Polycarbonate had earned the tag as the the best option 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 to the growing demands of the automotive industry in replacing polycarbonate which are more important use within the, namely, automotive glazing.
Long established to be used in several vehicle applications for example decorative trim, ambient lighting and door entry strips, automotive glazing is one of those fields that offer the best growth risk of PMMA.
Related key popular features of acrylic plastic making it perfect for the whole process of automotive glazing are discussed below.
Light-weight
To make a comparison with a erogenous level, PMMA is half the body weight plus much more transparent than glass, thereby providing really clear visibility even just in the case of fluctuating and unstable temperatures. Owing to its molecular structure, thermoformed sumitomo chemical asia are now used almost exclusively for car window glazing where every one of the necessary requirements for light-weight materials which might be safe, simple to process and perform in all weathers are met.
On top of Scratch Resistance
Another important dependence on glazing is scratch resistance. Standard PMMA already contains the highest surface hardness of thermoplastics even if uncoated. However, for automotive glazing, you will find stringent conditions being fulfilled to fulfill the optimal state of scratch resistance. The usage of a coating is thus mandatory. Since PMMA is intrinsically UV in addition to weathering-resistant, a single-step coating is useful. In comparison, thermoplastics which have low potential to deal with weathering demand a two-step coating system. This brings about relatively high costs for coating.
New design possibilities
PMMA glazing is 40 to 50 percent lighter than conventional glass, which piques a persons vision of automobile manufacturers. Using the advantages being immediately obvious, PMMA has become known as the proper fit for automotive glazing. Weight savings apart, the transparency of acrylic plastic along with its very high weathering resistance, pleasant acoustic properties, and exceptional form ability allow freedom enabling entirely new design possibilities.
Less anxiety birefringence
PMMA exhibits hardly any stress birefringence which operates as a major benefit over other thermoplastics for example polycarbonate, that was primarily used by glazing in the past. In comparison with traditional materials for example polycarbonate, moulded PMMA, comes with a distinct potential for functional integration – reducing recess depth and assembly costs.
Environment-friendly
The newest goal within the automotive companies are to build up clean low fuel consumption vehicles. Due to the awareness along with the need for eco-friendly initiatives in the present scheme of things, PMMA operates as a perfect replacement for 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 satisfy the latest challenges within the transportation sector. It’s a monumental challenge for car makers that are looking for to adjust to recent environmental requirements and they are contemplating alternatives that reduce greenhouse gas and save fuel. It does not take perfect partner on this movement because it can make cars lighter.
As being a leading manufacturer of SUMIPEX® PMMA polymer, Sumitomo Chemical is satisfied to help you to understand its properties and how it suitable to automotive glazing.
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