ISO 24026-1:2020

Overview

ISO 24026-1:2020 sets an internationally recognized designation system for poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) thermoplastic materials used in moulding and extrusion processes. Developed by ISO Technical Committee ISO/TC 61, this standard provides the basis for specifying PMMA materials through a structured classification system. The document addresses homopolymers and copolymers of methyl methacrylate (MMA) containing at least 80% MMA by mass and excludes PMMA modified with elastomers. It covers materials in forms such as beads, granules, and pellets, both unmodified and modified by colorants or additives.

This standard does not provide detailed engineering performance or processing data but serves as a foundational framework that supports specification consistency and reproducibility in manufacturing and processing.

Key Topics

• Designation System Structure
  The designation consists of an identity block and an individual-item block subdivided into five data blocks:

  • Data Block 1: Material identification symbol "PMMA" per ISO 1043-1.
  • Data Block 2: Fillers or reinforcing materials (not covered in this part).
  • Data Block 3: Intended application or processing method, important properties, additives, and colorants.
  • Data Block 4: Key designatory properties including Vicat softening temperature, melt mass-flow rate, and optionally viscosity number.
  • Data Block 5: Optional, for additional specifications tailored to particular applications.

• Designatory Properties

  • Vicat Softening Temperature (VST): Classified into eight code-number ranges (e.g., 076, 084, 092) representing temperature intervals in °C.
  • Melt Mass-Flow Rate (MFR): Six code-number ranges (e.g., 005, 015, 030) defining flow properties in g/10 min.
  • Viscosity Number (VN): Optional, with six two-figure code-number ranges indicating molecular weight characteristic.

• Processing and Application Codes
  Codes identify key aspects such as injection moulding (M), extrusion (E), general use (G), colorants (C), light stabilization (L), and natural/uncolored (N). Codes enable clear communication of material features and intended processing methods.

• Supplementary Information
  Additional data blocks allow specification for enhanced or application-specific requirements to ensure consistent processing quality.

Applications

ISO 24026-1:2020 is essential for manufacturers, material suppliers, and product designers working with PMMA materials in industrial applications such as:

• Injection Moulding and extrusion for creating transparent or colored plastic parts.
• Production of films, tubes, profiles, and sheets with specified thermal and flow properties.
• Development of light-stabilized or heat-aged resistant PMMA for outdoor or high-performance uses.
• Standardized selection of PMMA grades for automotive, construction, medical devices, optical lenses, and electronic display components.
• Facilitation of international trade and regulatory compliance by harmonizing material designations.

By using the standard’s designation system, stakeholders ensure accurate identification and selection of poly(methyl methacrylate) materials tailored to processing needs and performance expectations.

Related Standards

• ISO 1043-1 – Plastics: Symbols and abbreviated terms for basic polymers, providing the material symbol "PMMA."
• ISO 24026-2 – Preparation of test specimens and determination of PMMA properties, specifying test methods for Vicat softening temperature, melt flow rate, and viscosity number.
• ISO 472 – Plastics Vocabulary, for terminology relevant to beads, granules, and pellets.

Together, these standards form a comprehensive suite supporting consistent PMMA material specification, testing, and classification.

Keywords: ISO 24026-1, PMMA designation system, poly(methyl methacrylate) standards, PMMA thermoplastic materials, Vicat softening temperature, melt mass-flow rate, viscosity number, PMMA specification, injection moulding PMMA, PMMA extrusion materials, plastics standards, ISO PMMA classification.