PMMA

Mechanical properties:

Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) is characterised by outstanding mechanical properties. With a tensile modulus between 2700 and 3200 N/mm², PMMA can effectively withstand stress. Its tear strength of around 70 N/mm² ensures that the material is well protected against breakage under tensile load. Although standard PMMA has limited impact resistance, there are specially developed impact-resistant reinforced variants that expand the range of possible applications. Its dielectric strength of 35 to 40 kV/mm also makes PMMA an excellent electrical insulator. Thanks to its high rigidity, it remains mechanically stable under load.

Thermal properties:

PMMA offers remarkable advantages in terms of thermal properties. It has a thermal conductivity of 0.19 W/(m·K), which means it has average thermal conductivity. PMMA has a specific heat capacity of 1.47 kJ/(kg·K), which enables good thermal inertia. The glass transition temperature is around 100 °C, above which the material becomes plastically deformable, which is an advantage for thermosensitive applications. PMMA is also suitable for modifications that require higher thermal resistance.

Chemical properties:

Chemically, PMMA is characterised by its resistance to acids and alkalis of moderate concentration, as well as to petrol and oil. However, it is susceptible to ethanol, acetone and benzene, which can cause stress corrosion cracking. It is also versatile in processing; PMMA can be joined by gluing or welding. Its good chemical stability is due to the aliphatic structure of the material. It is important not to clean PMMA surfaces with alcohol or solvents in order to avoid stress cracks.

Other specific properties:

PMMA offers excellent optical properties and has a light transmission of up to 92%, making it ideal for applications where visibility is important. It transmits infrared rays and visible light and effectively blocks certain UV rays. PMMA is also easy to process, whether by machining, laser engraving or other shaping methods. It is more scratch-resistant than many other thermoplastics and offers a polishable surface. In addition, PMMA is an excellent electrical insulator with low permittivity and exhibits remarkable resistance to weathering. Thanks to these versatile properties, PMMA is often used as a substitute for glass or for the manufacture of a wide variety of products such as household goods or technological components.

Automotive applications, interior and exterior: PMMA is particularly suitable for automotive applications due to its excellent transparency, weather resistance and scratch resistance. In the interior, PMMA is often used for instrument panels, dashboards and trim, while in the exterior it is used for headlight covers, rear lights and even windscreens.

Extrusion types for semi-finished products: PMMA is ideal for the extrusion of semi-finished products such as sheets, tubes and profiles. Its good flowability and formability enable the manufacture of precise and uniform products. These semi-finished products are used in various industries such as construction, furniture manufacturing and advertising technology.

Housing components, optical lenses, lamps, LED covers, display covers: PMMA's high light transmission and optical clarity make it ideal for manufacturing housings, optical lenses, lamps, LED covers and display covers. These products require clear visibility, and PMMA meets these requirements due to its low absorption and dispersion of light.

Applications in the food and cosmetics sectors: PMMA is also used in the food and cosmetics industries, primarily for the manufacture of containers, packaging and displays. It is food-safe, odourless and easy to clean, making it ideal for contact with food and cosmetics.

Overall, polymethyl methacrylate is particularly suitable for a wide range of applications in various industries due to its versatile properties such as transparency, weather resistance, mouldability and chemical resistance.