Polycarbonate had earned the tag since the the most suitable material to use from the automotive industry. However, in recent times, Polymethyl Methacrylate, the PMMA polymer or commonly known acrylic plastic, has efficiently risen to the growing demands in the automotive industry in replacing polycarbonate for the best important use in the industry, namely, automotive glazing.
Long established to use in several vehicle applications like decorative trim, ambient lighting and door entry strips, automotive glazing is just one of those fields that provide the highest growth possibility of PMMA.
Related key popular features of acrylic plastic making it suitable for the entire process of automotive glazing are discussed below.
Light weight
To make a comparison on the standard level, PMMA is half the weight and more transparent than glass, thereby providing superior visibility even just in true of fluctuating and unstable temperatures. Due to its molecular structure, thermoformed acrylic glass are now used almost only for car window glazing where all the necessary requirements for light-weight materials which can be safe, simple to process and perform in all weathers are met.
On top of Scratch Resistance
Another critical desire for glazing is scratch resistance. Standard PMMA already gets the highest surface hardness of all thermoplastics even if uncoated. However, for automotive glazing, you will find stringent conditions to become fulfilled in order to meet the best condition of scratch resistance. The usage of a coating is therefore mandatory. Considering that PMMA is intrinsically UV as well as weathering-resistant, a single-step coating works well. In comparison, thermoplastics that have low resistance to weathering need a two-step coating system. This ends in relatively high costs for coating.
New design possibilities
PMMA glazing is Forty to fifty percent lighter than conventional glass, which piques the eye of automobile manufacturers. With the advantages being immediately obvious, PMMA has become known as the best fit for automotive glazing. Weight savings apart, the transparency of acrylic plastic in addition to its quite high weathering resistance, pleasant acoustic properties, and exceptional form ability allow freedom enabling entirely new design possibilities.
Less stress birefringence
PMMA exhibits almost no stress birefringence and this operates as a major benefit over other thermoplastics like polycarbonate, that was primarily used for glazing before. In contrast to traditional materials like polycarbonate, moulded PMMA, offers a distinct possibility of functional integration – reducing recess depth and assembly costs.
Environment-friendly
The new goal from the automotive marketplace is to build up clean low fuel consumption vehicles. In the awareness along with the need for eco-friendly initiatives in today’s scheme of things, PMMA operates as a perfect alternative to glass from the automotive glazing segment. As vehicle manufacturers push the bounds of design, so too is automotive glazing evolving.
SUMIPEX® PMMA polymer offers characteristics that match the latest challenges from the transportation sector. It’s a monumental challenge for car makers that want to adjust to recent environmental requirements and they are thinking about alternatives that reduce greenhouse gas and save fuel. It’s the perfect partner on this movement as it can make cars lighter.
As being a leading manufacturer of SUMIPEX® PMMA polymer, Sumitomo Chemical is pleased to assist you to understand its properties and how it most suitable to automotive glazing.
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