A brand of polycarbonate (PC) used in the windshield of a Hyundai concept car shows the huge potential market for the polymer, SABIC Innovative Plastics executives said on Tuesday.
SABIC displayed the Qarmaq concept car during the NPE plastics exposition in Chicago. Plastic producers are eager to present their materials as reasonable, light-weight alternatives to the heavier metals and glasses common in automobiles.
Original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), in turn, are under more pressure to cut the weight of automobiles to conserve gasoline and reduce emissions.
SABIC's polycarbonate, Lexan, is one of several polymers that are just now replacing glass and other materials in automobiles. If adoption becomes widespread, it could open up huge markets for SABIC and other plastics producers.
Weight for weight, Lexan is more expensive than glass, said Stephen Shuler, chief technology officer for Exatec, SABIC’s glazing subsidiary.
