Polycarbonate had earned the tag since the the most suitable material for use within the automotive industry. However, these days, Polymethyl Methacrylate, the PMMA polymer or commonly known acrylic plastic, has efficiently risen on the growing demands of the automotive industry in replacing polycarbonate for important use within the industry, namely, automotive glazing.
Long established for use in several vehicle applications such as decorative trim, ambient lighting and door entry strips, automotive glazing is among those fields that supply the highest growth potential for PMMA.
Related key popular features of acrylic plastic making it perfect for the entire process of automotive glazing are discussed below.
Light weight
To create a comparison on the very basic level, PMMA is half the load plus more transparent than glass, thereby providing magnificent visibility even in true of fluctuating and unstable temperatures. Due to its molecular structure, thermoformed polymethyl methacrylate are actually used almost mainly for car window glazing where all the necessary requirements for light-weight materials which are safe, simple to process and perform in every weathers are met.
On top of Scratch Resistance
Another essential requirement of 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 perfect condition of scratch resistance. The application of a coating is thus mandatory. Considering that PMMA is intrinsically UV as well as weathering-resistant, a single-step coating is successful. On the other hand, thermoplastics which may have low capacity weathering need 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 eye of automobile manufacturers. With all the advantages being immediately obvious, PMMA is currently considered the best 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 negative feelings birefringence
PMMA exhibits almost no stress birefringence this also works as a major benefit over other thermoplastics such as polycarbonate, that has been primarily employed for glazing during the past. In contrast to traditional materials such as polycarbonate, moulded PMMA, supplies a distinct potential for functional integration – reducing recess depth and assembly costs.
Environment-friendly
The modern goal within the automotive companies are to develop clean low fuel consumption vehicles. Due to the awareness as well as the dependence on eco-friendly initiatives in today’s 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 satisfy the latest challenges within the transportation sector. It’s a monumental challenge for auto makers that are looking for to adjust to recent environmental requirements and so are considering alternatives that reduce greenhouse gas and save fuel. It is the perfect partner in this movement because it can make cars lighter.
As being a leading manufacturer of SUMIPEX® PMMA polymer, Sumitomo Chemical is glad to work with you to understand its properties and exactly how it ideal to automotive glazing.
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