PMMA (Polymethylmethacrylate/acrylic) Material Data Sheet (cast sheet)

PMMA (cast sheet) Designation

Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) – Cast Sheet

PMMA (cast sheet) Tradenames

Acrigel, Acryl, Acrylite, Acrypet, Acryrex, Alathon, Altuglas, Anjacryl, Aristech, Astaglas, Claradex, Colorrx, Cyrolite, Delpet, Diakon, Elvacite, Elvakon, Goldrex, Lucite, Maxiglas, Next, Optix, Parapet, Permastat, Perspex, Plaskolite, Plexiglas, Plexiglas Satinice, Polyman, Polyplex, Shinkolite-P, Solarkote, Sumipex, Terez, Trimma, Tufcoat

PMMA (cast sheet) Typical uses

Lenses, light covers, glazing (particularly in aircraft), light pipes, meter covers, bathroom fittings, outdoor signs, skylights, baths, toys.

PMMA (cast sheet) Compositional summary

(CH2-C(CH3)COOCH3)n
Material family	Plastic (thermoplastic, amorphous)
Base material	PMMA (Polymethyl methacrylate / acrylic)
Polymer code	PMMA

PMMA (cast sheet) Composition detail

Polymer

100

PMMA (cast sheet) Physical properties

Density

1.18

–

1.2

g/cm³

PMMA (cast sheet) Mechanical properties

Young’s modulus	2.7	–	2.9	GPa
Specific stiffness	2.27	–	2.44	MN.m/kg
Yield strength (elastic limit)	57.8	–	63.7	MPa
Tensile strength	72.2	–	79.6	MPa
Specific strength	48.5	–	53.6	kN.m/kg
Elongation	2	–	7	% strain
Compressive modulus	2.68	–	3.27	GPa
Compressive strength	75.8	–	131	MPa
Flexural modulus	3	–	3.3	GPa
Flexural strength (modulus of rupture)	105	–	116	MPa
Shear modulus	1	–	1.2	GPa
Bulk modulus	4.32	–	4.54	GPa
Poisson’s ratio	0.365	–	0.375
Shape factor	5.1
Hardness – Vickers	17	–	19	HV
Hardness – Rockwell M	80	–	102
Hardness – Rockwell R	116	–	127
Elastic stored energy (springs)	594	–	727	kJ/m³
Fatigue strength at 10^7 cycles	15.2	–	16.8	MPa

PMMA (cast sheet) Impact & fracture properties

Fracture toughness	0.7	–	1.6	MPa.m^0.5
Toughness (G)	0.198	–	0.81	kJ/m²
Impact strength, notched 23 °C	1.6	–	2.1	kJ/m²
Impact strength, notched -30 °C	1.9	–	2.1	kJ/m²
Impact strength, unnotched 23 °C	17.9	–	20.7	kJ/m²
Impact strength, unnotched -30 °C	16.2	–	20.8	kJ/m²

PMMA (cast sheet) Thermal properties

Glass temperature	96	–	104	°C
Heat deflection temperature 0.45MPa	101	–	113	°C
Heat deflection temperature 1.8MPa	90	–	103	°C
Vicat softening point	103	–	115	°C
Maximum service temperature	80	–	105	°C
Minimum service temperature	-75	–	-65	°C
Thermal conductivity	0.17	–	0.25	W/m.°C
Specific heat capacity	1.4e3	–	1.52e3	J/kg.°C
Thermal expansion coefficient	90	–	162	µstrain/°C
Thermal shock resistance	133	–	242	°C
Thermal distortion resistance	0.00122	–	0.00239	MW/m

PMMA (cast sheet) Electrical properties

Electrical resistivity	3.3e23	–	3e24	µohm.cm
Electrical conductivity	5.75e-23	–	5.22e-22	%IACS
Dielectric constant (relative permittivity)	3.2	–	3.4
Dissipation factor (dielectric loss tangent)	0.05	–	0.06
Dielectric strength (dielectric breakdown)	17.7	–	21.7	MV/m
Comparative tracking index	600			V

PMMA (cast sheet) Magnetic properties

Magnetic type

Non-magnetic

PMMA (cast sheet) Optical, aesthetic and acoustic properties

Refractive index	1.49	–	1.5
Transparency	Optical quality
Acoustic velocity	1.51e3	–	1.56e3	m/s
Mechanical loss coefficient (tan delta)	0.0138	–	0.0148

PMMA (cast sheet) Absorption & permeability

Water absorption @ 24 hrs	0.2	–	0.4	%
Water absorption @ sat	1.1	–	2.1	%
Water vapor transmission	1.62	–	1.79	g.mm/m².day
Permeability (O2)	4.31	–	7.19	cm³.mm/m².day.atm

PMMA (cast sheet) Processing properties

Polymer injection molding	Unsuitable
Polymer extrusion	Unsuitable
Polymer thermoforming	Unsuitable
Linear mold shrinkage	0.2	–	0.8	%
Melt temperature	123	–	260	°C

PMMA (cast sheet) Durability

Water (fresh)	Excellent
Water (salt)	Excellent
Weak acids	Acceptable
Strong acids	Unacceptable
Weak alkalis	Excellent
Strong alkalis	Excellent
Organic solvents	Unacceptable
Oxidation at 500C	Unacceptable
UV radiation (sunlight)	Good
Flammability	Highly flammable