Polycarbonate had earned the tag because the the most suitable material for use from the automotive industry. However, recently, Polymethyl Methacrylate, the PMMA polymer or commonly known acrylic plastic, has efficiently risen for the growing demands in the automotive industry in replacing polycarbonate which are more important used in the market, namely, automotive glazing.
Long established for use in a variety of vehicle applications for example decorative trim, ambient lighting and door entry strips, automotive glazing is just one of those fields that supply the very best growth possibility of PMMA.
Related key features of acrylic plastic which make it perfect for the process of automotive glazing are discussed below.
Lightweight
To make a comparison over a simple level, PMMA is half the extra weight and more transparent than glass, thereby providing superior visibility even during the situation of fluctuating and unstable temperatures. Owing to its molecular structure, thermoformed polymer resin are actually used almost just for car window glazing where each of the necessary requirements for light-weight materials which can be safe, simple to process and perform in every weathers are met.
At the top of Scratch Resistance
Another significant requirement for glazing is scratch resistance. Standard PMMA already has the highest surface hardness coming from all thermoplastics even when uncoated. However, for automotive glazing, you will find stringent conditions to be fulfilled to meet the ideal state of scratch resistance. The usage of a coating is therefore mandatory. Since PMMA is intrinsically UV along with weathering-resistant, a single-step coating is useful. As opposed, thermoplastics that have low potential to deal with weathering require a two-step coating system. This leads to 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 currently known as the right fit for automotive glazing. Weight savings apart, the transparency of acrylic plastic as well as its very 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 and this functions as a major benefit over other thermoplastics for example polycarbonate, which was primarily employed for glazing during the past. Compared with traditional materials for example polycarbonate, moulded PMMA, offers a distinct potential for functional integration – reducing recess depth and assembly costs.
Environment-friendly
The brand new goal from the automotive companies are to formulate clean low fuel consumption vehicles. Given the awareness as well as the dependence on eco-friendly initiatives in the current scheme of things, PMMA functions as a perfect alternative to glass from the automotive glazing segment. As vehicle manufacturers push the bounds of design, also is automotive glazing evolving.
SUMIPEX® PMMA polymer offers characteristics that fulfill the latest challenges from the transportation sector. It’s a monumental challenge for car makers that want to adjust to recent environmental requirements and are thinking about alternatives that reduce greenhouse gas and save fuel. Oahu is the perfect partner with this movement since it tends to make cars lighter.
As a leading manufacturer of SUMIPEX® PMMA polymer, Sumitomo Chemical is glad to help you out in understanding its properties and how it most suitable to automotive glazing.
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