THERMOFORMING POLYMETHYL METHACRYLATE

This study characterized a range of commercially available polymethyl methacrylate sheets with respect to molecular weight, residual monomer content, and glass transition temperature and then developed a thermoforming procedure that produced visually satisfactory thermoformed polymethyl methacrylate specimens. Molecular weight values of Perspex material were considerably greater than those of the other materials, All materials but Diakon had residual monomer concentrations of less than 1% and glass transition temperature values greater than 100 degrees C. Perspex material was selected for further investigation. It was necessary to preheat Perspex sheets in an oven at 160 degrees C for at least 30 minutes before heating and forming on the thermoforming apparatus to obtain acceptable specimens.