What is poly methyl methacrylate used for?

Author: Prof. Jean Spencer  |  Last update: Friday, June 27, 2025

Poly(methyl methacrylate), or PMMA, is known by many different names, including Plexiglas and acrylic. The biocompatibility of PMMA material has gained it the medical moniker of “bone cement.” PMMA is often used as a lighter, shatter-resistant alternative to glass in everything from windows, aquariums and hockey rinks.

In what cases might methyl methacrylate be used?

Methyl methacrylate is used in the manufacture of resins and plastics.

Is polymethyl methacrylate harmful to the body?

Conclusion: PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate) is a synthetic polymer used in various medical and dental applications, including bone cement and contact lenses. It is generally considered a safe material, but like any foreign substance, it can cause adverse reactions in some people.

Is methyl methacrylate safe for skin?

* Methyl Methacrylate may cause a skin allergy. If allergy develops, very low future exposure can cause itching and a skin rash. * Methyl Methacrylate may damage the nervous system causing numbness, "pins and needles," and/or weakness in the hands and feet.

Is PMMA plastic safe to use?

PMMA is very useful for outdoor use. It will not corrode, and it is resistant to ultraviolet light, weather, and most other environmental factors. PMMA is one of the safer plastics, being both recyclable and BPA free. This makes PMMA considerably sustainable.

What is Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA, acrylic glass) and what is it used for?

Is PMMA hazardous?

- Skin: The product is not expected to acute toxic. - Inhalation: Mist or vapor from heated may irritate the respiratory tract. SKIN CORROSION/IRRITATION: No toxic symptoms reported. Monomer vapors from heated PMMA may cause irritation.

Is PMMA safe for skin?

Under normal use and contact, PMMA plastic is safe for humans. PMMA is a non-toxic, odorless, and non-irritating material that does not release harmful substances. However, when acrylic materials are subjected to high-temperature processing or burning, they may emit harmful gases.

Is polymethyl methacrylate cancerous?

Despite being formed by polymerizing methyl methacrylate (MMA) — an irritant and possible carcinogen — PMMA is extremely biocompatible. denture manufacturers. This biocompatibility can be attributed to PMMA's resistance to: Temperatures stress.

What are the side effects of PMMA?

Although considered safe for the most part by advocates, they have been associated with many adverse reactions such as ecchymosis, haematomas, swelling, itching, erythema, hypertrophic scarring, hypersensitivity, palpable nodules, tissue necrosis, blindness and foreign body granuloma.

What is the common name for methyl methacrylate?

The polymer is a clear plastic that is known by the familiar trade names Lucite and Plexiglas. MMA is also copolymerized with styrene and butadiene to make an additive to poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) that improves its properties. MMA is also transesterified to make specialty methacrylate monomers.

What are the side effects of methyl methacrylate?

Health Hazard Summary: The most common effect of overexposure to methyl methacrylate (MMA) is irritation of the skin, eyes, nose, throat, or lungs. MMA can affect the nervous system, causing symptoms similar to drunkenness, but most people will experience irritation first.

What are the disadvantages of PMMA?

Disadvantages. Poor solvent resistance. Low continuous use temperature of approx. 50 °C (120 °F).

What are the medical uses of poly methyl methacrylate?

PMMA has been used for (a) bone cements; (b) contact and intraocular lens; (c) screw fixation in bone; (d) filler for bone cavities and skull defects; and (e) vertebrae stabilization in osteoporotic patients.

What is another name for poly methyl methacrylate?

PMMA is also known as acrylic, acrylic glass, as well as by the trade names and brands Crylux, Hesalite, Plexiglas, Acrylite, Lucite, and Perspex, among several others (see below).

Is methyl methacrylate in toothpaste?

Magnesium carbonate acts as a mild abrasive and helps in removing plaque, while propylene glycol is used as a humectant to prevent the toothpaste from drying out. Other ingredients like aspartame may serve as sweeteners, and methyl methacrylate could be used in specific formulations for texture or bonding properties.

What is the end use of methyl methacrylate?

Methyl methacrylate is produced mainly by a process based on the reaction of acetone with hydrogen cyanide. It is an important monomer used mainly in the production of acrylic sheeting, moulding powders and resins and surface coatings.

Is poly methyl methacrylate safe?

As a matter of fact, this new solid has a completely different name: PMMA (poly methyl methacrylate) and is considered perfectly safe to use on natural nails. So when you see PMMA on the ingredient listing of your nail powders, you can now say you know it is perfectly safe to use.

Can PMMA be removed?

The surgery for the removal of PMMA from the face consists of an undermining of the facial skin, in a technique similar to the facelift. The altered tissues, due to the product, are then individualized and removed with all the care and delicacy necessary to avoid problems of injury to the nerves of the face.

What are the hazards of PMMA?

  • Respiratory or skin sensitization.
  • Germ cell mutagenicity.
  • Carcinogenicity.
  • Reproductive toxicity.
  • Specific target organ toxicity - single exposure.
  • Specific target organ toxicity - repeated exposure.
  • Aspiration hazard.
  • 11.2 Additional Information.

What is the difference between methyl methacrylate and polymethyl methacrylate?

You may see both PMMA and MMA out in the world, and they are related. PMMA is a polymerized version of MMA, which is methyl methacrylate and is a vital part of creating acrylic polymers.

What does methyl methacrylate cause?

Description. Acute (short-term) exposure to methyl methacrylate may cause irritation of the eyes, nose and throat, hypotension, dizziness, nausea and vomiting. Other symptoms may include headache, pain in the extremities, excessive fatigue, sleep disorders, memory loss, and allergic response on contact.

Can you be allergic to PMMA?

Polymethylmethacrylate resin (PMMA) is commonly used as a base for denture construction, because of its ease of use, low cost and repairability. However, PMMA has been known to produce allergic reactions in patients.

Is PMMA FDA approved?

The FDA approved PMMA in 2006 to treat nasolabial folds, “smile lines”. This product recently received its FDA approval for improving the appearance of moderate to severe, atrophic, distensible facial acne scars on the cheeks. This makes it the only FDA approved injectable filler for acne scars.

Is PMMA safe for jewelry?

Some PMMA acrylic could be chemically safe, but it is virtually impossible to know if that is what you are buying without certification of tests from the manufacturer. Self curing monomer is reported to cause more allergic and irritant reactions. Some plastics have very unsafe endocrine disrupting properties.

What are the cons of PMMA?

Environmental and safety concerns also arise with PMMA systems. During application, PMMA can emit odours and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which require proper ventilation and protective equipment for installers.

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