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Poly(methacrylic acid)
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<p>Poly(methacrylic acid) (PMAA) is a <a href="/facts/Polymer/eF32E50K">polymer</a> made from <a href="/facts/Methacrylic_acid/e9Nhpv1K">methacrylic acid</a> (preferred <a href="/facts/IUPAC/2AV6myCK">IUPAC</a> name, 2-methylprop-2-enoic acid), which is a carboxylic acid. It is often available as its sodium salt, poly(methacrylic acid) sodium salt. The monomer is a viscous liquid with a pungent odour. The first polymeric form of methacrylic acid was described in 1880 by Engelhorn and Fittig. The use of high purity <a href="/facts/Monomers/Gw3CltMb">monomers</a> is required for proper polymerization conditions and therefore it is necessary to remove any inhibitors by extraction (phenolic inhibitors) or via distillation. To prevent inhibition by dissolved oxygen, monomers should be carefully degassed prior to the start of the polymerization. </p>