EN ISO 7823 Plastics - Poly(Methyl Methacrylate) Sheets - Types, Dimensions and Properties

The standard “EN ISO 7823 Plastics - Poly(methyl methacrylate) sheets - Types, dimensions and properties”, which is based on a European standard and later published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), consists of a number of subsections published under the same title. Namely,

The standard “EN ISO 7823-1 Part 1: Cast sheets” specifies unmodified plain poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) cast sheets (plates) requirements are described. Sheets may be colourless or coloured and may be transparent, translucent or opaque. The thickness range of sheets covered by this standard is between 1,5 mm and 25 mm.

For the purposes of this standard, the following terms and definitions apply:

Unmodified cast PMMA sheets are sheets based on methyl methacrylate homopolymers or copolymers of methyl methacrylate with acrylic or methacrylic monomers, produced by bulk polymerization in the presence of suitable initiators.
Flat PMMA sheets are sheets with two plane, essentially parallel surfaces.

The quantities of plasticizers (materials that do not chemically react to become part of the polymer), other monomers and crosslinkers (materials that produce the links between polymer chains) present must be such that the basic properties do not change from the values shown in the table given in the standard. These quantities are in most cases less than a 3 percent mass fraction. Other additives, such as colorants, UV adsorbents and pigments, may be included to impart specific properties. National environmental legislation and regulations regarding additives must be followed.

The standard "EN ISO 7823-2 Part 2: Extruded sheets" describes the requirements for flat poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) sheets extruded from colourless or coloured, transparent, translucent or opaque materials as defined herein. The thickness range of sheets covered by this standard is between 1,5 mm and 20 mm.
For the purposes of this standard, the following terms and definitions apply:
- Methyl methacrylate (MMA) homopolymers and copolymers refer to PMMA homopolymers and copolymers containing at least 80 percent MMA mass fraction and not more than 20 percent acrylic ester or other suitable monomers. They may include both unmodified materials and materials containing lubricants, processing aids, UV absorbers, pigments and colorants. They do not contain poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) modified with elastomers. The use of additives is governed by national environmental legislation and regulations.
- Flat PMMA sheets are sheets with two planar, essentially parallel surfaces.

Unless otherwise agreed by the parties concerned, the surfaces of the delivered board must be protected with suitable materials, such as kraft paper fixed with a water-soluble or pressure-sensitive adhesive or polyethylene film that can be easily removed without causing surface contamination or damage.

In terms of surface defects, the surface of the sheet should be smooth. There should be no scratches, marks or other surface defects greater than 4 mm2 anywhere on the sheet. In terms of inclusion defects, there should be no bubbles, foreign material inclusions, cracks or other defects that could adversely affect the performance of the sheet in its intended application. In terms of inclusions, there should be no defects greater than 2 mm2 anywhere on the sheet. The area of any defects found in the sheets is classified as specified in the table given in the standard. Each defect is evaluated separately. The minor defects defined as negligible (from the application point of view) in the table should not be in significant numbers within any 1 m2 area of the sheet. The significant number is agreed upon between the parties concerned. No defect defined as acceptable in the table should be within 500 mm of any other acceptable defect in the sheet.

Unless otherwise stated, the color distribution must be homogeneous. Color changes are decided between the relevant parties.

The standard “EN ISO 7823-3 Part 3: Continuous casting sheets” describes the requirements for unmodified plain poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) continuous casting sheets for general purpose use. The sheets can be colourless or coloured and can be transparent, translucent or opaque. The thickness of the sheets covered by this standard is between 1 mm and 10 mm.

For the purposes of this standard, unmodified flat cast poly(methyl methacrylate) sheet means a sheet having two planar, substantially parallel surfaces, produced by bulk polymerization in the presence of suitable initiators, based on MMA homopolymers or MMA copolymers with acrylic or methacrylic monomers.

The quantities of plasticizers (materials that do not undergo chemical reactions to become part of the polymer), other monomers and crosslinkers (materials that produce the links between polymer chains) present must be such that the basic properties do not change from the values specified in the table given in the standard. These quantities are in most cases less than a 5 percent mass fraction. Other additives such as colorants, UV absorbers and pigments may be added to impart specific properties. Requirements for additives are given in national environmental legislation and regulations.

Unless otherwise agreed by the parties concerned, the surfaces of the delivered board are protected with suitable materials, such as kraft paper fixed with a water-soluble or pressure-sensitive adhesive or polyethylene film that can be easily removed without causing surface contamination or damage.

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