Polycarbonate had earned the tag as the the most appropriate material to be used from the automotive industry. However, these days, Polymethyl Methacrylate, the PMMA polymer or commonly known acrylic plastic, has efficiently risen to the growing demands with the automotive industry in replacing polycarbonate for the most important use within the, namely, automotive glazing.
Long established to be used in a variety of vehicle applications including decorative trim, ambient lighting and door entry strips, automotive glazing is among those fields that supply the greatest growth potential for PMMA.
Related key features of acrylic plastic which make it ideal for the operation of automotive glazing are discussed below.
Lightweight
To create a comparison on a standard level, PMMA is half the extra weight plus much more transparent than glass, thereby providing superior visibility during true of fluctuating and unstable temperatures. Owing to its molecular structure, thermoformed polymer resin are used almost just for car window glazing where all of the necessary requirements for light-weight materials which can be safe, simple to process and perform in all weathers are met.
High on Scratch Resistance
Another critical dependence on glazing is scratch resistance. Standard PMMA already has got the highest surface hardness coming from all thermoplastics even if uncoated. However, for automotive glazing, you will find stringent conditions to become fulfilled to meet the best state of scratch resistance. The application of a coating is thus mandatory. Given that PMMA is intrinsically UV and also weathering-resistant, a single-step coating is effective. On the other hand, thermoplastics who have low resistance to weathering demand a two-step coating system. This results in relatively high costs for coating.
New design possibilities
PMMA glazing is 40 to 50 percent lighter than conventional glass, which piques a person’s eye of automobile manufacturers. Using the advantages being immediately obvious, PMMA is now known as the best fit for automotive glazing. Weight savings apart, the transparency of acrylic plastic in addition to its extremely 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 and also this operates as a major benefit over other thermoplastics including polycarbonate, that has been primarily useful for glazing previously. Compared with traditional materials including polycarbonate, moulded PMMA, provides a distinct chance for functional integration – reducing recess depth and assembly costs.
Environment-friendly
The new goal from the automotive market is to produce clean low fuel consumption vehicles. In the awareness as well as the requirement of eco-friendly initiatives in the present general scheme of things, PMMA operates as a perfect replacement for 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 are looking for to adjust to recent environmental requirements and they are considering alternatives that reduce greenhouse gas and save fuel. It does not take perfect partner with this movement given it can make cars lighter.
As being a leading manufacturer of SUMIPEX® PMMA polymer, Sumitomo Chemical is pleased to help you in understanding its properties and exactly how it ideal to automotive glazing.
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