Polycarbonate had earned the tag because the the most suitable material to use from the automotive industry. However, recently, 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 use in a number of vehicle applications for example decorative trim, ambient lighting and door entry strips, automotive glazing is among those fields that provide the best growth possibility of PMMA.
Related key top features of acrylic plastic which render it suitable for the operation of automotive glazing are discussed below.
Light-weight
To generate a comparison over a simple level, PMMA is half the extra weight plus more transparent than glass, thereby providing superior visibility even during true of fluctuating and unstable temperatures. As a result of its molecular structure, thermoformed acrylic sheet are actually used almost mainly for car window glazing where all of the necessary requirements for light-weight materials that are safe, simple to process and perform in every weathers are met.
High on Scratch Resistance
Another essential requirement for glazing is scratch resistance. Standard PMMA already has the highest surface hardness of all thermoplastics regardless if uncoated. However, for automotive glazing, you will find stringent conditions to be fulfilled in order to meet the perfect condition of scratch resistance. The effective use of a coating is thus mandatory. Due to the fact PMMA is intrinsically UV along with weathering-resistant, a single-step coating is useful. As opposed, thermoplastics which have low effectiveness against weathering need a two-step coating system. This brings about relatively expense for coating.
New design possibilities
PMMA glazing is Forty to fifty percent lighter than conventional glass, which piques the eye of automobile manufacturers. Using the advantages being immediately obvious, PMMA has become seen as the proper 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 negative feelings birefringence
PMMA exhibits very little stress birefringence and this operates as a major benefit over other thermoplastics for example polycarbonate, which has been primarily useful for glazing during the past. In contrast to traditional materials for example polycarbonate, moulded PMMA, comes with a distinct potential for functional integration – reducing recess depth and assembly costs.
Environment-friendly
The new goal from the automotive companies are to formulate clean low fuel consumption vehicles. In the awareness and the need for eco-friendly initiatives in the current general scheme of things, PMMA operates as a perfect alternative to 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 match 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 so are contemplating alternatives that reduce greenhouse gas and save fuel. Oahu is the perfect partner on this movement given it makes cars lighter.
As being a leading manufacturer of SUMIPEX® PMMA polymer, Sumitomo Chemical is happy to assist you to understand its properties and just how it suitable to automotive glazing.
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