Parchem – fine & specialty chemicals is a leading supplier of Methyl Methacrylate in the global market. Methyl Methacrylate (CAS: 80-62-6) is an organic, colorless liquid monomer that is the Methyl Ester of Methacrylic acid (MAA). Methyl Methacrylate is also called methyl 2-methylpropenoate, 2-(methoxycarbonyl)-1-propene, or MMA for short.
There are many different ways to produce Methyl Methacrylate. The conventional route of producing Methyl Methacrylate is the reaction of Hydrogen Cyanide (HCN) and Acetone to yield Acetone Cyanohydrin. Acetone Cyanohydrin then goes under assisted hydrolysis. After the assisted hydrolysis is complete, the Acetone Cyanohydrin goes under esterification with Methanol to produce Methyl Methacrylate. This method of production is commonly referred to as the ACH Path or Route. The ACH route is commonly used but produces significant amounts of Ammonium Sulfate. Another common way to produce Methyl Methacrylate is by the ester formation of Methanol and Methacrylic Acid. Other ways start with the feed stocks of Isobutylene/tert-butanol which is then oxidized to Methacrolein before undergoing the esterification process described above. A less common production pathway of Methyl Methacrylate is by the alcoholysis of Methanol and Methacrylamide Sulfate. There are also a number of unique processes which are patented and used by their respective owners.
Methyl Methacrylate’s main usage, which is estimated for about ¾ of its consumption, is for the production of Methyl Methacrylate-based plastics called Poly(Methyl Methacrylate) or PMMA. Another usage of Methyl Methacrylate is for the production of MMA-butadiene-styrene co-polymers which are used as modifiers for PVC. Other uses include plastic sheeting, molding and extrusion products, and hardeners of acrylate based co-polymers. Methyl Methacrylate is widely used in many types of paints & coatings. Many applications include interior & exterior paint, solvent-based surface coatings, exterior & wood coatings, adhesives & sealants, paper-coatings, printing ink, and aqueous dispersion coatings (latex). Other less common applications include acrylic nail polish, dental restorations, and adhesive surgical implants.
Parchem offers Methyl Methacrylate inhibited with both MEHQ or Hydroquinone to ensure product stability. We can offer customer inhibitor levels upon request, please contact Parchem today for pricing or click here for a quick quote!
