Residual Methacrylate Monomers in Waste Process Waters

In all bulk polymerization manufacturing processes, the process water and steam used to promote the polymerization process is usually recycled.  There is no contact with the acrylic sheet, so there is no loss of monomer to waste water. Water used to cool polymer by contact in pelletization processes is generally monitored and treated as required by state and local guidelines specific to the manufacturing facility location.

In solvent polymerization manufacturing processes there is no “waste water” as the process takes place in organic solvent. Cooling water for pelletization processes following the polymerization process is typically treated as noted above for bulk polymerization materials.

In emulsion polymerized manufacturing processes, the process water either is recycled, as in the case of air dried acrylic resins, sold directly with the polymer as in the case of latex polymers, or treated as required by state and local guidelines specific to the manufacturing facility location.