Polycarbonate had earned the tag as the most suitable material to use within the automotive industry. However, these days, Polymethyl Methacrylate, the PMMA polymer or commonly known acrylic plastic, has efficiently risen to the growing demands in the automotive industry in replacing polycarbonate which are more important used in a, namely, automotive glazing.
Long established to use in several vehicle applications such as decorative trim, ambient lighting and door entry strips, automotive glazing is among those fields that supply the very best growth risk of PMMA.
Related key options that come with acrylic plastic making it suitable for the entire process of automotive glazing are discussed below.
Transportable
To produce a comparison on a very basic level, PMMA is half the weight plus much more transparent than glass, thereby providing crystal clear visibility even during the truth of fluctuating and unstable temperatures. As a result of its molecular structure, thermoformed methyl methacrylate resin are actually used almost mainly for car window glazing where all the necessary requirements for light-weight materials which might be safe, an easy task to process and perform in all weathers are met.
On top of Scratch Resistance
Another critical requirement of glazing is scratch resistance. Standard PMMA already has the highest surface hardness of thermoplastics regardless if uncoated. However, for automotive glazing, there are stringent conditions being fulfilled to meet the best state of scratch resistance. The application of a coating thus remains mandatory. Since PMMA is intrinsically UV and also weathering-resistant, a single-step coating works well. In comparison, thermoplastics which have low capacity weathering require a two-step coating system. This ends in relatively high costs for coating.
New design possibilities
PMMA glazing is Forty to fifty percent lighter than conventional glass, which piques a person’s eye of automobile manufacturers. With the advantages being immediately obvious, PMMA is known as the correct fit for automotive glazing. Weight savings apart, the transparency of acrylic plastic in addition to its extremely high weathering resistance, pleasant acoustic properties, and exceptional form ability allow freedom enabling entirely new design possibilities.
Less negative feelings birefringence
PMMA exhibits very little stress birefringence and this works as a major benefit over other thermoplastics such as polycarbonate, that was primarily used for glazing in the past. In comparison with traditional materials such as polycarbonate, moulded PMMA, offers a distinct chance of functional integration – reducing recess depth and assembly costs.
Environment-friendly
The new goal within the automotive market is to formulate clean low fuel consumption vehicles. Due to the awareness as well as the requirement for eco-friendly initiatives in the present scheme of things, PMMA works as a perfect alternative to glass within the automotive glazing segment. As vehicle manufacturers push the boundaries of design, so too is automotive glazing evolving.
SUMIPEX® PMMA polymer offers characteristics that fulfill the latest challenges within the transportation sector. It’s a monumental challenge for car makers that are looking to adjust to recent environmental requirements and they are thinking about alternatives that reduce greenhouse gas and save fuel. It does not take perfect partner in this movement as it helps make cars lighter.
As a leading manufacturer of SUMIPEX® PMMA polymer, Sumitomo Chemical is glad to help you understand its properties and how it most suitable to automotive glazing.
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