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Materials
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Acrylic monomers are used to manufacture plastic materials like thermoplastic acrylics, thermosetting acrylics, and acrylic elastomers.
Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) is the main product of thermoplastic acrylics. Its properties are exceptional transparency and gloss, a high rate of light transmission, and a remarkable resistance to atmospheric agents and light. PMMA is also easy to work; Thus PMMA applications are very wide as shop decor and fittings, point-of-sale material, advertising signs, building construction, architectural fittings, sanitary ware, etc.
Altuglas International, subsidary of Arkema, is a global leader in PMMA (polymethylmethacrylate) with approximately a 20% share of global PMMA demand. Altuglas International markets its acrylic resins and sheet under the brand name Plexiglas® in the Americas and Altuglas® in Asia, Europe, Africa and the Middle East.
Thermoplastic polymethacrylate resins can also incorporate softer monomers to tailor specific properties.
Acrylic elastomers are polymers with a three-dimensional network, which is soft but elastic. This network is composed with long chains of high molecular weight (Norsocryl® BA or EA chains) cross-linked with intramolecular bonding due to the presence of other monomers as Norsocryl® acrylic or methacrylic acids. These acrylic elastomers are very resistant to ageing by air or ozone (up to temperatures of 200°C) and to swelling when in contact with hot oil. Automotive and aviation sectors (gaskets, fuel lines, etc.) are main applications of this field.
