Polycarbonate had earned the tag as the the most appropriate material for use inside the automotive industry. However, in recent times, Polymethyl Methacrylate, the PMMA polymer or commonly known acrylic plastic, has efficiently risen on the growing demands with the automotive industry in replacing polycarbonate for the best important use within a, namely, automotive glazing.

Long established for use in many different vehicle applications like decorative trim, ambient lighting and door entry strips, automotive glazing is one kind of those fields offering the best growth risk of PMMA.
Related key popular features of acrylic plastic making it well suited for the entire process of automotive glazing are discussed below.
Light-weight
To create a comparison over a simple level, PMMA is half the weight plus more transparent than glass, thereby providing really clear visibility during true of fluctuating and unstable temperatures. Due to its molecular structure, thermoformed Acrylic Plastic have become used almost mainly for car window glazing where each of the necessary requirements for light-weight materials which are safe, easy to process and perform in most weathers are met.
At the top of Scratch Resistance
Another critical requirement for glazing is scratch resistance. Standard PMMA already contains the highest surface hardness of most thermoplastics regardless if uncoated. However, for automotive glazing, you’ll find stringent conditions to get fulfilled to meet the perfect state of scratch resistance. The effective use of a coating is thus mandatory. Since PMMA is intrinsically UV and also weathering-resistant, a single-step coating is useful. On the other hand, thermoplastics which have low capacity weathering have to have 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 the interest of automobile manufacturers. Using the advantages being immediately obvious, PMMA is seen as the right fit for automotive glazing. Weight savings apart, the transparency of acrylic plastic along with its 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 this also works as a major benefit over other thermoplastics like polycarbonate, which has been primarily used by glazing in the past. In comparison with traditional materials like polycarbonate, moulded PMMA, supplies a distinct chance for functional integration – reducing recess depth and assembly costs.
Environment-friendly
The newest goal inside the automotive industry is to produce clean low fuel consumption vehicles. Because of the awareness and also the requirement for eco-friendly initiatives in today’s general scheme of things, PMMA works as a perfect substitute for glass inside the automotive glazing segment. As vehicle manufacturers push the boundaries of design, so too is automotive glazing evolving.
SUMIPEX® PMMA polymer offers characteristics that satisfy the latest challenges inside the transportation sector. It’s a monumental challenge for auto makers that are looking to adjust to recent environmental requirements and are contemplating alternatives that reduce greenhouse gas and save fuel. It does not take perfect partner on this movement given it can make cars lighter.
As being a leading manufacturer of SUMIPEX® PMMA polymer, Sumitomo Chemical is pleased to work with you to understand its properties and just how it most suitable to automotive glazing.
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