Nearly all methyl methacrylate (MMA) is polymerised to make homopolymers and copolymers with the largest application being the casting, moulding or extrusion of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) or modified polymers. This acrylic sheeting has clarity, weather-resistance and light weight properties making it a suitable substitute for glass in safety glazing, panels and illuminated light displays.
Methylmethacrylate-butadiene-styrene (MBS) copolymers are used as an impact modifier for clear rigid polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and in food and pharmaceutical packaging. MMA can partially replace styrene in unsaturated polyester resins to give better weather resistance and longer life.
A major application of MMA polymers and copolymers is in surface coatings and impregnation resins to give colour fastness and weather-resistance properties to latex paints, lacquer resins and stoving enamels. For example, exterior latex paint is based on emulsions containing MMA while other uses include industrial finishes, and metal and foil coatings.
Over 80% of MMA consumption is accounted for in the construction and automotive industries and by original equipment manufacture. Demand from these markets has slumped in the economic downturn. 
A growth sector has been electronic applications for PMMA where it is used in flat screen televisions and liquid crystal displays. Demand in this application has seen strong growth up to 2008 but was expected to decline for the first time in 2009 as consumers put off purchases of flat screen TVs and computer monitors.
Demand for MMA has been growing at 4-5%/year since 2002 and is expected to continue at 3-5%/year over the long term. The rapid growth in demand in Asia, driven by the electronics sector, will balance out the slower growth at GDP rates in western Europe and north America.
US demand for MMA is forecast to grow at 3%/year over the long term, somewhat less than global demand growth. US exports could come under pressure as new capacity is built in other regions, particularly Asia.
Global MMA markets have been balanced to tight up to 2007 but markets started to ease considerably during 2008 when new capacity was brought on-stream. For example, Lucite started up its 120,000 tonnes/year plant in Singapore in the fourth quarter of 2008. Japan’s Mitsubishi Rayon has agreed to buy Lucite.
Further capacity is planned for start-up in 2009 and 2010. Evonik plans to start up a 115,000 tonnes/year plant in Caojing, China, in Q3 2009 while Daesan has a 90,000 tonnes/year project in South Korea due for completion in 2009. In 2010, Thai MMA plans to expand its 90,000 tonnes/year plant at Mab Ta Phut to 180,000 tonnes/year. In Europe, Quinn Chemicals has a 100,000 tonnes/year project in Leuna, Germany, that is expected to be completed in 2011.
(Updated: December 2008. Source: ICB Chemical Profile, 15 December 2008).
Methyl methacrylate
Price Reports
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Methyl methacrylate
Process Technologies
ICI first produced MMA in the mid-1930s using a technology that is the basis for the acetone cyanohydrin route used in many plants today. Acetone and hydrogen cyanide are first reacted to produce acetone cyanohydrin. Sulphuric acid converts the cyanohydrin to methacrylamide sulphate which is then treated with a methanol/water mixture and heated to form MMA and ammonium bisulphate.
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