releases methyl methacrylate monomer
Combustion Products	CO, CO₂, MMA monomer
Biodegradability	Not biodegradable
Recycling Code	#7 (Other)

SECTION 10: ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECTS

Parameter	Value
Biodegradability	Not biodegradable
Recyclability	Yes (mechanical recycling)
Combustion Products	CO, CO₂, MMA
Recycling Code	#7 (Other)
Marine Environment	Contributes to microplastic pollution

SECTION 11: STORAGE AND SHELF LIFE

Storage Conditions:

Cool, dry, well-ventilated area
Protect from direct sunlight
Protect from UV light (to prevent yellowing)
Keep away from heat sources and flames

Shelf Life:

Product Type	Shelf Life
PMMA Pellets	12–24 months (in cool, dry storage)
PMMA Sheets	12–24 months (in UV-protected packaging)

Degradation Indicators:

Color change (yellowing)
Surface scratches
Reduced light transmission
Brittleness

SECTION 12: TRANSPORT INFORMATION

Parameter	Information
UN Number	Not regulated
Hazard Class	Not classified as dangerous goods
Proper Shipping Name	Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA)
ADR/RID	Not regulated
IMDG	Not regulated
IATA	Not regulated
Dust Explosion Hazard	Fine dust suspended in air can be explosive

SECTION 13: SYNONYMS AND COMMON NAMES

Type	Names
Turkish	Polimetil Metakrilat, PMMA, Pleksiglas, Akrilik, Akrilik Cam
English	Polymethyl Methacrylate, PMMA, Acrylic, Plexiglas, Perspex, Lucite
Trade Names	Plexiglas, Perspex, Lucite, Altuglas, Acrylite, Acrycast
Recycling Code	#7 (Other)

SECTION 14: REGULATORY STATUS

Regulation	Status
REACH (EU)	Registered
TSCA (USA)	Listed
FDA (USA)	Food contact approved (21 CFR 177.1010)
EU Food Contact (10/2011)	Permitted
RoHS	Compliant
California Prop 65	Not listed
Conflict Minerals	Not applicable

SECTION 15: SUMMARY AND CRITICAL WARNINGS

Product Summary

Parameter	Value
Product	Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA)
CAS	9011-14-7
Appearance	Transparent, colorless sheets, pellets, or granules
Density	1.17–1.20 g/cm³
Light Transmission	92%
Key Properties	Optical clarity, weatherability, lightweight
Key Industries	Optics, automotive, medical, construction, electronics

CRITICAL WARNINGS

Glass Substitute: PMMA is a substitute for glass due to its excellent optical clarity (92% light transmission) and lightweight (50% lighter than glass). Preferred where glass breakage is a concern.
Excellent Weatherability: UV stable and suitable for outdoor use. High resistance to UV radiation. Does not yellow under sunlight.
Low Impact Resistance: PMMA is brittle, similar to GPPS. Not suitable for applications requiring impact resistance.
Solvent Sensitivity: Dissolves in ketones, esters, and aromatic solvents. Avoid contact with these solvents.
Drying Required: PMMA is hygroscopic and must be dried before processing (80–90°C, 2–4 hours).
Food Contact: Approved for food contact under FDA 21 CFR 177.1010. Safe for use in food packaging.
Medical Applications: Widely used in medical devices and dental materials due to biocompatibility and sterilization stability.
Recyclable: Recycling code #7 (Other). Mechanical recycling is possible.
Storage: Store in cool, dry, UV-protected areas. Exposure to UV light may cause yellowing.
Regulatory Status: REACH, TSCA, and FDA compliant. Not listed under California Prop 65.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: This Technical Data Sheet (TDS) is for informational purposes only and is based on available technical data. The user is solely responsible for determining the product's suitability for their specific application and for complying with all applicable local, national, and international regulations. For complete safety, storage, handling, transportation, disposal, and regulatory compliance information, always refer to the official Safety Data Sheet (SDS/MSDS) provided by the manufacturer/supplier. Users are responsible for testing the product in their own processes and applications. All local, national, and international regulations must be followed when working with PMMA.

Polymethyl Methacrylate, Poly(methyl 2-methylpropenoate), PMMA, 9011-14-7