Acrylic polymer is derived from the monomer methyl metharcrylate or MMA Essay

When modern man discovered plastic and its myriad of uses, there was no turning indorse. Today, plastics figured prominently in the lives of 21st degree Celsius people. It is almost impossible to live comfortably without this substance. And among the many kinds of polymer there is mayhap nothing more versatile and very much in pauperization than acrylic fiber polymers.This paper will look into the chemical properties and the myriad of uses for the compound normally designated as PMMA or Polymethyl methacrylate.interpersonal chemistry acrylic acid (H2C CHCOOH) was synthesized in 1843 according to Charles Carraher (2003, p. 160). Then he goes to add that ethyl methacrylate (H2C C(CH3)COOC2H5) was synthesized and polymerized in 1865 and 1877, one by one (2003).With regards to polymerization e.g. acrylic or methacrylic acid, it must be done in an aqueous solution at less than 20-30% concentration (Feldman & Barbalata, 1996). Besides water, a conventional recipe takes an initi ating system (potassium persulfate and sodium thiosulfate) and chain transfer means (Feldman & Barbalata, 1996).Acrylic polymer is derived from the monomer methyl metharcrylate or MMA. Polymers kindle be divided into dickens groups thermoplastics and thermosets. And that majority of them are thermoplastics meaning once the polymer is formed it can be heated and reformed over and over again (see American interpersonal chemistry Council, 2007). This major attribute alone is enough to make scientists and businessmen to be very interested in the application of the product. But interestingly there are many more surprises up the sleeves of the thermoplastic polymer.PropertiesThe following attributes can be seen in most polymers and especially so to acrylic polymers1. Has a light transmittancy of about 92% with particular clarity at impose wavelength of 270 to 350 nm (Whitaker, 1996)2. Has good exemption to weathering3. Good mechanical strength4. dimensional stability along with high tensile and flexural strength (Whitaker, 1996)5. Chemical resistance including salts, bases, aliphatic hydrocarbons, fats and oils, most common gases, and inorganic chemicals as well as dilute and concentrated solutions of most alkaliApplicationsAccording to Feldman and Barbalatat, the most meaning(a) usage of acrylic polymer is in the manu particularure of adhesives, thickeners, coatings, flocculants, dispersants, fluidizers, in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, ion exchange processes and stuff processing (1996).Now, a few years by and by acrylic polymer was for the first time introduced by the scientific community, the said substance was first use as interlining for automobile windshields (Carraher, 2003). Since acrylic polymers exhibit good resistance to weathering it is widely used in thermoformed signs, aircraft windshields, and bathtubs.Acrylic polymers have long been used in the manufacturing of cuvettes, electron tube connectors, speculums,and many another(prenominal) med ical devices requiring impact strength, chemical resistance, biocompatibility, and clarity. In fact it occupies a, prominent place in the market for clear, disposable plastic completely glass transmits light as well (Whitaker, 1996).In the medical field, acrylic polymers have shown its versatility and all around usefulness. From the start medical professionals were already well acquainted with the substance because it was used in the manufacture of incubators.In 1955 its clench of usage was expanded when the first acrylic prosthesis was implanted. This probably came after its success as a primary material for aircraft canopies during World struggle II pilots suffered fewer infections from shards of acrylic than they had from glass (Whitaker, 1996).Aside as an primal component of cuvettes and tubing connectors, it is also used to produce test kits, luers, drainpipe wands, syringes, blood filters, blood pump housings, fluid silos, surgical blade dispensers, surgical trays etc.F inally, acrylic polymers is not only superior in name of chemical resistance, clarity as a thermoplastic, and durability which is highly prized in the medical field. This substance is also easily recyclable, Acrylic burns extremely clean with end products of carbon dioxide and water. In addition, the material offers superior recyclability acrylic can be reground and reused, which results in less material waste during borderline (Whitaker, 1996).But there is more. The said material can be depolymerized put up to its monomer, thoroughly purged of its impurities, and then can go full circle back into PMMA. This is a true recycling process, whereas most other recycling processes involve crushing the material and using it in applications with lower specifications (Whitaker, 1996).In the manhood of plastic, acrylic polymers belong to the top shelf. The range of its applications is a great care in the development of many industries especially in the medical field. Among other things it has provided cost-efficiency and safety concerning the medical practice and other industrial purposes.ReferencesAmerican Chemistry Council. (2007). The Basics Polymer Definition and Properties.PlasticResource.com online Accessed 08 May 2007 from http www.plasticresource.com/s_plasticresource/sec.asp? TRACKID=&CID=124&DID=226 Carraher, C. (2003). Giant Molecules Essential Materials for Everyday lifetime and ProblemSolving. New Jersey John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Feldman, D. & Barbalata, A. (1996). Synthetic Polymers Technology, Properties, Applications. New York Chapman and Hall. Whitaker, W. (1996). Acrylic Polymers A Clear Focus. Medical Device Industry onlineAccessed 08 May 2007 from http www.devicelink.com/mpb/ enrolment/06/01/001.html.