Polycarbonate had earned the tag because the the most appropriate material for use inside the automotive industry. However, these days, Polymethyl Methacrylate, the PMMA polymer or commonly known acrylic plastic, has efficiently risen on the growing demands from the automotive industry in replacing polycarbonate for the most important use within the industry, namely, automotive glazing.
Long established for use in many different vehicle applications including decorative trim, ambient lighting and door entry strips, automotive glazing is among those fields that offer the best growth prospect of PMMA.
Related key options that come with acrylic plastic making it well suited for the whole process of automotive glazing are discussed below.
Light weight
To make a comparison over a standard level, PMMA is half the extra weight and more transparent than glass, thereby providing really clear visibility even during true of fluctuating and unstable temperatures. As a result of its molecular structure, thermoformed methyl methacrylate resin are actually used almost exclusively for car window glazing where each of the necessary requirements for light-weight materials which can be safe, very easy to process and perform in all of the weathers are met.
On top of Scratch Resistance
Another important requirement for glazing is scratch resistance. Standard PMMA already gets the highest surface hardness of all thermoplastics regardless if uncoated. However, for automotive glazing, you’ll find stringent conditions to get fulfilled to satisfy the perfect state of scratch resistance. The application of a coating thus remains mandatory. Since PMMA is intrinsically UV as well as weathering-resistant, a single-step coating is useful. In contrast, thermoplastics which may have low potential to deal with weathering need a two-step coating system. This ends in relatively expensive for coating.
New design possibilities
PMMA glazing is Forty to fifty percent lighter than conventional glass, which piques the interest of automobile manufacturers. With all the advantages being immediately obvious, PMMA has become seen as the proper fit for automotive glazing. Weight savings apart, the transparency of acrylic plastic along with its high weathering resistance, pleasant acoustic properties, and exceptional form ability allow freedom enabling entirely new design possibilities.
Less anxiety birefringence
PMMA exhibits almost no stress birefringence and also this works as a major benefit over other thermoplastics including polycarbonate, that was primarily employed for glazing before. In contrast to traditional materials including polycarbonate, moulded PMMA, comes with a distinct potential for functional integration – reducing recess depth and assembly costs.
Environment-friendly
The brand new goal inside the automotive companies are to formulate clean low fuel consumption vehicles. Given the awareness and also the dependence on eco-friendly initiatives in the present general scheme of things, PMMA works as a perfect replacement for glass inside the automotive glazing segment. As vehicle manufacturers push the bounds of design, also is automotive glazing evolving.
SUMIPEX® PMMA polymer offers characteristics that match the latest challenges inside the transportation sector. It’s a monumental challenge for car makers looking to sit in recent environmental requirements and are considering alternatives that reduce greenhouse gas and save fuel. It does not take perfect partner in this movement given it makes cars lighter.
Like a leading manufacturer of SUMIPEX® PMMA polymer, Sumitomo Chemical is satisfied to help you out in understanding its properties and exactly how it ideal to automotive glazing.
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