What Is Methyl Methacrylate Monomer? 

Ekansh Agarwal

Updated on:

You may be eagerly waiting to know the methyl methacrylate monomer. But, have you an idea about the MMA which means Methyl Methacrylate monomer? It is an organic compound produced on a large scale and is one type of liquid that has no color. MMA is the most commonly used monomer in large quantities as raw material for the manufacturing process of Poly Methyl Methacrylate. Besides this, it is also used to create the copolymer methyl methacrylate-butadiene-styrene which is widely used as a modifier for polyvinyl chloride and PMMA pellets. Let’s know about Methyl Methacrylate Monomer

What Is Methyl Methacrylate Monomer? 

Methyl methacrylate monomer is a monomer that is also known as methacrylic acid or methyl ester. It is foundational for many acrylate polymers and is an essential co-monomer in the plant, coatings, and adhesive resin formulations. The free radicals initiated by copolymers, MWA, elevates the Tg and contribute to durability, transparency, strength, and abrasion resistance. 

It is a polymerized form of resin or organic materials mainly used in the production of polymethyl methacrylate acrylic plastics and methyl methacrylate-styrene. Later, it was used as a PVC modifier. 

The co-polymerization of MMA methyl methacrylate monomer, such as poly, is resistant to saponification, or alkali breakdown. And hence, it is a highly desirable polymer for coating zinc substances or any surfaces where alkali conditions may arise. 

Now, you know what is methyl methacrylate monomer used for and methyl methacrylate polymerization

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Properties Of Methyl Methacrylate Monomer 

The properties of methyl methacrylate monomer are, 

  • MMA is a volatile, colorless, volatile, and flammable liquid, and is soluble in warm water. 
  • Methyl methacrylate monomer has an acrid odor. 
  • Acrylics come in two categories called acrylates and methacrylates, depending on the original monomer. 
  •  A reactive acrylic adhesive, which cures quickly at room temperature and builds strength rapidly is manufactured from methyl methacrylate. 
  • It has excellent resistance to shear, peel, and also impact stresses and quick cure. 
  • It is in the automotive and composites industries. 

Now, you know all about methacrylate’s uses and properties. Let’s know about its structure and function.  

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Methyl Methacrylate Structure And Function 

The methyl methacrylate structure and function are, 

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Methyl Methacrylate Structure 

While talking about the methyl methacrylate monomer structure, it has the chemical formula of C5H8O2 or CH2=CCOOOCH3. Its structure has two methane components attached by a single bond to two carbon atoms. One atom of oxygen is attached to the carbon atom by a double bond. And one H2C group is attached to a carbon atom by a double bond. This is the structure of one MMA, so, so many units get attached to each other and form a chain called poly Methyl methacrylate or PMMA. 

Methyl Methacrylate Function 

Methyl methacrylate’s main function is to make resins, plastics, and plastic dentures. It readily polymerizes to form high molecular weight homopolymers and copolymers. The fundamental use for MMA monomer is to form polymethyl methacrylate or PMMA homopolymer for the production of cast and extruded acrylic sheets.  

This polymer is produced as waterborne, solvent, and dispersion resins for these applications. MMA-butadiene-styrene resins are used as impact modifiers for clear, rigid PVC, an example of which would be bottled. 

Let’s have a look at some important facts regarding methyl methacrylate monomer. 

Facts About Methyl Methacrylate 

The facts about methyl methacrylate are, 

  • It is a colorless liquid with a sharp, fruity odor. 
  • It is an important building block for acrylic-based polymers. 
  • MMA is a flammable liquid that melts at -48 degrees celsius and boils at 101 degrees Celsius. 
  • Methyl methacrylate is soluble in the most organic solvent, it’s insoluble in water. 
  • The MMA can cause irritation of the eyes, skin, nose, and throat if you come in direct contact with it.  
  • It is considered a skin sensitizer, methacrylate can produce allergic reactions from contact, in which future exposures can cause itching and a skin rash.  
  • If you Inhale the MMA vapor or mist it can cause irritation to your nose, throat, and lungs and can be fatal in high concentrations. 

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FAQ

Why Is Methyl Methacrylate Used?

Methyl methacrylate (MMA) is a monomer that’s also known as methacrylic acid, methyl ester. A key building block for acrylic-based polymers, MMA has applications that include safety glazing, exterior paints, vinyl impact modifiers, adhesives, illuminated light displays, and more.

What Is A Methacrylate Monomer?

Methacrylates are common monomers in polymer plastics, forming the acrylate polymers. Methacrylates easily form polymers because the double bonds are very reactive. They are used as the monomer resin in some windscreen repair kits, dental materials and as bone cement for fixing prosthetic devices in orthopedic surgery.

Is MMA A Plastic?

Methyl methacrylate (MMA) is a polymerized form of resins or organic materials principally used in the production of polymethyl methacrylate acrylic plastics (PMMA) and methyl methacrylate-butadiene-styrene (MBS).

What Products Contain MMA?

Methyl methacrylate (MMA) is a bonding agent used in artificial nail products. It is present in nail preparations used in and beauty salons throughout Australia. Nail kits sold at retail outlets may also contain the chemical.

What Is The Monomer Of Methyl Methacrylate?

Methyl methacrylate (MMA) is a monomer that’s also known as methacrylic acid, methyl ester. A key building block for acrylic-based polymers, MMA has applications that include safety glazing, exterior paints, vinyl impact modifiers, adhesives, illuminated light displays, and more.

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Is An Acrylic A Methyl Methacrylate?

Poly (methyl methacrylate) is the scientific name for the synthetic polymer commonly known as acrylic, acrylic glass, and plexiglass. When not modified it is brittle, transparent, and lightweight.

Why Is MMA Monomer Banned?

Why did the FDA ban MMA Acrylic? There were a lot of reports of personal injuries – fingernail damage, deformity, contact dermatitis, allergies, permanent nail loss. After a thorough research, FDA concluded that MMA was a poisonous and deleterious substance that should not be used in nail enhancements.

Conclusion 

In this article, you have learned about the MMA means methyl methacrylate monomer. It can violently homo-polymerize and can generate considerable heat and pressure, MMA is only provided in a stabilized form. To ensure MMA’s stabilizer can function effectively, it is important to store MMA under air and replenish the dissolved oxygen. For industrial use, the purity of methyl methacrylate should be greater than 99.99%. Now, you have understood the methyl methacrylate monomer

 

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What is the monomer structure of methyl methacrylate

Why is methyl methacrylate used