Polycarbonate had earned the tag since the most suitable material to use in the automotive industry. However, in recent times, 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 use in the, namely, automotive glazing.
Long established to use in a number of vehicle applications such as decorative trim, ambient lighting and door entry strips, automotive glazing is just one of those fields that supply the very best growth prospect of PMMA.
Related key top features of acrylic plastic that make it well suited for the entire process of automotive glazing are discussed below.
Light weight
To make a comparison on a standard level, PMMA is half the weight and much more transparent than glass, thereby providing magnificent visibility during the case of fluctuating and unstable temperatures. Owing to its molecular structure, thermoformed thermoplastic resin have become used almost mainly for car window glazing where all of the necessary requirements for light-weight materials which can be safe, very easy to process and perform in all weathers are met.
High on Scratch Resistance
Another significant dependence on glazing is scratch resistance. Standard PMMA already contains the highest surface hardness of all thermoplastics even if uncoated. However, for automotive glazing, you can find stringent conditions to be fulfilled to meet the optimal condition of scratch resistance. The usage of a coating is thus mandatory. Considering that PMMA is intrinsically UV along with weathering-resistant, a single-step coating works well. On the other hand, thermoplastics that have low potential to deal with weathering demand a two-step coating system. This ends in relatively high costs for coating.
New design possibilities
PMMA glazing is 40 to 50 percent lighter than conventional glass, which piques a persons vision of automobile manufacturers. With the advantages being immediately obvious, PMMA is now seen as the correct fit for automotive glazing. Weight savings apart, the transparency of acrylic plastic along with its very high weathering resistance, pleasant acoustic properties, and exceptional form ability allow freedom enabling entirely new design possibilities.
Less anxiety birefringence
PMMA exhibits very little stress birefringence this also functions as a major benefit over other thermoplastics such as polycarbonate, which has been primarily used for glazing during the past. Compared with traditional materials such as polycarbonate, moulded PMMA, comes with a distinct potential for functional integration – reducing recess depth and assembly costs.
Environment-friendly
The modern goal in the automotive industry is to develop clean low fuel consumption vehicles. In the awareness as well as the need for eco-friendly initiatives in the current general scheme of things, PMMA functions as a perfect replacement for glass in the automotive glazing segment. As vehicle manufacturers push the boundaries of design, also is automotive glazing evolving.
SUMIPEX® PMMA polymer offers characteristics that meet the latest challenges in 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 on this movement given it tends to make cars lighter.
Being a leading manufacturer of SUMIPEX® PMMA polymer, Sumitomo Chemical is glad to assist you to understand its properties and exactly how it most suitable to automotive glazing.
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