Polycarbonate had earned the tag because the the most suitable material for usage in 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 in a, namely, automotive glazing.

Long established for usage in many different vehicle applications including decorative trim, ambient lighting and door entry strips, automotive glazing is among those fields offering the very best growth possibility of PMMA.
Related key top features of acrylic plastic making it suitable for the entire process of automotive glazing are discussed below.
Light-weight
To generate a comparison over a standard level, PMMA is half the weight plus more transparent than glass, thereby providing crystal clear visibility even during the case of fluctuating and unstable temperatures. Owing to its molecular structure, thermoformed polymer resin are actually used almost exclusively for car window glazing where each of the necessary requirements for light-weight materials which might be safe, simple to process and perform in all of the weathers are met.
High on Scratch Resistance
Another critical requirement of glazing is scratch resistance. Standard PMMA already contains the highest surface hardness of most thermoplastics regardless if uncoated. However, for automotive glazing, there are stringent conditions to get fulfilled to satisfy the best condition of scratch resistance. The application of a coating is therefore mandatory. Given that PMMA is intrinsically UV and also weathering-resistant, a single-step coating is successful. As opposed, thermoplastics which have low potential to deal with weathering demand a two-step coating system. This ends in 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. With the advantages being immediately obvious, PMMA is currently considered the proper 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 and this operates as a major benefit over other thermoplastics including polycarbonate, which was primarily used for glazing in the past. In comparison with traditional materials including polycarbonate, moulded PMMA, provides a distinct potential for functional integration – reducing recess depth and assembly costs.
Environment-friendly
The brand new goal in the automotive industry is to develop clean low fuel consumption vehicles. Due to the awareness and also the requirement of eco-friendly initiatives in the current general scheme of things, PMMA operates as a perfect alternative to glass in the automotive glazing segment. As vehicle manufacturers push the boundaries of design, so too is automotive glazing evolving.
SUMIPEX® PMMA polymer offers characteristics that fulfill the latest challenges in the transportation sector. It’s a monumental challenge for auto makers looking to sit in recent environmental requirements and so are thinking about alternatives that reduce greenhouse gas and save fuel. It does not take perfect partner with this movement because it helps make cars lighter.
Like a leading manufacturer of SUMIPEX® PMMA polymer, Sumitomo Chemical is pleased to help you out understand its properties and the way it best suited to automotive glazing.
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