Polycarbonate had earned the tag because the most appropriate material for usage inside the automotive industry. However, recently, Polymethyl Methacrylate, the PMMA polymer or commonly known acrylic plastic, has efficiently risen to the growing demands of the automotive industry in replacing polycarbonate which are more important used in the market, namely, automotive glazing.
Long established for usage in a number of vehicle applications including decorative trim, ambient lighting and door entry strips, automotive glazing is one of those fields that offer the highest growth prospect of PMMA.
Related key popular features of acrylic plastic which render it ideal for the entire process of automotive glazing are discussed below.
Light weight
To produce a comparison on the erogenous level, PMMA is half the weight and more transparent than glass, thereby providing magnificent visibility even just in the situation of fluctuating and unstable temperatures. Because of its molecular structure, thermoformed sumitomo chemical asia have become used almost mainly for car window glazing where each of the necessary requirements for light-weight materials which can be safe, an easy task to process and perform in most weathers are met.
High on Scratch Resistance
Another essential dependence on glazing is scratch resistance. Standard PMMA already contains the highest surface hardness of most thermoplastics regardless if uncoated. However, for automotive glazing, there are stringent conditions being fulfilled to fulfill the ideal state of scratch resistance. The usage of a coating is therefore mandatory. Due to the fact PMMA is intrinsically UV along with weathering-resistant, a single-step coating is effective. As opposed, thermoplastics that have low capacity weathering have to have a two-step coating system. This leads to relatively high costs for coating.
New design possibilities
PMMA glazing is 40 to 50 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 as well as its high weathering resistance, pleasant acoustic properties, and exceptional form ability allow freedom enabling entirely new design possibilities.
Less stress birefringence
PMMA exhibits hardly any stress birefringence this also works as a major benefit over other thermoplastics including polycarbonate, which has been primarily used for glazing before. Compared with traditional materials including polycarbonate, moulded PMMA, comes with a distinct potential for functional integration – reducing recess depth and assembly costs.
Environment-friendly
The modern goal inside the automotive market is to build up clean low fuel consumption vehicles. Due to the awareness along with the dependence on eco-friendly initiatives in the current general scheme of things, PMMA works as a perfect substitute for glass inside the automotive glazing segment. As vehicle manufacturers push the boundaries 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 sit in recent environmental requirements and they are thinking about alternatives that reduce greenhouse gas and save fuel. Oahu is the perfect partner on this movement because it can make cars lighter.
As being a leading manufacturer of SUMIPEX® PMMA polymer, Sumitomo Chemical is satisfied to assist you understand its properties and how it most suitable to automotive glazing.
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