Polymers obtained from a variety of acrylic monomers, such as acrylic and methacrylic acids, their salts, esters, and amides, and the corresponding nitriles. The most important monomers with corresponding repeat units are shown here.
Poly(methyl methacrylate) is a hard, transparent polymer with high optical clarity, high refractive index, and good resistance to the effects of light and aging. It and its copolymers are useful for lenses, signs, indirect lighting fixtures, transparent domes and skylights, dentures, and protective coatings.
Solutions of poly(methyl methacrylate) and its copolymers are useful as lacquers. Aqueous latexes formed by the emulsion polymerization of methyl methacrylate with other monomers are useful as water-based paints and in the treating of textiles and leather.
Poly(ethyl acrylate) is a tough, somewhat rubbery product. The monomer is used mainly as a plasticizing or softening component of copolymers.
Methyl methacrylate is of interest as a polymerizable binder for sand or other aggregates, and as a polymerizable impregnant for concrete; usually a cross-linking acrylic monomer is also incorporated. The binder systems (polymer concrete) are used as overlays for bridge decks as well as for castings, while impregnation is used to restore concrete structures and protect bridge decks against corrosion by deicing salts. See also Plastics processing; Polymerization.
