Polycarbonate had earned the tag because the the most suitable material for usage from the automotive industry. However, these days, Polymethyl Methacrylate, the PMMA polymer or commonly known acrylic plastic, has efficiently risen towards the growing demands from the automotive industry in replacing polycarbonate for the most important utilization in the industry, namely, automotive glazing.
Long established for usage in many different vehicle applications for example decorative trim, ambient lighting and door entry strips, automotive glazing is one of those fields that offer the best growth risk of PMMA.
Related key top features of acrylic plastic which make it perfect for the entire process of automotive glazing are discussed below.
Lightweight
To produce a comparison on a very basic level, PMMA is half the body weight plus much more transparent than glass, thereby providing superior visibility even in the case of fluctuating and unstable temperatures. Because of its molecular structure, thermoformed methyl methacrylate resin are now used almost just for car window glazing where all of the necessary requirements for light-weight materials which are safe, easy to process and perform in all weathers are met.
High on Scratch Resistance
Another significant desire for glazing is scratch resistance. Standard PMMA already has the highest surface hardness coming from all thermoplastics even when uncoated. However, for automotive glazing, you will find stringent conditions to get fulfilled to meet the ideal state of scratch resistance. The usage of a coating is thus mandatory. Due to the fact PMMA is intrinsically UV along with weathering-resistant, a single-step coating is useful. In contrast, thermoplastics who have low capacity weathering have to have a two-step coating system. This results in relatively expense for coating.
New design possibilities
PMMA glazing is 40 to 50 percent lighter than conventional glass, which piques a persons vision of automobile manufacturers. With all the advantages being immediately obvious, PMMA is currently considered the proper fit for automotive glazing. Weight savings apart, the transparency of acrylic plastic along with 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 also this works as a major benefit over other thermoplastics for example polycarbonate, that has been primarily employed for glazing before. Compared with traditional materials for example polycarbonate, moulded PMMA, supplies a distinct chance for functional integration – reducing recess depth and assembly costs.
Environment-friendly
The newest goal from the automotive companies are to formulate clean low fuel consumption vehicles. Given the awareness along with the requirement for eco-friendly initiatives in the present general scheme of things, PMMA works as a perfect option to glass from 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 from the transportation sector. It’s a monumental challenge for auto makers that are looking to sit in recent environmental requirements and so are considering alternatives that reduce greenhouse gas and save fuel. It does not take perfect partner on this movement since it helps make cars lighter.
Being a leading manufacturer of SUMIPEX® PMMA polymer, Sumitomo Chemical is satisfied to assist you to understand its properties and how it best suited to automotive glazing.
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