What is the difference between acetal PMMA and PMMA?

Acetals and PMMA(polymethyl methacrylate) are two different chemicals, and there are significant differences between them. Here's a breakdown of the differences:

First, chemical structure and properties

Acetal:

Chemical structure: acetal is an organic compound formed by the condensation of one molecule of aldehyde and two molecules of alcohol, which belongs to ether derivatives.

Properties: Usually has a pleasant aroma, less chemical stability than other ethers, and tends to polymerize when placed.

PMMA(Polymethyl methacrylate) :

Chemical structure: PMMA is a kind of high molecular polymer, which is prepared by polymerization of methyl methacrylate monomer.

Properties: Commonly known as Plexiglass, it is a transparent, strong, heat-resistant plastic.

Second, physical properties

Acetal:

Density: Generally less than water.

Melting point and boiling point: The melting point is low, and the boiling point varies according to the specific compound.

Solubility: soluble in water and ethanol, ethyl ether, acetone, chloroform and other organic solvents.

Stability: stable to base, but warm in dilute acid will occur hydrolysis reaction.

PMMA:

Density: about 1.15-1.19g/cm³, about half the density of glass.

Transparency: Very high, light transmittance can reach more than 92%.

Mechanical properties: With good toughness and mechanical strength, tensile resistance and impact resistance than ordinary glass.

Thermal performance: medium heat resistance, maximum continuous use temperature with different working conditions between 65℃-95℃, thermal decomposition temperature slightly higher than 270℃.

Third, use

Acetal:

It is mainly used in the spice industry as an additive for food and cosmetics to add aroma to products.

It is used in organic synthesis as a method to protect the aldehyde group and as a raw material for the synthesis of other organic compounds.

PMMA:

Optical field: Used to manufacture high-quality lenses, glasses, photographic lenses, automotive lamps, optical fibers, etc.

Architectural field: Used for skylight, wall covering, decorative panels, etc.

Medical field: Used in the manufacture of artificial crystals, dental filling materials, transparent medical devices, etc.

Advertising and display: used to make billboards, display shelves, product display boxes, etc.

Lighting field: such as LED flat light guide plate.

Electronic appliances: used as shell, insulation materials, etc.

Fourth, summary

Acetal and PMMA have significant differences in chemical structure, physical properties and uses. Acetals are mainly used in the fragrance industry and organic synthetic raw materials, while PMMA is widely used in many fields because of its excellent transparency, mechanical properties and processing properties. In practical applications, appropriate materials need to be selected according to specific needs and scenarios.