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

When modern man discovered flexible and its myriad of uses, on that point was no turning back. Today, plastics figured prominently in the lives of 21st century people. It is about impossible to live comfortably without this nerve centre. And among the many kinds of polymer there is perhaps nothing more versatile and genuinely much in demand than acrylic polymers.This paper will look into the chemical properties and the myriad of uses for the raise normally designated as PMMA or Polymethyl methacrylate.ChemistryAcrylic 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, respectively (2003).With regards to polymerization e.g. acrylic or methacrylic acid, it must be through in an aqueous solution at less than 20-30% concentration (Feldman & Barbalata, 1996). Besides water, a conventional convention incriminates an initiating syste m (potassium persulfate and sodium thiosulfate) and chain transfer agent (Feldman & Barbalata, 1996).Acrylic polymer is derived from the monomer methyl metharcrylate or MMA. Polymers can be divided into two groups thermoplastics and thermosets. And that majority of them are thermoplastics meaning once the polymer is formed it can be heat up and reformed over and over again (see American Chemistry Council, 2007). This major attribute alone is rich 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 nigh polymers and especially so to acrylic polymers1. Has a sluttish transmittancy of about 92% with particular clarity at lower wavelength of 270 to 350 nm (Whitaker, 1996)2. Has good resistance to weathering3. Good mechanical strength4. Dimensional stability on 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 Copernican practise of acrylic polymer is in the manufacture of adhesives, thickeners, coatings, flocculants, dispersants, fluidizers, in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, ion exchange processes and textile processing (1996).Now, a few days after acrylic polymer was first introduced by the scientific community, the said substance was first used 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 suck up long been used in the manufacturing of cuvettes, tubing connectors, speculums,and many other checkup devices requiring impact strength, chemical resistance, biocompati bility, and clarity. In fact it occupies a, prominent place in the market for clear, disposable plastic only glass transmits light as well (Whitaker, 1996).In the medical checkup 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 range of tradition was expanded when the first acrylic prosthesis was implanted. This probably came after its success as a unproblematic stuff and nonsense for aircraft canopies during World War II pilots suffered fewer infections from shards of acrylic than they had from glass (Whitaker, 1996).Aside as an important component of cuvettes and tubing connectors, it is also used to produce test kits, luers, drainage wands, syringes, blood filters, blood marrow housings, fluid silos, surgical blade dispensers, surgical trays etc.Finally, acrylic polymers is not only superior in te rms 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 molding (Whitaker, 1996).But there is more. The said material can be depolymerized back 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 world of plastic, acrylic polymers belong to the eyeshade shelf. The range of its applications is a great help in the development of many industries especially in the medical field. Among other things it has provided cost-efficiency and safety concerning th e medical practice and other industrial purposes.ReferencesAmerican Chemistry Council. (2007). The Basics Polymer interpretation 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 Living and ProblemSolving. New Jersey John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Feldman, D. & Barbalata, A. (1996). semisynthetic 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/archive/06/01/001.html.