What Is Lucite? Discover Properties and Applications

What is Lucite?

Lucite is a trademark for polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) manufactured by Lucite International, a subsidiary of Mitsubishi Chemical Group. PMMA is a type of acrylic polymer made from methyl methacrylate monomers. Acrylic polymers can be used to make plastic materials used to create various items.

As a material, Lucite exhibits a high degree of toughness and durability, with excellent resistance to yellowing under exposure to UV light and harsh environmental stress. A property that separates Lucite from other types of plastic polymers is the fact that it is highly transparent and facilitates visible light transmission by as much as 92%, which is akin to how much light glass transmits.

What applications is Lucite used in?

Lucite is sold as solid PMMA particles that appear as a powder. It can be injection molded or cast to create shapes, embed objects, or manufacture sheets that can be thermoformed and used in industrial applications. These applications include the manufacturing of dental guards and retainers, windows and viewports for vehicles, and plaques and embedments. 

Why should you use Lucite?

Lucite was first manufactured in 1937, with early use in military applications by the United States, used to create clear, abrasion- and shatter-resistant windowpanes and canopies in vehicles and aircraft. Today, it is still used in military and defense, but as mentioned above, it has been adopted in several other applications. Its widespread use became prevalent because it provides one or more of the following properties.

•    Excellent resistance to UV light degradation and weathering
•    High hardness and resistance to abrasion
•    Resistance to water, alcohols, dilute acids and alkali, and other chemicals
•    High acceptance of pigment loading
•    Exceptional gloss and clarity

What are the best practices for using Lucite?

Most grades of Lucite must be mixed with methyl methacrylate monomer to form slurries used for casting or embedment. These grades contain initiators such that no additional catalyst is required for polymerization. A specific ratio of Lucite to methyl methacrylate monomer is used to achieve a balance of properties. Typically, a ratio of 40% monomer to 60% polymer by weight is used, but ratios can vary from 30% monomer to 70% polymer to 70% monomer to 30% polymer. Due to natural shrinkage that occurs during polymerization of Lucite, we have prepared the following calculator for Lucite customers to determine what mass of Lucite and monomer must be added, accounting for shrinkage and the target monomer–polymer ratio.

Lucite Grades

Where can I buy Lucite?

ChemPoint is the exclusive distributor of Lucite in the United States. We stock Lucite in 55-pound bags and 275-pound drums. If you are interested in Lucite pricing or samples or have any questions about using it in casting or embedment applications, click below, and a member of our technical sales team will be in touch with you.