Polycarbonate had earned the tag as the the best option material for use from the automotive industry. However, in recent years, Polymethyl Methacrylate, the PMMA polymer or commonly known acrylic plastic, has efficiently risen towards the growing demands of the automotive industry in replacing polycarbonate which are more important used in the industry, namely, automotive glazing.
Long established for use in a number of vehicle applications for example decorative trim, ambient lighting and door entry strips, automotive glazing is one kind of those fields that provide the very best growth potential for PMMA.
Related key options that come with acrylic plastic which make it suitable for the process of automotive glazing are discussed below.
Light-weight
To generate a comparison with a erogenous level, PMMA is half the extra weight plus more transparent than glass, thereby providing magnificent visibility even in the case of fluctuating and unstable temperatures. Owing to its molecular structure, thermoformed thermoplastic resin are used almost only for car window glazing where each of the necessary requirements for light-weight materials which are safe, simple to process and perform in all weathers are met.
At the top of Scratch Resistance
Another important requirement of glazing is scratch resistance. Standard PMMA already has got the highest surface hardness of thermoplastics even though uncoated. However, for automotive glazing, there are stringent conditions to become fulfilled to meet the best state of scratch resistance. The usage of a coating thus remains mandatory. Given that PMMA is intrinsically UV in addition to weathering-resistant, a single-step coating works well. On the other hand, thermoplastics which may have low potential to deal with weathering require a two-step coating system. This ends in relatively expense for coating.
New design possibilities
PMMA glazing is 40 to 50 percent lighter than conventional glass, which piques the eye of automobile manufacturers. Using the advantages being immediately obvious, PMMA is now known as the correct 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 hardly any stress birefringence this also works as a major benefit over other thermoplastics for example polycarbonate, which was primarily used for glazing before. Compared with traditional materials for example polycarbonate, moulded PMMA, provides a distinct possibility of functional integration – reducing recess depth and assembly costs.
Environment-friendly
The newest goal from the automotive marketplace is to produce clean low fuel consumption vehicles. Because of the awareness as well as the requirement for eco-friendly initiatives in today’s general scheme of things, PMMA works as a perfect alternative to glass from 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 from the transportation sector. It’s a monumental challenge for car makers that are looking to adjust to recent environmental requirements and they are thinking of alternatives that reduce greenhouse gas and save fuel. It is the perfect partner in this movement since it helps make cars lighter.
As a leading manufacturer of SUMIPEX® PMMA polymer, Sumitomo Chemical is glad to assist you understand its properties and exactly how it best suited to automotive glazing.
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