CEH Report

Table of Contents

Abstract

Methyl methacrylate monomer (MMA) is by far the most important methacrylic acid ester. It is a colorless, volatile, flammable, liquid that is slightly soluble in water. It polymerizes readily upon heating in the presence of a free radical initiator to form polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) resins, which have excellent transparency, strength and outdoor durability. MMA is also copolymerized with other monomers (vinyl acetate, acrylate esters or other methacrylates); the bulk of consumption is in acrylic polymers.

Construction/remodeling activity, automotive applications and original equipment manufacture account for approximately 80% of world MMA consumption. Demand for these markets is greatly influenced by general economic conditions. As a result, demand for MMA largely follows the patterns of the leading world economies. The markets for MMA are largely captive; many large producers consume 50–60% of their production captively, mainly for polymethylmethacrylate resins (PMMA) or surface coatings.

The following pie chart shows world consumption of methyl methacrylate:

World consumption of MMA grew at an average annual rate of 3.6% during 2005–2008, down from 5.0% during 2002–2005, the result of weaker demand caused by a sluggish global economy, especially during 2007–2008. Strong Asian (excluding Japan) demand in all applications boosted overall demand during 2005–2008. World consumption is forecast to grow at an average annual rate of 3.3% during 2008–2013. Continuing significant-to-rapid demand growth in Asia for PMMA electronic applications (flat screen televisions and liquid crystal displays) and surface coatings, and in Central and Eastern Europe, Africa and the Middle East for surface coatings, will balance out moderate growth in the Americas and Western Europe.