Development of Synthesis and Application of High Molecular Weight Poly(Methyl Methacrylate)

Abstract

Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) is widely used in aviation, architecture, medical treatment, optical instruments and other fields because of its good transparency, chemical stability and electrical insulation. However, the application of PMMA largely depends on its physical properties. Mechanical properties such as tensile strength, fracture surface energy, shear modulus and Young’s modulus are increased with the increase in molecular weight. Consequently, it is of great significance to synthesize high molecular weight PMMA. In this article, we review the application of conventional free radical polymerization, atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) and coordination polymerization for preparing high molecular weight PMMA. The mechanisms of these polymerizations are discussed. In addition, applications of PMMA are also summarized.

Implementing a Doping Approach for Poly(methyl methacrylate) Recycling in a Circular Economy

“…Copolymers 4 , 5 , and 6 exhibited average molecular weights (M w ) on the order of 10 6 –10 7 Da, consistent with that of commercial high-quality PMMA, whereas 7 displayed an average M w on the order of 10 4 Da (Table S1). Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) experiments determined that the glass transition temperatures (T g ) of 4 , 6 , and 7 range from 104 to 117 °C, comparable to that of the PMMA homopolymer (Figures S45–S48).…”

Ordered Porous Polymer Films for Highly Efficient Passive Daytime Radiative Cooling

“…42 These properties of PMMA make it a suitable PDRC polymer with low solar absorption and high infrared emission. Notably, PMMA's good mechanical properties 43,44 provides mechanical support for the inverse opal structure in case of structure collapse during use.…”

Visible Light Induced Degradation of Poly(methyl methacrylate‐co‐methyl α‐chloro acrylate) Copolymer at Ambient Temperature

“…Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) is one of the commodity thermoplastics recognized by several trade names such as Plexiglass, Lucite, Acrylite, and Perspex. [1][2][3] Cost-effective, transparent, and lightweight nature of PMMA combined with excellent resistance to environmental conditions and scratches makes it a suitable alternative for a variety of indoor and outdoor applications. [4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11] Hence, the demand for PMMA production in the industry has…”