Poly(methyl methacrylate) [i.v. 0.40] is a PMMA acrylic thermoplastic polymer supplied as white beads for laboratory, research, formulation, and polymer processing applications. This grade is commonly selected for work involving acrylic films, coatings, optical materials research, solution processing, and polymer formulation studies.
Synonyms and related names: PMMA; poly(methyl methacrylate); methyl methacrylate polymer.
This PMMA grade is listed with a molecular weight of approximately 75,000 based on viscosity, a glass transition temperature of 105°C, refractive index of 1.49, and density of 1.2. It is soluble in several common organic solvents, including chloroform, dichloromethane, toluene, acetone, benzene, tetrahydrofuran, and methyl ethyl ketone.
Researchers and technical buyers use PMMA materials in polymer research, coating and film development, acrylic resin formulation, optical clarity studies, and compatibility testing. Final suitability should be confirmed under the user’s specific formulation, processing, and end-use conditions.
Key Properties
- Poly(methyl methacrylate) acrylic thermoplastic polymer
- Synonym: PMMA
- CAS number: 9011-14-7
- Linear formula: [-CH2C(CH3)(CO2CH3)-]n
- Molecular weight: ca. 75,000 based on viscosity
- Glass transition temperature (Tg): 105°C
- Refractive index: 1.49
- Density: 1.2
- Appearance: white bead
- Specification includes water content of 0.0–0.5% and Brookfield viscosity of 310–410 cPs
Applications
Polymer Research & Characterization
PMMA [i.v. 0.40] may be used in acrylic polymer studies, comparative polymer testing, viscosity-related research, and evaluation of PMMA behavior in solvent-based systems.
Films, Coatings & Solution Processing
The polymer’s solubility in common organic solvents supports laboratory-scale preparation of PMMA solutions for film casting, coating development, and process screening.
Optical Materials Research
PMMA is widely studied for optical clarity, transparency, and refractive properties, making this grade useful in research involving acrylic optical materials and transparent polymer systems.
Formulation & Resin Development
This material may be used in formulation work involving acrylic resins, thermoplastic blends, model polymer systems, and compatibility testing with solvents or additives.
Solubility & Compatibility
- Soluble in chloroform, dichloromethane, toluene, acetone, benzene, tetrahydrofuran, and methyl ethyl ketone
- Useful for solvent-based PMMA preparation and solution processing studies
- Compatibility depends on solvent system, concentration, processing temperature, and formulation additives
- Evaluate performance under intended processing and end-use conditions before scale-up
PMMA solution behavior, coating performance, film formation, and compatibility can vary by solvent, polymer concentration, processing method, and drying conditions.
Preparation Tips
- Add polymer gradually to the selected compatible solvent with appropriate mixing
- Allow sufficient time for wetting and dissolution before evaluating solution clarity or viscosity
- Use clean, dry glassware and solvent-compatible equipment
- Filter or degas prepared solutions when required by the application
- Perform small-scale compatibility testing before preparing larger batches
Handling & Storage
- Store at room temperature
- Keep container closed when not in use
- Use good ventilation and standard laboratory handling practices
- Wear appropriate personal protective equipment, including gloves and safety glasses
- Refer to the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for complete handling, storage, and disposal guidance
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FAQ
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1. What is Poly(methyl methacrylate) [i.v. 0.40] used for?
It is used for polymer research, acrylic formulation work, solvent-based PMMA preparation, film and coating development, optical materials research, and compatibility testing.
2. What does the i.v. 0.40 designation mean?
The i.v. 0.40 designation identifies this PMMA viscosity grade. Polysciences lists the molecular weight as approximately 75,000 based on viscosity.
3. What solvents can dissolve this PMMA grade?
This product is listed as soluble in chloroform, dichloromethane, toluene, acetone, benzene, tetrahydrofuran, and methyl ethyl ketone.
4. What are the listed physical properties?
The product listing identifies a Tg of 105°C, refractive index of 1.49, density of 1.2, and a white bead appearance. The specification also lists water content of 0.0–0.5% and Brookfield viscosity of 310–410 cPs.
5. How should this material be stored and handled?
Store at room temperature and handle using standard laboratory precautions. Use appropriate ventilation and personal protective equipment, and review the SDS before use.
Safety & Documentation
Review the product specification and Safety Data Sheet before use. PMMA [i.v. 0.40] should be handled using standard laboratory practices, appropriate ventilation, and suitable personal protective equipment. Refer to the SDS for complete safety, storage, transport, and disposal guidance.
