Methacrylate sheet scrap

After starting the project CWS learned that the British had already determined the best size for high altitude droplets and were adding various substances to mustard to increase the particle size. In co-operation with the NDRC the CWS tested more than seventy thickeners. Finally, the search narrowed down to polystyrene and methyl methacrylate. After methyl methacrylate sheet scrap (Plexiglas and Lucite) became available from aircraft factories, the CWS adopted it as a mustard thickener. ... 

A further outstanding property of poly(methyl methacrylate) is its good outdoor weathering, in which respect the material is markedly superior to most other thermoplastics. After several years under tropical conditions the colour change is extremely small. When poly(methyl methacrylate) is heated above the glass transition temperature (105 C) it becomes rubbery and sheet material is easily manipulated at 150—160 C. Above about 200 C decomposition becomes appreciable and at 350—450 C a nearly quantitative yield of monomer is readily obtained. Thus the recovery of monomer from scrap polymer is a feasible proposition. 

---

See also in sourсe #XX -- [ ]

---