This homopolymer is far less important than copolymers derived from methyl acrylate and other monomers.

PMA is softer than polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA),[1] It is tough, leathery, and flexible.

[2] Far more important than PMA are copolymers produced from methyl acrylate and one or more of the following comonomers methyl methacrylate, styrene, acrylonitrile, vinyl acetate, vinyl chloride, vinylidene chloride, and butadiene.

However in polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), a compound similar to PMA, degradation occurs instead.

[2] Derivatives of this polymer are commonly used in orally administered pharmaceutical formulations to target specific regions of the gastrointestinal tract.