PMMA Hydrophobic: Explaining Molecular Level

[AFG34]

I'm just wondering why PMMA (polymethylmethacrylate) is hydrophobic and does not attract water. I can't find anything that explains this on a molecular level :S

 

[chemisttree]

try https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=205783"

 

[quicknote]

PMMA is a polymer that is composed of repeating units of methyl methacrylate monomers. These monomers have a hydrophobic nature due to the presence of nonpolar methyl groups. This means that they do not have any charge or polarity, making them unable to interact with water molecules. As a result, PMMA as a whole material is also hydrophobic.

At the molecular level, PMMA's hydrophobicity can be explained by the structure of its monomers. The methyl groups in the monomers have a strong bond with the carbon atoms, making them less likely to interact with other molecules, including water. Additionally, the monomers are arranged in a way that minimizes contact with water molecules, further increasing its hydrophobicity.

Furthermore, the polymerization process of PMMA also contributes to its hydrophobic nature. During polymerization, the monomers link together to form a long chain with a nonpolar backbone, making the overall molecule nonpolar and hydrophobic.

In summary, PMMA's hydrophobicity can be explained by the nonpolar nature of its monomers, the arrangement of these monomers in the polymer, and the polymerization process. These factors prevent PMMA from interacting with water, making it a hydrophobic material.