Application
Microporous ceramic pore-forming agent
Regarding the application research on pore-forming agents, we have also commissioned the Shanghai Institute of Ceramics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, to conduct corresponding experimental analyses on PMMA micropowders. The report they provided to us concludes that PMMA micropowders are ideal additives for the preparation of porous ceramics. Below, we quote the relevant experimental data provided by this institution:
Thermal analysis
This test employed a combined differential thermal analysis–thermogravimetric analysis method using a STA429 thermal analyzer manufactured by Netzsch GmbH in Germany to investigate the thermal stability of PMMA powder. The heating rate was 10°C/min, and the ambient atmosphere was air. As shown in the differential thermal analysis curve of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) (Figure 1), it is evident that the PMMA powder exhibits very little weight loss (<2%) below 240°C. Around 100°C, a small endothermic peak is observed, which can be attributed to the endothermic vaporization of water. Between 240°C and 400°C, the powder experiences significant weight loss, accompanied by a prominent endothermic peak around 300°C, as indicated by Peak 1 in Figure 1. Therefore, it can be concluded that the decomposition of the PMMA powder is essentially complete between 240°C and 400°C. At approximately 450°C, a distinct exothermic peak appears, as shown by Peak 2 in Figure 1; this peak is caused by the heat released from the combustion of gases generated during the decomposition of PMMA. By this point, the PMMA powder has been completely consumed, and no further weight loss, endothermic, or exothermic phenomena occur as the temperature continues to rise.
Microscopic analysis
(a)
(b)
(c)
Figure 2: SEM images of PMMA micropowder (a) ×1000, (b) ×4000, (c) ×8000
Particle Size Analysis
The particle size analysis of the PMMA micron powder prepared by Zongyan Chemical is shown in Figure 3. As can be seen from the figure, the particle size distribution of the powder is narrow and follows a normal distribution.
Figure 3: Particle Size Distribution of PMMA Powder
Conclusion
a.) PMMA fine powder decomposes between 240°C and 400°C and is completely volatilized before 500°C.
b.) PMMA micropowder exhibits a regular spherical shape at the microscopic level, making it well-suited for the formation of gas-phase spaces in porous materials.
In summary, the PMMA micron powder prepared by Zongyan Chemical (Suzhou) Co., Ltd. is an ideal pore-forming agent and holds great potential for wide-ranging applications in the field of porous ceramic fabrication.
Recommended products for pore-forming agents
| Variety Name | Dispersion type | Appearance |
Crosslinking state | Average particle size (μm) | Heating Reduction (% ) | Gel fraction (%) |
| MX-300 | Monodisperse | White fine powder | Highly Crosslinked | Around 3 | Below 2.0 | -- |
| KMR-3TA | Polydisperse | White fine powder | Highly Crosslinked | Around 3 | Below 2.0 | -- |
| MX-500 | Monodisperse | White fine powder | Highly Crosslinked | Around 5 | Below 2.0 | Above 97.0 |
| MX-1000 | Monodisperse | White fine powder | Highly Crosslinked | Around 10 | Below 2.0 | Above 97.0 |
| MX-1500H | Monodisperse | White fine powder | Highly Crosslinked | Around 15 | Below 2.0 | Above 97.0 |