Polycarbonate had earned the tag as the the most appropriate material to be used within the automotive industry. However, these days, Polymethyl Methacrylate, the PMMA polymer or commonly known acrylic plastic, has efficiently risen to the growing demands with the automotive industry in replacing polycarbonate which are more important use within the market, namely, automotive glazing.
Long established to be used in several vehicle applications for example decorative trim, ambient lighting and door entry strips, automotive glazing is one of those fields that offer the greatest growth prospect of PMMA.
Related key popular features of acrylic plastic which make it ideal for the entire process of automotive glazing are discussed below.
Light weight
To make a comparison over a very basic level, PMMA is half the load plus more transparent than glass, thereby providing magnificent visibility even during true of fluctuating and unstable temperatures. Because of its molecular structure, thermoformed acrylic glass are used almost mainly for car window glazing where every one of the necessary requirements for light-weight materials that are safe, an easy task to process and perform in every 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 all thermoplastics even when uncoated. However, for automotive glazing, there are stringent conditions to become fulfilled in order to meet the perfect state of scratch resistance. The usage of a coating is thus mandatory. Given that PMMA is intrinsically UV and also weathering-resistant, a single-step coating is effective. In contrast, thermoplastics who have low capacity weathering require a two-step coating system. This brings about relatively expense for coating.
New design possibilities
PMMA glazing is Forty to fifty percent lighter than conventional glass, which piques the eye of automobile manufacturers. Using the advantages being immediately obvious, PMMA has become known as the best fit for automotive glazing. Weight savings apart, the transparency of acrylic plastic along with its high weathering resistance, pleasant acoustic properties, and exceptional form ability allow freedom enabling entirely new design possibilities.
Less anxiety birefringence
PMMA exhibits hardly any stress birefringence and this works as a major benefit over other thermoplastics for example polycarbonate, that has been primarily employed for glazing during the past. In comparison with traditional materials for example polycarbonate, moulded PMMA, comes with a distinct potential for functional integration – reducing recess depth and assembly costs.
Environment-friendly
The new goal within the automotive industry is to formulate clean low fuel consumption vehicles. Because of the awareness as well as the need for eco-friendly initiatives in the present scheme of things, PMMA works as a perfect option to glass within the automotive glazing segment. As vehicle manufacturers push the bounds of design, so too is automotive glazing evolving.
SUMIPEX® PMMA polymer offers characteristics that match the latest challenges within the transportation sector. It’s a monumental challenge for auto makers that are looking to adjust to recent environmental requirements and so are contemplating alternatives that reduce greenhouse gas and save fuel. It’s the perfect partner with this movement given it tends to make cars lighter.
Being a leading manufacturer of SUMIPEX® PMMA polymer, Sumitomo Chemical is glad to work with you understand its properties and exactly how it most suitable to automotive glazing.
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