Polycarbonate had earned the tag since the the best option material to be used within the automotive industry. However, recently, Polymethyl Methacrylate, the PMMA polymer or commonly known acrylic plastic, has efficiently risen towards the growing demands with the automotive industry in replacing polycarbonate which are more important use within the, namely, automotive glazing.

Long established to be used in a number of vehicle applications for example decorative trim, ambient lighting and door entry strips, automotive glazing is just one of those fields offering the highest growth possibility of PMMA.
Related key features of acrylic plastic which render it perfect for the entire process of automotive glazing are discussed below.
Light-weight
To make a comparison on a erogenous level, PMMA is half the body weight plus much more transparent than glass, thereby providing superior visibility even during true of fluctuating and unstable temperatures. Owing to its molecular structure, thermoformed methyl methacrylate resin are actually 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 important desire for glazing is scratch resistance. Standard PMMA already gets the highest surface hardness coming from all thermoplastics even when uncoated. However, for automotive glazing, there are stringent conditions being fulfilled to satisfy the perfect condition of scratch resistance. The use of a coating is therefore mandatory. Due to the fact PMMA is intrinsically UV as well as weathering-resistant, a single-step coating is successful. As opposed, thermoplastics which have low potential to deal with weathering need a two-step coating system. This brings about relatively expense for coating.
New design possibilities
PMMA glazing is 40 to 50 percent lighter than conventional glass, which piques the eye of automobile manufacturers. With all the advantages being immediately obvious, PMMA is now viewed as the proper 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 anxiety birefringence
PMMA exhibits almost no stress birefringence this also operates as a major benefit over other thermoplastics for example polycarbonate, which has been primarily useful for glazing before. Compared with traditional materials for example polycarbonate, moulded PMMA, provides a distinct chance for functional integration – reducing recess depth and assembly costs.
Environment-friendly
The modern goal within the automotive industry is to build up clean low fuel consumption vehicles. In the awareness along with the dependence on eco-friendly initiatives with the current economic general scheme of things, PMMA operates as a perfect substitute for 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 want to sit in recent environmental requirements and so are thinking of alternatives that reduce greenhouse gas and save fuel. It’s the perfect partner in this movement as it can make cars lighter.
Being a leading manufacturer of SUMIPEX® PMMA polymer, Sumitomo Chemical is pleased to assist you in understanding its properties and just how it suitable to automotive glazing.
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