Polycarbonate had earned the tag because the most suitable material to use within the automotive industry. However, recently, Polymethyl Methacrylate, the PMMA polymer or commonly known acrylic plastic, has efficiently risen for the growing demands with the automotive industry in replacing polycarbonate for the best important use within the, namely, automotive glazing.
Long established to use in a variety of vehicle applications for example decorative trim, ambient lighting and door entry strips, automotive glazing is among those fields that provide the best growth potential for PMMA.
Related key popular features of acrylic plastic making it perfect for the entire process of automotive glazing are discussed below.
Light-weight
To produce a comparison with a standard level, PMMA is half the extra weight plus more transparent than glass, thereby providing magnificent visibility even just in the situation of fluctuating and unstable temperatures. As a result of its molecular structure, thermoformed sumitomo chemical asia are now used almost only for car window glazing where all of the necessary requirements for light-weight materials which are safe, easy to process and perform in every weathers are met.
High on Scratch Resistance
Another significant dependence on glazing is scratch resistance. Standard PMMA already has got the highest surface hardness coming from all thermoplastics regardless if uncoated. However, for automotive glazing, there are stringent conditions being fulfilled to satisfy the best state of scratch resistance. The effective use of a coating thus remains mandatory. Given that PMMA is intrinsically UV as well as weathering-resistant, a single-step coating is useful. In comparison, thermoplastics who have low effectiveness against weathering require a two-step coating system. This leads to relatively high costs for coating.
New design possibilities
PMMA glazing is Forty to fifty percent lighter than conventional glass, which piques a person’s eye of automobile manufacturers. Together with the advantages being immediately obvious, PMMA is currently considered the correct 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 negative feelings birefringence
PMMA exhibits very little stress birefringence and this works 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, comes with a distinct possibility of functional integration – reducing recess depth and assembly costs.
Environment-friendly
The brand new goal within the automotive market is to develop clean low fuel consumption vehicles. Because of the awareness and the requirement of eco-friendly initiatives in the present general scheme of things, PMMA works as a perfect alternative to glass within 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 within the transportation sector. It’s a monumental challenge for auto makers that are looking for to adjust to recent environmental requirements and are contemplating alternatives that reduce greenhouse gas and save fuel. It is the perfect partner within this movement since it can make cars lighter.
As a leading manufacturer of SUMIPEX® PMMA polymer, Sumitomo Chemical is satisfied to help you out understand its properties and just how it suitable to automotive glazing.
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