Methyl methacrylate (MMA)

Description

1. Product Overview
Methyl methacrylate (MMA) is a high-purity monomeric ester used as the fundamental building block for acrylic-based polymers and resins. Its primary industrial application is the production of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA)—a shatter-resistant, transparent thermoplastic alternative to glass—as well as surface coatings, adhesives, and impact modifiers. The key value proposition is its superior reactivity, clarity, and weatherability, enabling finished products to retain optical properties and structural integrity under UV exposure and thermal stress. Strategically, MMA is critical for industries transitioning to lightweight, durable materials, with global demand driven by automotive lightweighting, construction, and medical devices.

2. Key Specifications & Technical Characteristics

• Chemical composition: Methyl methacrylate monomer (C₅H₈O₂), stabilized with ≤30 ppm MEHQ (hydroquinone monomethyl ether) to prevent premature polymerization

• Purity level: ≥99.8% (industrial grade) / ≥99.9% (optical grade available upon request)

• Physical characteristics:

  • Appearance: Clear, colorless liquid

  • Molecular weight: 100.12 g/mol

  • Density: 0.94 g/cm³ at 20°C

  • Boiling point: 100–101°C

  • Viscosity: 0.6 cP at 25°C

• Packaging options:

  • IBC totes (1,000 kg net)

  • Steel drums (200 kg net, epoxy-lined)

  • Isotanks (20 MT) for bulk liquid transport

• Shelf life: 6 months from date of manufacture when stored below 30°C in original, unopened containers away from light and initiators

3. Core Industrial Applications

• Primary industries: Acrylic sheet manufacturing, coatings & paints, adhesives & sealants, medical devices, construction, automotive lighting

• Specific operational use cases:

  • PMMA sheets & pellets: Cast or extruded into transparent panels for aquariums, signage, automotive taillights, and LCD light guide plates. Outperforms polycarbonate in scratch resistance and UV stability.

  • Surface coatings: Formulated into high-solids acrylic resins for automotive clearcoats and industrial enamels. Provides superior gloss retention and faster air-dry times compared to polyester or epoxy alternatives.

  • Impact modifiers: Copolymerized with ABS or PVC to improve weatherability and impact strength without sacrificing transparency.

• Performance advantages: Lower shrinkage during polymerization (approx. 21% vs. 25–30% for styrenics); easier processing via injection molding, extrusion, or casting; and excellent adhesion to metals and glass.

4. Competitive Advantages

• Quality consistency: ISO 9001:2025 certified production with real-time NIR spectroscopy monitoring; batch-to-batch purity variance <0.05%.

• Supply reliability: Dedicated production lines with 99.5% on-time-in-full (OTIF) delivery rate; safety stock held in three regional hubs (Asia, Europe, Americas).

• Logistics capability: Hazardous-class 3 (UN 1247) certified logistics network; temperature-controlled isotank fleet mitigating polymerization risk during transit.

• Price competitiveness: Direct-from-manufacturer pricing with volume tiering; fixed-price quarterly contracts available to hedge spot market volatility.

• Sustainability & technical support: Mass-balance ISCC PLUS certified bio-attributed MMA option; full regulatory compliance (REACH, TSCA, K-REACH); dedicated application engineers for formulation troubleshooting and stability testing.

5. Commercial & Supply Information

• Minimum order quantity (MOQ): 20 MT (bulk liquid / isotank)

• Loading capacity (MT per container):

  • 20-ft isotank: 20 MT net

  • 40-ft container with drums: 16 MT (80 drums × 200 kg) – Note: Bulk isotank recommended for MOQ compliance