MMA vs epoxy
Poly (methyl methacrylate) is a substance commonly referred to as MMA. It is a form of transparent plastic akin to acrylic glass that is used as a type of flooring.
The substance is sometimes erroneously referred to as plastic glass, though its properties very different to glass. Examples include Plexiglass, Perspex or Lucite, which are brand names of various kinds of MMA.
Acrylic glass has been used as far back as World War II for things such as gun turrets, canopies, windshields and even submarine periscopes.
Epoxy is also be defined as a type of plastic. However, epoxy production can be either petroleum-derived or it can be plant-derived.
Epoxies contain a hardener that transforms them from liquid to solid. This is called curing. For flooring purposes, common hardeners tend to be carboxylic acids or tertiary amines that are mixed to create an epoxy 3D flooring substance. Many of these hardeners can produce off-gassing, which can be harmful even days after installation.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Embedding AI tools into architectural education
Beyond the render: LMU share how student led research is shaping the future of visualisation workflows.
Why document control still fails UK construction projects
A Chartered Quantity Surveyor explains what needs to change and how.
New planning reforms and Warm Homes Bill
Take centre stage at UK Construction Week London.
A brief run down of changes intentions from April in an onwards.
Reslating an ancient water mill
A rare opportunity to record, study and repair early vernacular roofs.
CIOB Apprentice of the Year 2025/26
Construction apprentice from Lincoln Mia Owen wins this years title.
Insulation solutions with less waste for a circular economy
Rob Firman, Technical and Specification Manager, Polyfoam XPS explains.
Recycled waste plastic in construction
Hierarchy, prevention to disposal, plastic types and approaches.
UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard V1 published
Free-to-access technical standard to enable robust proof of a decarbonising built environment.
Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
Why talking about prostate cancer matters in construction.
The Architectural Technology podcast: Where it's AT
Catch up for free, subscribe and share with your network.
The Association of Consultant Architects recap
A reintroduction and recap of ACA President; Patrick Inglis' Autumn update.
The Home Energy Model and its wrappers
From SAP to HEM, EPC for MEES and FHS assessment wrappers.
Future Homes Standard Essentials launched
Future Homes Hub launches new campaign to help sector prepare for the implementation of new building standards.
Building Safety recap February, 2026
Our regular run-down of key building safety related events of the month.
Planning reform: draft NPPF and industry responses.
Last chance to comment on proposed changes to the NPPF.
A Regency palace of colour and sensation. Book review.