Polycarbonate had earned the tag because the most suitable material to use in the automotive industry. However, recently, Polymethyl Methacrylate, the PMMA polymer or commonly known acrylic plastic, has efficiently risen to the growing demands in the automotive industry in replacing polycarbonate which are more important use within a, namely, automotive glazing.
Long established to use in many different vehicle applications for example decorative trim, ambient lighting and door entry strips, automotive glazing is just one of those fields that provide the greatest growth risk of PMMA.
Related key popular features of acrylic plastic which make it perfect for the whole process of automotive glazing are discussed below.
Transportable
To produce a comparison with a standard level, PMMA is half the weight and more transparent than glass, thereby providing really clear visibility even during the truth of fluctuating and unstable temperatures. Owing to its molecular structure, thermoformed sumitomo chemical asia are used almost only for car window glazing where each of the necessary requirements for light-weight materials which can be safe, simple to process and perform in all weathers are met.
High on Scratch Resistance
Another significant requirement of glazing is scratch resistance. Standard PMMA already gets the highest surface hardness coming from all thermoplastics regardless if uncoated. However, for automotive glazing, you will find stringent conditions to be fulfilled to satisfy the best condition of scratch resistance. The effective 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 who have low effectiveness against weathering have to have a two-step coating system. This leads to relatively expensive for coating.
New design possibilities
PMMA glazing is 40 to 50 percent lighter than conventional glass, which piques a person’s eye of automobile manufacturers. With all the advantages being immediately obvious, PMMA has become considered the proper fit for automotive glazing. Weight savings apart, the transparency of acrylic plastic with its extremely high weathering resistance, pleasant acoustic properties, and exceptional form ability allow freedom enabling entirely new design possibilities.
Less anxiety birefringence
PMMA exhibits little or no stress birefringence and also this functions as a major benefit over other thermoplastics for example polycarbonate, that was primarily used for glazing in the past. In contrast to traditional materials for example polycarbonate, moulded PMMA, supplies a distinct chance for functional integration – reducing recess depth and assembly costs.
Environment-friendly
The new goal in the automotive companies are to formulate clean low fuel consumption vehicles. Given the awareness and also the need for eco-friendly initiatives with the current economic general scheme of things, PMMA functions as a perfect replacement for glass in the automotive glazing segment. As vehicle manufacturers push the bounds of design, also is automotive glazing evolving.
SUMIPEX® PMMA polymer offers characteristics that satisfy the latest challenges in the transportation sector. It’s a monumental challenge for auto makers looking to sit in recent environmental requirements and therefore are contemplating alternatives that reduce greenhouse gas and save fuel. It does not take perfect partner with this movement since it helps make cars lighter.
As being a leading manufacturer of SUMIPEX® PMMA polymer, Sumitomo Chemical is pleased to work with you in understanding its properties and the way it most suitable to automotive glazing.
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