Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), including those sheets of high thickness, has distinguishing characteristics of high light transmittance (up to 92%) and superior outdoor weatherability. It possesses high gloss and surface hardness and is easy to fabricate, process, and thermoform. It has extensive ranges of colors, surface effects and textures. For the relevant technical standards/specifications can be referred to in China National Standards system - CNS13546 and CNS 2228.
PMMA does not contain any toxic materials or heavy metals, which may cause environmental damages or health risks. Neither does it produce any toxic or corrosive gases when burned. Some grades are approved for food contact.
Optical properties-
Excellent optical clarity with a transparency of 92%, which is equivalent to the best optical glass.
Weatherability-
Excellent long-term resistance to weathering and sunlight.
Mechanical properties-
Higher impact resistance - breakage resistance is 6-17 times greater than window glass.
Sustainability-
PMMA is a versatile, durable, recyclable and sustainable material.
Product Variety
Based on the manufacturing technique, Acrylic sheet can be divided into two categories, namely extrusion and cast sheet. An extrusion sheet is made by melting and conveying PMMA pellets through a die at the end of the extruder whilst a cast sheet is produced directly from monomers by cell or continuous casting process. During a cell casting process, MMA syrup is polymerized between two glass plates in batches. While in a continuous process, it is cast between moving steel belts.

Comparison of Three Types of Acrylic Sheets

Comparison of Common Transparent Plastics

Virgin Cast Acrylic Sheet Quality System with 2D Barcode
There are currently two types of MMA monomers supplied in the global market - virgin and recycled MMA. Virgin MMA is manufactured via chemical synthesis routes starting from diverse two- to four-carbon precursors whilst recycled MMA is obtained currently from thermal depolymerization of PMMA wastes. The commercially available virgin MMA is a colorless liquid with high purity, low acidity and low water content, and is used as a building block to make a wide variety of products in our daily life. At the present, recycled MMA is commonly seen with lower purity and smelly impurities and mostly used in cast sheet industry. In contrast to virgin sheets, recycled sheets are featured with bad weatherability and chemical/stain/solvent-resistance and are easy to become yellowing. They also usually come out with a pungent odor, crazings, bubbles and ripples.
Since 2009, a group of 6 companies in Taiwan has been using a product label with a 2D barcode for their virgin cast acrylic sheets to ensure that a quality cast acrylic sheet which is made of 100% virgin MMA can be easily identified by buyers and users.
Common Acrylic Sheet Products and Applications
Clear, Opal/White, Solid & Translucent Colors, Transparent & Tints Colors
Fluorescent
Light & Effects
Agama, Diffuse, ViVA LED, lce Color, Mirror, Pearlescent , Sparkle, Sanitary, Embeded, Silk & Satin
