Polycarbonate had earned the tag because the the best option material to use within the automotive industry. However, these days, Polymethyl Methacrylate, the PMMA polymer or commonly known acrylic plastic, has efficiently risen on the growing demands of the automotive industry in replacing polycarbonate for the most important utilization in a, namely, automotive glazing.
Long established to use in many different vehicle applications such as decorative trim, ambient lighting and door entry strips, automotive glazing is one of those fields that offer the very best growth prospect of PMMA.
Related key top features of acrylic plastic that make it suitable for the process of automotive glazing are discussed below.
Transportable
To create a comparison on the standard level, PMMA is half the extra weight and more transparent than glass, thereby providing really clear visibility even during true of fluctuating and unstable temperatures. Owing to its molecular structure, thermoformed Acrylic Plastic are now used almost exclusively for car window glazing where all of the necessary requirements for light-weight materials which can be safe, simple to process and perform in most weathers are met.
On top of Scratch Resistance
Another essential requirement for glazing is scratch resistance. Standard PMMA already has got the highest surface hardness of thermoplastics even when uncoated. However, for automotive glazing, there are stringent conditions to be fulfilled to meet the best condition of scratch resistance. The usage of a coating is thus mandatory. Given that PMMA is intrinsically UV in addition to weathering-resistant, a single-step coating is useful. In comparison, thermoplastics which have low resistance to weathering have to have a two-step coating system. This results in relatively expensive for coating.
New design possibilities
PMMA glazing is 40 to 50 percent lighter than conventional glass, which piques the interest of automobile manufacturers. With the advantages being immediately obvious, PMMA has become considered the correct fit for automotive glazing. Weight savings apart, the transparency of acrylic plastic in addition to 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 which serves as a major benefit over other thermoplastics such as polycarbonate, that was primarily useful for glazing during the past. In contrast to traditional materials such as polycarbonate, moulded PMMA, comes with a distinct possibility of functional integration – reducing recess depth and assembly costs.
Environment-friendly
The new goal within the automotive marketplace is to formulate clean low fuel consumption vehicles. In the awareness and also the need for eco-friendly initiatives in the current scheme of things, PMMA serves as a perfect option to glass within the automotive glazing segment. As vehicle manufacturers push the boundaries 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 car makers that are looking to adjust to recent environmental requirements and are thinking about alternatives that reduce greenhouse gas and save fuel. It is the perfect partner within this movement given it helps make cars lighter.
Like a leading manufacturer of SUMIPEX® PMMA polymer, Sumitomo Chemical is happy to help you out understand its properties and how it ideal to automotive glazing.
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