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

Long established for usage in many different vehicle applications for example decorative trim, ambient lighting and door entry strips, automotive glazing is among those fields offering the highest growth risk of PMMA.
Related key popular features of acrylic plastic which make it perfect for the whole process of automotive glazing are discussed below.
Light-weight
To generate a comparison on a simple level, PMMA is half the load plus much more transparent than glass, thereby providing crystal clear visibility even in the case of fluctuating and unstable temperatures. As a result of its molecular structure, thermoformed polymethyl methacrylate are actually used almost exclusively for car window glazing where every one of the necessary requirements for light-weight materials which might be safe, easy to process and perform in most weathers are met.
At the top of Scratch Resistance
Another significant requirement of glazing is scratch resistance. Standard PMMA already gets the highest surface hardness of all thermoplastics even when uncoated. However, for automotive glazing, you will find stringent conditions to become fulfilled to meet the perfect state of scratch resistance. The effective use of a coating is thus mandatory. Considering that PMMA is intrinsically UV and also weathering-resistant, a single-step coating is effective. In comparison, thermoplastics that have low capacity weathering need 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 eye of automobile manufacturers. Using the advantages being immediately obvious, PMMA is now known as the right fit for automotive glazing. Weight savings apart, the transparency of acrylic plastic in addition to 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 functions as a major benefit over other thermoplastics for example polycarbonate, which was primarily used for glazing previously. Compared with traditional materials for example polycarbonate, moulded PMMA, comes with a distinct possibility of functional integration – reducing recess depth and assembly costs.
Environment-friendly
The new goal in the automotive industry is to formulate clean low fuel consumption vehicles. Due to the awareness along with the requirement for eco-friendly initiatives in the current general scheme of things, PMMA functions as a perfect substitute for glass in the automotive glazing segment. As vehicle manufacturers push the boundaries of design, also is automotive glazing evolving.
SUMIPEX® PMMA polymer offers characteristics that satisfy the latest challenges in the transportation sector. It’s a monumental challenge for car makers that are looking for to adjust to recent environmental requirements and are considering alternatives that reduce greenhouse gas and save fuel. It does not take perfect partner in this movement given it tends to make cars lighter.
Like a leading manufacturer of SUMIPEX® PMMA polymer, Sumitomo Chemical is satisfied to help you out to understand its properties and exactly how it suitable to automotive glazing.
For more information about polymethyl methacrylate visit this popular resource: click now