Organic glass methyl methacrylate, more precisely referred to as polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), its raw materials and process can be described in detail as follows:
Main raw materials
Methyl methacrylate (MMA): This is the key unit for producing polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). MMA can be produced through a variety of methods, including but not limited to the following:
Ammonia-based fermentation method: React ammonia with sulfuric acid to produce base A, base B, sulfuric acid, then react with ammonia to finally produce base A, base C, sulfuric acid.
C-method: C-method is to subject ammonia and water to the action of metal catalysers (such as carbon or carbon catalysers) to produce base C-methanate. The reaction temperature is usually 45-115°C, the reaction pressure is 20-60atm, and the entire reaction proceeds in inertial dissolving, with a conversion rate of up to 99%.
B-type aerosol process (C-2 route): B-type aerosol and carbon dioxide react with nitrile under the action of activating agents to produce C-type acid, which then reacts with nitrile to produce A-base C-type acid and water, with a total conversion rate of up to 95%. This method is simple to make, the raw materials are easy to obtain, and it has a certain competitive edge.
Alloy acidification method: Alloy acid is synthesized by exchanging acidic resin with acidic olefin under the action of a catalyzing agent, and then reacting the acid with air under catalyzing agent conditions to produce base-III acid, which is then converted into base-III acid.
Additives
During the manufacturing process, in order to improve the performance of organic glass or satisfy specific requirements, some additives are usually added, such as:
Interactions: To promote interaction between the units, organic glass forms a more stable network structure and improves heat resistance and shock resistance.
Colorants: Used to color organic glass, divided into organic and non-organic pigments.
UV-resistant: Because organic glass is easily attacked by UV rays, adding UV-resistant properties can extend its service life.
Anti-static: Use organic glass products to prevent static electricity and absorb ash.
Polymerization reaction
MMA monomer undergoes polymerization reaction under appropriate conditions (such as temperature, pressure, activators, etc.) to form polymer chains, which are then polymerized into PMMA (Polymerized Methacrylate). The aggregation reaction can be realized through various methods, such as body aggregation, solution aggregation, emulsion aggregation, etc. Among them, the main body aggregate has the advantages of high purity and high molecular weight, but the reaction process is difficult to control.
Product characteristics
PMMA has many excellent properties, such as:
High transparency: light transmittance exceeds 92%, making it an excellent transparent plastic material.
Quality: The relative density is only 1.19, about half that of inorganic glass.
Easy to process: Can be thermally molded into various shapes, and can also be machined by cutting, drilling, engraving, etc. Good weather resistance: Has good weather resistance and chemical stability.
Other features: Easy to dye, mold, etc.
Application areas
Due to the excellent properties of PMMA, it is widely used in the following areas:
Advertising labels: Use its high transparency and easy processing to create advertising labels and signs.
Architectural glass windows: Made of transparent glass material, it provides good lighting and visibility.
Lighting equipment: lamps, lampshades, etc. Device case: Made with various transparent components and shells.
Optical mirror: Uses high light transmittance and excellent optical performance to produce optical mirrors.
Safety protection: A safety protection mask for equipment.
Everyday utensils: dining utensils, water cups, etc.
Aviation: Aircraft windows are commonly made of organic glass (PMMA), which is highly resistant to ultraviolet radiation and maintains high transparency during high-altitude flights.
As mentioned above, organic glass carboxylic acid (organic base carboxylic acid A) is produced by reacting with organic base carboxylic acid A alone, and can be added variously to improve its performance if necessary. Through the production process and repeated chemical reactions and precise engineering control, we have finally achieved a transparent plastic material with excellent performance.