Polycarbonate had earned the tag as the most suitable material for use inside 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 utilization in the industry, namely, automotive glazing.
Long established for use in a variety of vehicle applications such as decorative trim, ambient lighting and door entry strips, automotive glazing is one of those fields that supply the very best growth possibility of PMMA.
Related key features of acrylic plastic which render it ideal for the process of automotive glazing are discussed below.
Light-weight
To make a comparison with a very basic level, PMMA is half the weight plus much more transparent than glass, thereby providing magnificent visibility even just in the truth of fluctuating and unstable temperatures. As a result of its molecular structure, thermoformed pmma thermoplastic are actually used almost only for car window glazing where every one 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 essential desire for glazing is scratch resistance. Standard PMMA already contains the highest surface hardness coming from all thermoplastics regardless if uncoated. However, for automotive glazing, there are stringent conditions being fulfilled in order to meet the ideal condition of scratch resistance. The usage of a coating is therefore mandatory. Given that PMMA is intrinsically UV along with weathering-resistant, a single-step coating is effective. In comparison, thermoplastics that have low potential to deal with weathering need a two-step coating system. This brings about relatively expense for coating.
New design possibilities
PMMA glazing is 40 to 50 percent lighter than conventional glass, which piques the interest of automobile manufacturers. Using the advantages being immediately obvious, PMMA has become seen as the right fit for automotive glazing. Weight savings apart, the transparency of acrylic plastic with its very 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 operates as a major benefit over other thermoplastics such as polycarbonate, that has been primarily used for glazing previously. Weighed against traditional materials such as polycarbonate, moulded PMMA, offers a distinct chance for functional integration – reducing recess depth and assembly costs.
Environment-friendly
The new goal inside the automotive market is to formulate clean low fuel consumption vehicles. Due to the awareness and also the requirement of eco-friendly initiatives in today’s general scheme of things, PMMA operates 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 fulfill the latest challenges inside the transportation sector. It’s a monumental challenge for car makers that want to sit in recent environmental requirements and they are thinking of alternatives that reduce greenhouse gas and save fuel. Oahu is the perfect partner within this movement as it can make cars lighter.
As being a leading manufacturer of SUMIPEX® PMMA polymer, Sumitomo Chemical is happy to help you out understand its properties and the way it best suited to automotive glazing.
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