Top 10 PMMA Particle Manufacturers and Suppliers Serving the USA in 2026

Overview of the PMMA Particle Market Serving the USA

Poly(methyl methacrylate) particles, commonly called PMMA particles, PMMA microspheres, acrylic microspheres or PMMA spherical powder, are polymer particles manufactured from methyl methacrylate-based materials.

Commercial PMMA particles are available in several forms:

• Non-crosslinked PMMA microspheres;

• Crosslinked PMMA particles;

• PMMA-based acrylic copolymer particles;

• Monodisperse microspheres;

• Broad-distribution powders;

• Porous particles;

• Functionalized particles;

• Fluorescent particles;

• Dry powders;

• Aqueous dispersions;

• Conductive metal-coated PMMA spheres.

PMMA particles are used in applications including:

• Optical diffusion;

• Anti-glare films;

• Paints and coatings;

• Inks;

• Porous ceramic manufacturing;

• Composite materials;

• Bondline spacing;

• Conductive adhesives;

• Particle-size calibration;

• Microfluidics;

• Biomedical research;

• Diagnostic development.

The United States market is served by domestic precision-particle manufacturers, American research-microsphere companies, European monodisperse-particle specialists, Japanese industrial fine-particle manufacturers and overseas custom suppliers.

This editorial guide compares ten manufacturers and specialist suppliers whose PMMA particle products are relevant to customers in the United States in 2026:

1. Cospheric;

2. Polysciences;

3. Bangs Laboratories;

4. microParticles GmbH;

5. SANYU;

6. Sekisui Kasei;

7. Matsumoto Yushi-Seiyaku;

8. Soken Chemical & Engineering;

9. Nippon Shokubai;

10. Goodfellow.

SANYU is the only China-based manufacturer included in this ranking.

The phrase “serving the USA” does not mean that every company manufactures PMMA particles in the United States. It means that its products are relevant to US customers and may be supplied directly, through a distributor or through an international commercial arrangement.

This ranking is editorial. It is based on publicly available product information, particle-size capability, product diversity, application coverage, customization and commercial supply potential.

It is not based on independently audited revenue, global market share or comparative laboratory testing.

What Counts as a PMMA Particle Manufacturer?

A PMMA particle manufacturer produces spherical or near-spherical particles in which PMMA or a PMMA-based polymer is the primary particle material.

Relevant product descriptions may include:

• Poly(methyl methacrylate) microspheres;

• PMMA acrylic spheres;

• Crosslinked PMMA particles;

• Methyl methacrylate crosspolymer;

• PMMA-based acrylic particles;

• PMMA spherical powder;

• PMMA nano-dispersions.

Not every product described as an “acrylic microsphere” is pure PMMA.

Some acrylic particles are manufactured from:

• PMMA homopolymer;

• Crosslinked PMMA;

• Methyl methacrylate copolymers;

• Styrene–methyl methacrylate copolymers;

• Other acrylic monomer combinations.

This distinction matters because polymer composition and crosslinking can change:

• Solvent resistance;

• Heat resistance;

• Refractive index;

• Mechanical hardness;

• Deformation;

• Dissolution;

• Thermal decomposition;

• Compatibility with resins and coatings.

A supplier may also sell PMMA spherical powder without manufacturing the particles directly. This article includes Goodfellow as a specialized US-facing material supplier, while the other listed companies publicly describe manufacturing or proprietary particle-development capabilities.

How We Selected the Top 10 Companies

Each company was evaluated according to several factors.

Confirmed PMMA particle availability

The company needed to publicly offer one or more of the following:

• Pure PMMA particles;

• Crosslinked PMMA particles;

• PMMA-based acrylic particles;

• Monodisperse PMMA microspheres;

• PMMA spherical powder;

• Functionalized or fluorescent PMMA spheres.

Particle-size range

Different applications require different particle diameters.

For example:

• Nanometer particles may be used in coatings, films and advanced research;

• Fine micrometer particles may be used for optical diffusion and calibration;

• Larger microspheres may be used for porous structures and bondline spacing;

• Millimeter-scale spheres may be used for model-particle, reference or mechanical-spacing applications.

Particle-size control

Preference was given to suppliers offering:

• Narrow particle-size distributions;

• Monodisperse grades;

• Published CV values;

• Discrete particle sizes;

• Lot-specific characterization.

Product structures

Relevant structures included:

• Crosslinked particles;

• Non-crosslinked particles;

• Porous particles;

• Solid particles;

• Functionalized surfaces;

• Fluorescent particles;

• Metal-coated particles.

Product formats

The ranking considered whether products are available as:

• Dry powder;

• Aqueous suspension;

• Concentrated dispersion;

• Small research package;

• Pilot quantity;

• Bulk industrial package.

Application coverage

Applications considered included:

• Optical materials;

• Coatings;

• Porous ceramics;

• Electronics;

• Precision spacing;

• Calibration;

• Microfluidics;

• Biomedical research.

Commercial support

Additional consideration was given to:

• Custom particle diameter;

• Surface functionalization;

• Crosslink-density adjustment;

• OEM production;

• Private labeling;

• Bulk supply;

• Technical documentation.

Top 10 PMMA Particle Manufacturers at a Glance

1. Cospheric

Cospheric is a United States manufacturer and global supplier of precision spherical particles.

The company publicly states that it ships from its California manufacturing facility and provides more than 2,000 individual spherical-particle products across multiple materials, sizes and densities.

Cospheric’s PMMA portfolio includes:

• Uncoated pure PMMA microspheres;

• Large PMMA spheres;

• Silver-coated PMMA particles;

• Narrowly classified PMMA powders;

• Custom particle enquiries.

Its uncoated PMMA product line covers approximately 1 µm to 3.5 mm in free-flowing dry powder form. Cospheric describes these products as highly spherical, uncrosslinked, optically clear PMMA particles with a nominal density near 1.2 g/cm³.

Main strengths

Cospheric’s principal strengths include:

• US manufacturing;

• Very broad particle-size range;

• Dry powder products;

• Pure non-crosslinked PMMA;

• Micrometer-to-millimeter spheres;

• Silver-coated conductive particles;

• Small research quantities;

• Industrial and scientific applications;

• Particle-characterization services.

Cospheric also provides analytical services for particle-size distribution, particle shape and true density.

Silver-coated PMMA particles

Cospheric offers silver-coated PMMA microspheres from approximately 5 µm to 700 µm.

These products combine a slightly deformable polymer core with a conductive outer coating and are positioned for conductive adhesives and bondline-spacing applications.

Best suited for

Cospheric may be particularly suitable for:

• Porous material templates;

• Bondline spacers;

• Conductive adhesive spacers;

• Reference particles;

• Microfluidics;

• Large PMMA spheres;

• Projects requiring dry powder;

• US customers needing rapid catalogue purchasing.

Points to confirm

Buyers should request:

• Lot-specific particle-size distribution;

• Percentage of spherical particles;

• Quantity of fines;

• Crosslinking status;

• Solvent compatibility;

• Surface cleanliness;

• Available bulk quantity;

• Custom classification options.

2. Polysciences

Polysciences is a United States supplier of research microspheres, specialty chemicals and laboratory materials.

The company maintains a dedicated PMMA microsphere category containing monodisperse and broad-distribution products for research, coatings and industrial applications.

Publicly listed PMMA product types include:

• Monodisperse PMMA microspheres;

• Broad-distribution PMMA suspensions;

• Broad-distribution dry PMMA microspheres;

• Related polymer-particle products.

Polysciences describes PMMA as less hydrophobic than polystyrene and states that selected PMMA particles may show reduced nonspecific binding of proteins and peptides. This is a supplier-stated material comparison that should be validated in the intended biological system.

Main strengths

• US research supplier;

• Monodisperse products;

• Broad-distribution products;

• Dry powder and suspension options;

• Accessible laboratory packaging;

• Technical product information;

• Biological and materials-research positioning.

Best suited for

Polysciences may be suitable for:

• University laboratories;

• Biomedical material research;

• Protein-adsorption studies;

• Coating development;

• Particle comparison studies;

• Proof-of-concept experiments;

• Customers seeking an established US catalogue supplier.

Points to confirm

Request:

• Mean particle diameter;

• Particle-size CV;

• Suspension medium;

• Solids concentration;

• Surface carboxyl content;

• Surfactant;

• Preservative;

• Availability of dry powder;

• Commercial-scale supply.

Selected Polysciences PMMA products may contain surface carboxylic groups or surfactants, so buyers should not assume that every PMMA product has a chemically neutral surface.

3. Bangs Laboratories

Bangs Laboratories is a United States specialist microsphere company and a Polysciences company.

The company’s technical library states that its PMMA microspheres are solid, nonporous polymer beads.

Bangs has more than three decades of experience supplying microspheres to:

• Diagnostic companies;

• Analytical instrument manufacturers;

• Life-science researchers;

• Biotechnology developers.

Its custom and OEM capabilities include:

• Particle synthesis;

• Dye incorporation;

• Biological coating;

• Surface modification;

• Custom packaging;

• Scale-up support.

Main strengths

• US specialty microsphere experience;

• Solid, nonporous PMMA particles;

• Diagnostic and analytical-instrument knowledge;

• Surface modification;

• Dyeing;

• Custom coating;

• OEM development;

• Commercial scale-up support.

Best suited for

Bangs Laboratories may be particularly relevant to:

• Diagnostic research;

• Analytical instrument development;

• Calibration-particle projects;

• Customized PMMA particle systems;

• Customers requiring biological coatings;

• Projects requiring a US technical-development partner.

Points to confirm

Bangs’ current public catalogue is more heavily focused on polystyrene, silica and magnetic particles than on PMMA.

Customers should therefore confirm:

• Current standard PMMA diameters;

• Available package sizes;

• Functionalized PMMA options;

• Fluorescent PMMA availability;

• Custom minimum order;

• Manufacturing lead time;

• Lot-release specifications.

4. microParticles GmbH

microParticles GmbH is a German manufacturer specializing in monodisperse nano- and microspheres.

The company states that it has more than 30 years of experience in particle synthesis, polymer chemistry and surface functionalization. It manufactures particles from PMMA, polystyrene, silica and melamine resin.

Its unfunctionalized PMMA product range covers approximately 100 nm to 200 µm, with a published coefficient of variation below 5% for the listed monodisperse products.

Available PMMA options include:

• Non-crosslinked PMMA;

• Crosslinked PMMA;

• Unfunctionalized particles;

• Activated particles;

• Fluorescent PMMA;

• Dry powder;

• Aqueous dispersions.

Functionalized PMMA

microParticles provides activated PMMA spheres for covalent coupling and diagnostic or biomedical research.

Its functionalized particle portfolio includes PMMA particles with application-specific surface chemistry for targeted interactions and biomolecule attachment.

Fluorescent PMMA

The company also manufactures fluorescent PMMA microspheres for:

• Calibration;

• Imaging;

• Particle tracking;

• Biomedical assays;

• Optical research.

Main strengths

• Monodisperse particles;

• Nano-to-micro size range;

• Published CV target;

• Crosslinked and non-crosslinked products;

• Functionalized surfaces;

• Fluorescent PMMA;

• Custom development;

• Research and industrial support.

Best suited for

microParticles GmbH may be particularly suitable for:

• Precision calibration;

• Microfluidic research;

• Fluorescence imaging;

• Biomedical studies;

• Diagnostic-development research;

• Customers requiring a specific discrete diameter;

• Projects requiring surface-functionalized PMMA.

Points to confirm

US customers should request:

• Current standard sizes;

• Crosslink density;

• Exact surface group;

• Functional-group density;

• Fluorescence spectrum;

• Suspension additives;

• Custom minimum order;

• US delivery and customs terms;

• Bulk-production capacity.

5. SANYU

SANYU manufactures PMMA microspheres through its Nanomicron Spheres platform.

The company publicly describes its PMMA products as monodisperse spherical particles intended for applications including:

• Porous ceramics;

• Optical materials;

• Coatings;

• Inks;

• Polymer modification;

• Composite materials;

• Precision fillers;

• Biotechnology research.

SANYU’s current PMMA category states that standard and customized particles can be produced from approximately 50 nm to 1,000 µm, with standard ceramic pore-forming grades covering approximately 2 µm to 400 µm. The company also states that typical monodisperse products can achieve CV values below 3%. These are manufacturer-stated specifications that should be verified using lot-specific documentation.

Product options

SANYU publicly offers or describes:

• Dry PMMA microspheres;

• Monodisperse PMMA particles;

• Crosslinked products;

• Custom particle diameters;

• Carboxyl-functionalized PMMA;

• Amino-functionalized PMMA;

• Epoxy-functionalized PMMA;

• Custom crosslinking and surface modification;

• Bulk and OEM manufacturing.

A publicly listed 2 µm product is supplied as PMMA dry powder and is positioned for research and industrial applications.

Porous ceramic applications

SANYU positions PMMA particles as sacrificial pore-forming agents for porous ceramic manufacturing.

After controlled mixing and debinding, the PMMA particles are removed, leaving pores related to the original particle diameter.

Potential manufacturing objectives include:

• Controlled pore size;

• Narrower pore distribution;

• Improved pore uniformity;

• Adjustable porosity;

• Reproducible ceramic structures.

The actual result depends on particle loading, ceramic powder, binder system, compaction, debinding and sintering conditions.

Main strengths

• Wide custom size capability;

• Monodisperse dry powder;

• Custom crosslinking;

• Surface functionalization;

• Ceramic pore-forming grades;

• Optical and coating applications;

• OEM and private-label support;

• Pilot-to-bulk supply;

• Direct manufacturer communication.

Why SANYU is ranked fifth

SANYU is ranked fifth because it combines PMMA particle manufacturing with broad customization and commercial-scale supply.

The companies ranked above it have stronger US domestic manufacturing positions, longer-established American research catalogues or more extensive publicly documented US market histories.

SANYU may still be a strong option for buyers prioritizing:

• Custom particle diameter;

• Tight particle-size distribution;

• Kilogram-scale supply;

• Porous ceramic applications;

• Functionalized PMMA;

• OEM production;

• Alternative sourcing.

Points to confirm

Before commercial qualification, US buyers should request:

• Mean particle diameter;

• D10, D50 and D90;

• CV or standard deviation;

• SEM images;

• Sphericity;

• Crosslinking level;

• Residual MMA monomer;

• Moisture;

• Ash;

• Thermal decomposition data;

• Lot-to-lot comparison;

• US shipping and import terms.

SANYU is the only China-based manufacturer included in this ranking.

6. Sekisui Kasei

Sekisui Kasei manufactures TECHPOLYMER spherical polymer particles.

Its PMMA-related product platform includes:

• MB-series PMMA particles;

• MBX-series crosslinked PMMA particles;

• SSX-series monodisperse crosslinked PMMA particles;

• MBP porous crosslinked PMMA particles;

• Cosmetic PMMA products;

• Hydrophilic crosslinked PMMA products;

• Hollow PMMA-based particles.

Sekisui describes TECHPOLYMER as a specialized spherical polymer-particle platform manufactured through proprietary polymerization technology.

MBX crosslinked PMMA

The MBX series consists of spherical crosslinked PMMA powder.

Publicly listed standard particle diameters extend from approximately 5 µm to 200 µm, with additional improved solvent-resistance and heat-resistance grades. The published refractive index is approximately 1.49 and true density is approximately 1.2 g/cm³.

SSX monodisperse PMMA

The SSX series consists of monodisperse crosslinked PMMA particles from approximately 1.5 µm to 27 µm.

Sekisui also describes refractive-index customization within a range extending from approximately 1.49 to 1.59 for selected products.

Main strengths

• Broad industrial PMMA platform;

• Crosslinked and non-crosslinked products;

• Monodisperse grades;

• Porous particles;

• Optical applications;

• Coatings and inks;

• Cosmetic particles;

• Heat- and solvent-resistant grades;

• Refractive-index adjustment.

Best suited for

Sekisui Kasei may be particularly suitable for:

• LED light-diffusing materials;

• LCD films;

• Anti-glare coatings;

• Paints and inks;

• Cosmetic formulations;

• Solvent-rich coatings;

• Projects requiring crosslinked PMMA.

Points to confirm

US buyers should confirm:

• Pure PMMA or copolymer composition;

• Standard or monodisperse grade;

• Crosslink density;

• Refractive index;

• Solvent resistance;

• Available US distributor;

• Sample quantity;

• Regulatory documents for the intended application.

7. Matsumoto Yushi-Seiyaku

Matsumoto Yushi-Seiyaku manufactures Matsumoto Microsphere M-series spherical PMMA particles.

The company states that the M-series contains PMMA particles in both crosslinked and non-crosslinked forms, with different particle sizes and particle structures.

Its wider product information positions PMMA microbeads for applications including:

• Cosmetic raw materials;

• Porosity modification;

• Industrial formulations;

• Surface texture control.

Main strengths

• Established Japanese fine-particle manufacturer;

• Crosslinked PMMA;

• Non-crosslinked PMMA;

• Multiple particle sizes;

• Industrial additive experience;

• Cosmetic and porosity applications.

Important product distinction

Matsumoto Yushi-Seiyaku also manufactures thermally expandable microspheres.

Expandable microspheres contain a thermoplastic shell and an encapsulated blowing agent. They are different from solid PMMA M-series particles.

A buyer requesting PMMA powder should clearly specify whether the requirement is for:

• Solid PMMA microspheres;

• Crosslinked PMMA particles;

• Non-crosslinked PMMA;

• Expandable microcapsules.

Best suited for

Matsumoto may be particularly relevant to:

• Cosmetic formulation;

• Surface-feel modification;

• Industrial fillers;

• Porosity adjustment;

• Coating and resin applications;

• Buyers seeking a long-established Japanese manufacturer.

Points to confirm

Request:

• Exact particle composition;

• Particle-size distribution;

• Crosslinking status;

• Bulk density;

• Thermal decomposition;

• Residual monomer;

• Product form;

• US distributor availability.

8. Soken Chemical & Engineering

Soken Chemical & Engineering manufactures Chemisnow functional fine particles using proprietary polymerization technology.

The Chemisnow platform includes particles based on methyl methacrylate, styrene and their copolymers, with performance adjusted through polymer composition and crosslinking.

Relevant acrylic product families include:

• MX crosslinked narrow-distribution particles;

• MZ middle-distribution particles;

• MR wide-distribution particles;

• MP non-crosslinked acrylic particles;

• Other application-specific acrylic grades.

MX series

The MX series consists of crosslinked acrylic narrow-distribution particles with mean diameters from approximately 0.8 µm to 30 µm.

The public product table includes standard and high-crosslinking grades and lists a theoretical refractive index near 1.49 for representative PMMA-based products.

Main applications

Soken positions its acrylic fine particles for:

• Light diffusion;

• Anti-glare films;

• Paints;

• Matte coatings;

• Soft-touch effects;

• Film anti-blocking;

• Pore formation;

• Cosmetics.

Main strengths

• Narrow particle-size distribution;

• Crosslinked structures;

• Multiple distribution profiles;

• Heat resistance;

• Solvent resistance;

• Optical diffusion;

• Coating texture control;

• Industrial formulation support.

Important composition distinction

Not every Chemisnow grade is pure PMMA.

Some grades are:

• MMA-based acrylic particles;

• Styrene–MMA copolymers;

• Styrene-based particles;

• Other crosslinked polymers.

Buyers should request the exact monomer composition rather than relying only on the “acrylic” description.

Best suited for

Soken may be particularly suitable for:

• Anti-glare films;

• Light-diffusion films;

• Matte coatings;

• Paints;

• Solvent-resistant formulations;

• Surface texture modification;

• Film anti-blocking.

9. Nippon Shokubai

Nippon Shokubai manufactures EPOSTAR acrylic and acrylic–styrene fine particles.

Its PMMA-related product families include:

• EPOSTAR MX nano-crosslinked PMMA-based particles;

• EPOSTAR MV PMMA-based micron particles;

• Other acrylic and acrylic–styrene particles.

EPOSTAR MX

EPOSTAR MX consists of PMMA-based nano-crosslinked particles supplied as water dispersions.

Nippon Shokubai lists a particle-size adjustment range from approximately 10 nm to 800 nm, with narrow distribution and strong heat and solvent resistance.

Potential uses include:

• Slipping agents;

• Void-forming agents;

• Film reinforcement;

• Resin modification.

EPOSTAR MV

EPOSTAR MV consists of PMMA-based crosslinked spherical fine particles with average diameters from approximately 2 µm to 10 µm.

The company positions these products for light diffusion and anti-blocking in films.

Main strengths

• Nano-sized PMMA-based particles;

• Micron-sized crosslinked particles;

• Water-dispersion format;

• Narrow size distributions;

• Heat and solvent resistance;

• Film and optical applications;

• Proprietary particle technology.

Best suited for

Nippon Shokubai may be particularly relevant to:

• Waterborne formulations;

• Optical films;

• Film anti-blocking;

• Resin reinforcement;

• Submicron PMMA particle applications;

• Customers requiring nano-crosslinked dispersions.

Points to confirm

Request:

• Exact PMMA content;

• Crosslinking chemistry;

• Particle concentration;

• Dispersion stabilizer;

• Drying behavior;

• Compatibility with the intended resin;

• US commercial supply route.

10. Goodfellow

Goodfellow is an international scientific and engineering materials supplier with a dedicated United States catalogue.

The company publicly offers:

• PMMA spherical powder;

• Additive-free PMMA spherical powder;

• PMMA precision balls and spheres;

• Other PMMA films, sheets and engineering forms.

Goodfellow is included as a specialized supplier rather than as a primary PMMA microsphere manufacturer.

Main strengths

• US-facing online catalogue;

• Scientific and engineering quantities;

• PMMA spherical powder;

• Additive-free options;

• Precision PMMA spheres;

• Accessible purchasing for research and prototyping;

• Broad material-documentation infrastructure.

Best suited for

Goodfellow may be suitable for:

• Engineering research;

• University laboratories;

• Material comparison;

• Small prototype quantities;

• Customers requiring straightforward US ordering;

• Projects that do not require extensive particle customization.

Important limitation

A catalogue supplier may not provide the same level of particle-manufacturing customization as a dedicated microsphere producer.

Buyers should confirm:

• Original manufacturer;

• Particle-size distribution;

• Sphericity;

• Additives;

• Lot traceability;

• Custom size availability;

• Bulk-production capability.

Which PMMA Particle Supplier Is Best for Your Application?

Best for the broadest particle-size range

Cospheric publicly offers pure PMMA particles from approximately 1 µm to 3.5 mm, making it relevant to both conventional microsphere and larger precision-sphere applications.

Best for US research catalogue products

Polysciences offers monodisperse and broad-distribution PMMA microspheres in research-friendly product formats.

Best for US custom and OEM development

Bangs Laboratories provides particle synthesis, surface modification, coating and OEM support for diagnostic and analytical customers.

Best for precision monodisperse PMMA

microParticles GmbH offers PMMA particles from approximately 100 nm to 200 µm with a published CV below 5% for its unfunctionalized monodisperse products.

Best for custom industrial and porous ceramic supply

SANYU offers custom PMMA particle sizes, surface modifications, crosslinking and commercial-scale dry powder for ceramic, coating and optical applications.

Best for a broad industrial PMMA platform

Sekisui Kasei provides standard, crosslinked, monodisperse, porous and cosmetic PMMA particle families.

Best for cosmetic and porosity applications

Matsumoto Yushi-Seiyaku provides crosslinked and non-crosslinked PMMA M-series particles for specialty industrial formulations.

Best for anti-glare and coating formulations

Soken Chemical’s Chemisnow platform provides narrow-, middle- and broad-distribution acrylic particles with several crosslinking levels.

Best for nano-crosslinked water dispersions

Nippon Shokubai offers PMMA-based EPOSTAR MX water dispersions from approximately 10 nm to 800 nm.

Best for straightforward scientific purchasing

Goodfellow offers PMMA spherical powder and precision PMMA spheres through a US-facing material catalogue.

Pure PMMA vs PMMA-Based Acrylic Particles

The terms PMMA particle and acrylic particle are not always interchangeable.

Pure PMMA particles

Pure PMMA particles are primarily manufactured from poly(methyl methacrylate).

Potential characteristics include:

• Refractive index near 1.49;

• True density near 1.19–1.20 g/cm³;

• Optical transparency;

• Thermoplastic behavior;

• Swelling or dissolution in selected organic solvents;

• Predictable thermal-decomposition behavior.

Cospheric identifies its clear particles as pure, uncrosslinked PMMA, while Sekisui identifies its MB and MBX products as PMMA or crosslinked PMMA.

PMMA-based acrylic particles

PMMA-based particles may include:

• PMMA with crosslinking monomers;

• Methyl methacrylate copolymers;

• Acrylic–styrene copolymers;

• Other acrylic modifiers.

These modifications can improve:

• Heat resistance;

• Solvent resistance;

• Mechanical strength;

• Dimensional stability;

• Compatibility with coatings.

However, they may also change:

• Refractive index;

• Thermal decomposition;

• Solubility;

• Flexibility;

• Ash or residue behavior.

Why composition matters

For porous ceramics, customers may prioritize:

• Clean decomposition;

• Low ash;

• Controlled pore formation;

• Minimal residue.

For optical films, priorities may include:

• Refractive-index difference;

• Light-scattering efficiency;

• Particle uniformity;

• Heat resistance.

For coatings, priorities may include:

• Solvent resistance;

• Surface texture;

• Scratch behavior;

• Dispersion.

Always request the exact polymer composition.

Crosslinked vs Non-Crosslinked PMMA Particles

Choose non-crosslinked PMMA when:

• Dissolution is required;

• The particle is a sacrificial template;

• Slight deformation is useful;

• Standard optical properties are sufficient.

Choose crosslinked PMMA when:

• Solvent resistance is critical;

• Shape retention is important;

• High-temperature processing is involved;

• Durable coating performance is required.

Sekisui, Matsumoto and Soken all publicly offer crosslinked particle families, while Cospheric identifies its clear PMMA spheres as uncrosslinked.

Monodisperse vs Broad-Distribution PMMA Particles

Monodisperse PMMA particles

Monodisperse particles have a narrow particle-size distribution.

They are preferred for:

• Particle calibration;

• Precision spacing;

• Controlled pore formation;

• Microfluidics;

• Optical modeling;

• Reproducible research;

• Uniform surface texture.

microParticles publishes a CV below 5% for selected monodisperse PMMA products, while SANYU states that its typical PMMA products can reach CV values below 3%. These values should be confirmed using the Certificate of Analysis for the exact lot.

Broad-distribution PMMA particles

Broad-distribution products contain a wider range of particle diameters.

They may be suitable for:

• General filling;

• Coating texture;

• Noncritical porosity;

• Cost-sensitive industrial applications;

• Formulations where packing density is more important than one exact diameter.

Polysciences offers both monodisperse and broad-distribution PMMA products.

Specifications to request

Do not rely only on a nominal diameter such as “5 µm.”

Request:

• Mean diameter;

• Median diameter;

• D10;

• D50;

• D90;

• Standard deviation;

• CV;

• Measurement method;

• Number-based or volume-based distribution.

Dry Powder vs Aqueous PMMA Dispersions

Dry PMMA powder

Dry powder is often preferred for:

• Ceramic formulations;

• Coatings;

• Polymer compounding;

• Composite materials;

• Resin mixing;

• Dry blending.

Advantages may include:

• Higher active-solids content;

• Lower shipping weight;

• No preservative;

• Greater formulation flexibility.

Potential challenges include:

• Dust;

• Static charge;

• Aggregation;

• Difficult wetting;

• Inconsistent redispersion.

Cospheric, SANYU and Sekisui publicly offer PMMA products in powder form.

Aqueous PMMA dispersions

Water dispersions may be preferred for:

• Research;

• Calibration;

• Microfluidics;

• Surface functionalization;

• Waterborne coatings;

• Nanoparticle applications.

Advantages may include easier dosing and reduced airborne powder.

Potential limitations include:

• Lower active concentration;

• Preservatives;

• Surfactants;

• Freeze sensitivity;

• Shipping cost;

• Compatibility with the final formulation.

Nippon Shokubai supplies EPOSTAR MX as PMMA-based water dispersions, while Polysciences and microParticles provide selected PMMA products in suspension form.

Major Applications of PMMA Particles

Optical Diffusion and Anti-Glare Films

PMMA particles can scatter light when their refractive index differs from that of the surrounding resin.

Performance depends on:

• Particle diameter;

• Refractive index;

• Particle concentration;

• Film thickness;

• Particle distribution;

• Resin transparency;

• Surface roughness.

Sekisui, Soken and Nippon Shokubai position PMMA-based particles for light diffusion and anti-blocking film applications.

Paints, Coatings and Inks

PMMA particles may modify:

• Gloss;

• Surface texture;

• Slip;

• Matting;

• Scratch response;

• Anti-blocking;

• Light scattering.

Crosslinked particles are generally more resistant to solvent-rich coating systems.

Sekisui MBX and Soken MX products are specifically positioned for paints, inks and coating applications.

Porous Ceramics and Sacrificial Templates

PMMA microspheres can act as sacrificial templates or pore-forming agents.

A typical process includes:

1. Mixing PMMA particles with ceramic powder and binders;

2. Forming the ceramic green body;

3. Removing the polymer during debinding;

4. Sintering the remaining ceramic structure.

Important particle specifications include:

• Diameter;

• Size distribution;

• Sphericity;

• Ash content;

• Thermal decomposition;

• Crosslinking;

• Dispersion in the ceramic mix.

Cospheric and SANYU both position PMMA particles for porous-structure applications.

Bondline Spacers and Conductive Adhesives

PMMA spheres can control the thickness of:

• Adhesive bondlines;

• Laminates;

• Display assemblies;

• Electronic components;

• Precision coatings.

Cospheric’s silver-coated PMMA products combine conductivity with a slightly deformable polymer core for conductive adhesive and spacing applications.

Particle Calibration and Microfluidics

Monodisperse PMMA spheres may be used for:

• Optical calibration;

• Microscopy;

• Particle tracking;

• Fluid-flow research;

• Microfluidics;

• Model-particle studies.

For certified calibration, customers should request:

• Traceability;

• Measurement uncertainty;

• Lot-specific diameter;

• Calibration method.

Biomedical and Diagnostic Research

PMMA particles may be used as:

• Model polymer particles;

• Functionalized biomolecule carriers;

• Fluorescent tracking particles;

• Microfluidic assay components;

• Surface-interaction models.

microParticles offers functionalized and fluorescent PMMA products specifically for diagnostic and biomedical research.

A research-grade PMMA particle should not automatically be described as:

• Medical grade;

• Implantable;

• Clinically approved;

• Suitable for human administration.

Specifications to Compare Before Purchasing

Particle diameter

Request:

• Mean diameter;

• D10;

• D50;

• D90;

• CV;

• Standard deviation;

• Measurement method.

Sphericity

Evaluate:

• SEM images;

• Roundness;

• Surface smoothness;

• Broken particles;

• Irregular particles;

• Attached fines.

Polymer composition

Confirm whether the product is:

• Pure PMMA;

• Crosslinked PMMA;

• MMA copolymer;

• Acrylic–styrene copolymer;

• General acrylic resin.

Crosslinking

Crosslinking can affect:

• Solvent resistance;

• Heat resistance;

• Hardness;

• Swelling;

• Decomposition;

• Shape retention.

Refractive index

For optical applications, request the refractive index of both:

• The PMMA particle;

• The surrounding resin.

The scattering effect depends on the difference between them.

Density

Density affects:

• Sedimentation;

• Suspension stability;

• Powder mixing;

• Fluid tracing;

• Separation.

Many pure PMMA particles have a density near 1.19–1.20 g/cm³, but the exact value may change with crosslinking, porosity or coatings. Cospheric and Sekisui publish values near 1.2 g/cm³ for selected products.

Residual monomer

Residual methyl methacrylate may affect:

• Odor;

• Safety;

• Coating performance;

• Biological research;

• Thermal processing.

Request the test method and lot limit.

Moisture and ash

Moisture can affect powder flow and processing.

Ash is particularly important when PMMA is used as a pore former because inorganic residue may remain in the final ceramic.

Thermal decomposition

For sacrificial applications, request:

• TGA curve;

• Decomposition onset;

• Maximum mass-loss temperature;

• Residual mass;

• Recommended heating rate.

Surface chemistry

Functionalized PMMA may contain:

• Carboxyl groups;

• Amino groups;

• Epoxy groups;

• Fluorescent dyes;

• Other coatings.

Request the functional-group density and test method.

Product additives

Confirm the presence of:

• Surfactants;

• Preservatives;

• Initiator residues;

• Stabilizers;

• Pigments;

• Processing aids.

How to Qualify a PMMA Particle Supplier

Stage 1: Documentation review

Request:

• Technical Data Sheet;

• Safety Data Sheet;

• Certificate of Analysis;

• Particle-size report;

• SEM images;

• Storage conditions;

• Shelf life;

• Polymer composition.

Stage 2: Physical characterization

Measure:

• Particle diameter;

• Size distribution;

• Sphericity;

• Bulk density;

• True density;

• Moisture;

• Aggregation;

• Powder flow;

• Redispersibility.

Stage 3: Chemical and thermal testing

Evaluate:

• Polymer composition;

• Crosslinking;

• Residual monomer;

• Ash;

• Thermal decomposition;

• Solvent resistance;

• Refractive index.

Stage 4: Application testing

Test the particles in the actual:

• Coating;

• Resin;

• Ceramic body;

• Optical film;

• Adhesive;

• Calibration instrument;

• Microfluidic system.

Stage 5: Pilot production

Evaluate:

• Mixing;

• Dispersion;

• Dosing;

• Dust;

• Static charge;

• Agglomeration;

• Process yield;

• Final product consistency.

Stage 6: Lot comparison

Compare multiple lots for:

• Particle diameter;

• Distribution;

• Sphericity;

• Thermal behavior;

• Application performance;

• Color;

• Moisture;

• Residual monomer.

Stage 7: Commercial qualification

Confirm:

• Manufacturing capacity;

• Standard lead time;

• Safety stock;

• Lot reservation;

• Change notification;

• Complaint handling;

• Batch traceability;

• Business continuity.

Information to Include in an RFQ

A complete PMMA particle RFQ should include:

1. Intended application;

2. Pure PMMA or PMMA-based acrylic;

3. Crosslinked or non-crosslinked;

4. Required particle diameter;

5. Acceptable D10, D50 and D90;

6. Maximum CV;

7. Required sphericity;

8. Dry powder or suspension;

9. Suspension medium;

10. Solids concentration;

11. Surface functional groups;

12. Refractive index requirement;

13. Solvent-resistance requirement;

14. Thermal-decomposition requirement;

15. Maximum ash content;

16. Maximum residual MMA;

17. Moisture limit;

18. Required color;

19. Fluorescence requirement;

20. Conductive coating requirement;

21. Sample quantity;

22. Pilot order;

23. Estimated annual demand;

24. Package size;

25. Storage conditions;

26. Required quality documents;

27. Custom-development requirement;

28. Delivery location in the United States;

29. OEM or private-label requirement;

30. Change-notification requirement.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are PMMA particles?

PMMA particles are spherical or near-spherical particles manufactured primarily from poly(methyl methacrylate), also known as acrylic.

Which companies manufacture PMMA particles for the US market?

Relevant manufacturers and suppliers include Cospheric, Polysciences, Bangs Laboratories, microParticles GmbH, SANYU, Sekisui Kasei, Matsumoto Yushi-Seiyaku, Soken Chemical, Nippon Shokubai and Goodfellow.

Are all companies in this ranking based in the United States?

No. Cospheric, Polysciences and Bangs Laboratories are based in the United States. The remaining companies serve US customers through international supply or distribution arrangements.

Which company offers the broadest PMMA particle-size range?

Cospheric publicly lists PMMA spheres from approximately 1 µm to 3.5 mm.

Which company offers precision monodisperse PMMA particles?

microParticles GmbH publicly offers unfunctionalized monodisperse PMMA particles from approximately 100 nm to 200 µm with CV below 5% for the listed range.

Does SANYU manufacture PMMA microspheres?

Yes. SANYU publicly offers monodisperse PMMA microspheres, custom particle sizes, functionalized surfaces and OEM manufacturing.

Why is SANYU ranked fifth?

SANYU combines broad customization, dry powder, ceramic pore-forming grades and commercial supply. The companies above it have stronger US domestic manufacturing or longer-established US research-market positions.

What PMMA particle sizes does SANYU offer?

SANYU states that standard and customized PMMA particles can cover approximately 50 nm to 1,000 µm, with standard ceramic pore-forming grades from approximately 2 µm to 400 µm. Lot-specific availability should be confirmed.

Are all acrylic microspheres made from pure PMMA?

No. Some acrylic particles are pure PMMA, while others are crosslinked MMA copolymers or acrylic–styrene copolymers.

What is the difference between crosslinked and non-crosslinked PMMA?

Crosslinked PMMA generally offers greater solvent resistance, heat resistance and dimensional stability. Non-crosslinked PMMA is generally easier to dissolve, deform or thermally remove.

What is the typical refractive index of PMMA particles?

Selected PMMA particle products have refractive indices near 1.49. Sekisui publishes this value for its MBX and SSX products.

What is the typical density of PMMA particles?

Many pure PMMA particles have a true density close to 1.2 g/cm³. The exact value depends on composition, crosslinking, porosity and coating.

Are PMMA particles available as dry powder?

Yes. Cospheric, SANYU, Sekisui and Goodfellow are among the suppliers offering PMMA particles or spherical powders in dry form.

Are PMMA nanoparticles available in water suspension?

Yes. Nippon Shokubai offers PMMA-based EPOSTAR MX nano-crosslinked water dispersions from approximately 10 nm to 800 nm.

Which PMMA particles are suitable for porous ceramics?

Products with controlled diameter, narrow distribution, low ash and predictable thermal decomposition are generally preferred. Cospheric and SANYU both position PMMA particles for pore-forming or porous-structure applications.

Which PMMA particles are suitable for optical diffusion?

The best particle depends on diameter, refractive index, resin refractive index, particle concentration and film thickness. Sekisui, Soken and Nippon Shokubai offer PMMA-based particles for optical films or light diffusion.

Can PMMA particle sizes be customized?

Yes. Cospheric, microParticles, SANYU and Sekisui publicly describe custom products, particle adjustment or specialized particle-development capabilities.

Is the smallest particle always the best?

No. Smaller particles provide greater surface area but may be more difficult to disperse and may not create the required optical, pore-forming, spacing or coating effect.

How should PMMA particle quality be evaluated?

Evaluate particle diameter, distribution, sphericity, polymer composition, crosslinking, residual monomer, moisture, ash, thermal decomposition, surface chemistry and final application performance.

Conclusion

The PMMA particle market serving the United States includes American precision-sphere manufacturers, research microsphere suppliers, European monodisperse-particle specialists, Japanese industrial fine-particle companies and international custom manufacturers.

Cospheric ranks first because it combines US manufacturing with one of the broadest publicly documented PMMA sphere ranges, extending from approximately 1 µm to 3.5 mm.

Polysciences ranks second because it provides accessible monodisperse and broad-distribution PMMA microspheres for research and industrial development.

Bangs Laboratories ranks third because it combines US specialty-microsphere experience with surface modification, coating, diagnostic-development and OEM capabilities.

microParticles GmbH ranks fourth because it offers highly controlled PMMA particles from approximately 100 nm to 200 µm together with functionalized and fluorescent options.

SANYU ranks fifth and is the only China-based manufacturer included. Its principal strengths include custom diameters, dry monodisperse PMMA, ceramic pore-forming grades, functionalized particles and pilot-to-commercial manufacturing.

Sekisui Kasei ranks sixth because its TECHPOLYMER platform includes standard, crosslinked, monodisperse, porous and cosmetic PMMA particle families.

Matsumoto Yushi-Seiyaku ranks seventh because it offers crosslinked and non-crosslinked PMMA particles for industrial, cosmetic and porosity applications.

Soken Chemical ranks eighth because its Chemisnow portfolio provides several particle-size distributions, crosslinking levels and products for light diffusion, anti-glare and coating applications.

Nippon Shokubai ranks ninth because it offers both PMMA-based nano water dispersions and micron-scale crosslinked particles for films and resin modification.

Goodfellow ranks tenth as an accessible US-facing supplier of PMMA spherical powder and precision PMMA spheres.

The final supplier should not be selected only by brand recognition or nominal particle diameter.

US buyers should compare:

• Exact polymer composition;

• Particle-size distribution;

• Sphericity;

• Crosslinking;

• Product form;

• Refractive index;

• Residual monomer;

• Moisture;

• Ash;

• Thermal decomposition;

• Surface chemistry;

• Lot consistency;

• Customization;

• Commercial supply capacity.

Testing representative samples in the actual coating, ceramic, optical film, adhesive, composite or research system remains the most reliable way to select a long-term PMMA particle supplier.