PMMA
Science & Engineering abbreviation · Chemistry
| Stands for | Poly(methyl methacrylate) |
|---|---|
| Categories | Science & Engineering |
PMMA stands for Poly(methyl methacrylate), a chemistry abbreviation.
Transparent, shatter-resistant plastic sold as acrylic glass or under brand names such as Plexiglas, Perspex and Lucite. PMMA is used for aquarium windows, signs, sneeze guards, car taillights, bone cement and rigid contact lenses.
Example: The display case is 6 mm cast PMMA, lighter and tougher than glass.
Usage notes
Commercialized in the 1930s, it served in World War II aircraft canopies. Surgeon Harold Ridley noticed that canopy splinters in pilots' eyes caused little inflammation, which inspired the first PMMA intraocular lenses for cataract surgery. Laser cutters handle acrylic well, leaving flame-polished edges.
Related abbreviations
More chemistry abbreviations
- PFAS – Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances
- PFOA – Perfluorooctanoic acid
- PFOS – Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid
- pH – Potential of hydrogen
- pKa – Acid dissociation constant (negative logarithm)
- PLA – Polylactic acid
- PP – Polypropylene
- ppt – Precipitate
- PS – Polystyrene
- PTFE – Polytetrafluoroethylene
- PU – Polyurethane
- PVA – Polyvinyl alcohol