Parchem is a leading supplier of Methacrylic Monomers such as Methyl Methacrylate!

by James Oliverio
Publish: May 24 2013
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Click here for a quick quote on Methyl Methacrylate!

Methyl methacrylate [CAS #: 80-62-6] is the methyl ester of methacrylic acid, a common acrylate building block for synthesizing acrylic intermediates.  Methyl methacrylate, also known as MMA, is a colorless liquid monomer that Parchem supplies with an inhibitor to promote stability and prevent unwanted polymerization. It is used in industrial polymer manufacturing, primarily for the production of acrylic plastics and resins.

Methyl methacrylate's primary application is in the production of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA); it is estimated that up to 80% of all commercial methyl methacrylate is consumed in PMMA production.  Methyl methacrylate is also used to produce a variety of coatings, adhesives, and sealant products. Some products that utilize methyl methacrylate include interior & exterior paints, solvent-based surface coatings, finished wood coatings, adhesives & sealants, paper coatings, printing inks, and aqueous dispersion coatings (latex). One of the other common uses of methyl methacrylate is for the production of co-polymers.  Methyl methacrylate-butadiene-styrene (MBS) is a widely used copolymer in the modification of hardened plastics such as PVC piping.

Methyl methacrylate can be manufactured in several different ways. It is most often produced using acetone and hydrogen cyanide as a chemical feedstock; this method is referred to as the Acetone Cyanohydrin (ACH) route. Acetone cyanohydrin is then mixed with sulfuric acid to form sulfate esters of methacrylamide. The material then undergoes transesterification to yield ammonium bisulfite and methyl methacrylate. Another route, although less common, is preparing methyl methacrylate from methyl propionate and formaldehyde. There are also certain production pathways that use oxidized isobutylene or tert-butanol to form methacrolein.  Methacrolein can be esterified with methanol to yield methacrylic acid a precursor to methyl methacrylate. 

Parchem offers methyl methacrylate inhibited with either MEHQ or Hydroquinone to ensure product stability and we can offer custom inhibitor levels upon request.

Please contact Parchem today or click here for a quick quote on Methyl Methacrylate!

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