Polycarbonate had earned the tag since the most suitable material to be used inside the automotive industry. However, recently, Polymethyl Methacrylate, the PMMA polymer or commonly known acrylic plastic, has efficiently risen on the growing demands with the automotive industry in replacing polycarbonate for the most important use within the market, namely, automotive glazing.
Long established to be used in a number of vehicle applications including decorative trim, ambient lighting and door entry strips, automotive glazing is one of those fields that provide the highest growth potential for PMMA.
Related key features of acrylic plastic that make it suitable for the process of automotive glazing are discussed below.
Lightweight
To produce a comparison over a erogenous level, PMMA is half the body weight and more transparent than glass, thereby providing really clear visibility even during the situation of fluctuating and unstable temperatures. Because of its molecular structure, thermoformed sumitomo chemical asia have become used almost only for car window glazing where all of the necessary requirements for light-weight materials which are safe, an easy task to process and perform in all weathers are met.
High on Scratch Resistance
Another important dependence on glazing is scratch resistance. Standard PMMA already has got the highest surface hardness of thermoplastics even if uncoated. However, for automotive glazing, you can find stringent conditions to be fulfilled in order to meet the optimal state of scratch resistance. The use of a coating thus remains mandatory. Due to the fact PMMA is intrinsically UV in addition to weathering-resistant, a single-step coating is successful. In contrast, thermoplastics which have low effectiveness against weathering have to have a two-step coating system. This brings about relatively expensive for coating.
New design possibilities
PMMA glazing is Forty to fifty percent lighter than conventional glass, which piques the interest of automobile manufacturers. With the advantages being immediately obvious, PMMA is currently considered the right fit for automotive glazing. Weight savings apart, the transparency of acrylic plastic in addition to its high weathering resistance, pleasant acoustic properties, and exceptional form ability allow freedom enabling entirely new design possibilities.
Less negative feelings birefringence
PMMA exhibits little or no stress birefringence which serves as a major benefit over other thermoplastics including polycarbonate, which has been primarily used by glazing before. Compared with traditional materials including polycarbonate, moulded PMMA, provides a distinct possibility of functional integration – reducing recess depth and assembly costs.
Environment-friendly
The brand new goal inside the automotive marketplace is to develop clean low fuel consumption vehicles. Due to the awareness and also the need for eco-friendly initiatives in the current scheme of things, PMMA serves as a perfect replacement for glass inside the automotive glazing segment. As vehicle manufacturers push the bounds of design, also is automotive glazing evolving.
SUMIPEX® PMMA polymer offers characteristics that match the latest challenges inside the transportation sector. It’s a monumental challenge for car makers that are looking for to adjust to recent environmental requirements and therefore are considering alternatives that reduce greenhouse gas and save fuel. It’s the perfect partner in this movement given it makes cars lighter.
Like a leading manufacturer of SUMIPEX® PMMA polymer, Sumitomo Chemical is happy to work with you in understanding its properties and the way it most suitable to automotive glazing.
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