Polycarbonate had earned the tag as the the most appropriate material to be used within the automotive industry. However, in recent times, Polymethyl Methacrylate, the PMMA polymer or commonly known acrylic plastic, has efficiently risen towards the growing demands from the automotive industry in replacing polycarbonate for the most important use within the industry, namely, automotive glazing.

Long established to be used in a number of vehicle applications such as decorative trim, ambient lighting and door entry strips, automotive glazing is among those fields that supply the greatest growth risk of PMMA.
Related key top features of acrylic plastic which render it perfect for the entire process of automotive glazing are discussed below.
Light-weight
To produce a comparison with a very basic level, PMMA is half the weight plus more transparent than glass, thereby providing crystal clear visibility even during the case of fluctuating and unstable temperatures. Due to its molecular structure, thermoformed methyl methacrylate resin are actually used almost exclusively for car window glazing where all the necessary requirements for light-weight materials which might be safe, easy to process and perform in every weathers are met.
On top of Scratch Resistance
Another essential requirement of glazing is scratch resistance. Standard PMMA already contains the highest surface hardness coming from all thermoplastics even when uncoated. However, for automotive glazing, you will find stringent conditions to become fulfilled to fulfill the best state of scratch resistance. The use of a coating is therefore mandatory. Due to the fact PMMA is intrinsically UV and also weathering-resistant, a single-step coating works well. In comparison, thermoplastics which have low potential to deal with weathering need a two-step coating system. This ends in relatively expense 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 is currently viewed as the best fit for automotive glazing. Weight savings apart, the transparency of acrylic plastic in addition to its high weathering resistance, pleasant acoustic properties, and exceptional form ability allow freedom enabling entirely new design possibilities.
Less anxiety birefringence
PMMA exhibits little or no stress birefringence and also this serves as a major benefit over other thermoplastics such as polycarbonate, which was primarily employed for glazing during the past. Weighed against traditional materials such as polycarbonate, moulded PMMA, supplies a distinct potential for functional integration – reducing recess depth and assembly costs.
Environment-friendly
The newest goal within the automotive companies are to develop clean low fuel consumption vehicles. Because of the awareness and also the requirement of eco-friendly initiatives in the present scheme of things, PMMA serves as a perfect alternative 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 for to sit in recent environmental requirements and are thinking about alternatives that reduce greenhouse gas and save fuel. It is the perfect partner on this movement since it can make cars lighter.
As a leading manufacturer of SUMIPEX® PMMA polymer, Sumitomo Chemical is satisfied to assist you understand its properties and the way it suitable to automotive glazing.
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