Polycarbonate had earned the tag because the the most suitable material to be used from the automotive industry. However, recently, Polymethyl Methacrylate, the PMMA polymer or commonly known acrylic plastic, has efficiently risen on the growing demands in the automotive industry in replacing polycarbonate for the best important use in the, namely, automotive glazing.

Long established to be used in a variety of vehicle applications like decorative trim, ambient lighting and door entry strips, automotive glazing is one of those fields that supply the best growth prospect of PMMA.
Related key popular features of acrylic plastic which render it well suited for the entire process of automotive glazing are discussed below.
Lightweight
To make a comparison on the standard level, PMMA is half the load and much more transparent than glass, thereby providing really clear visibility even in true of fluctuating and unstable temperatures. Due to its molecular structure, thermoformed pmma thermoplastic are now used almost exclusively for car window glazing where every one of the necessary requirements for light-weight materials which can be safe, easy to process and perform in all weathers are met.
At the top of Scratch Resistance
Another important dependence on glazing is scratch resistance. Standard PMMA already has the highest surface hardness of thermoplastics even if uncoated. However, for automotive glazing, there are stringent conditions to become fulfilled to satisfy the optimal condition of scratch resistance. The use of a coating is therefore mandatory. Given that PMMA is intrinsically UV as well as weathering-resistant, a single-step coating is successful. As opposed, thermoplastics which have low resistance to weathering demand a two-step coating system. This results in relatively expense 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 is known as the right 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 little or no stress birefringence and also this functions as a major benefit over other thermoplastics like polycarbonate, which was primarily useful for glazing during the past. In contrast to traditional materials like polycarbonate, moulded PMMA, supplies a distinct chance for functional integration – reducing recess depth and assembly costs.
Environment-friendly
The new goal from the automotive industry is to develop clean low fuel consumption vehicles. Due to the awareness as well as the requirement for eco-friendly initiatives in the present scheme of things, PMMA functions as a perfect replacement for glass from the automotive glazing segment. As vehicle manufacturers push the boundaries of design, so too is automotive glazing evolving.
SUMIPEX® PMMA polymer offers characteristics that meet the latest challenges from the transportation sector. It’s a monumental challenge for car makers that are looking to adjust to recent environmental requirements and are thinking of alternatives that reduce greenhouse gas and save fuel. It does not take perfect partner on this movement as it makes cars lighter.
As being a leading manufacturer of SUMIPEX® PMMA polymer, Sumitomo Chemical is satisfied to help you to understand its properties and the way it most suitable to automotive glazing.
More information about pmma thermoplastic take a look at this useful resource: look at this