PC demand in cars set to rise - SABIC IP official

13 August 2008 12:20  [Source: ICIS news]

LONDON (ICIS news)--Polycarbonate (PC) demand in automotive glazing is starting to take off worldwide, said an official at major plastics producer SABIC Innovative Plastics, Automotive on Wednesday.

With earlier problems of abrasion and scratch resistance now resolved, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) have begun supplying PC windows to car manufacturers.

Derek Buckmaster, marketing director, body panels and glazing for Netherlands-based SABIC Innovative Plastics, Automotive in Europe, said: "There are at last six companies supplying PC windows worldwide today. As more OEMs qualify their specifications for PC windows, capacity will grow."

Buckmaster revealed that SABIC Innovative Plastics was working with 15 global OEMS to complete written technical specifications.

There are seven different cars on the road today with PC windows, including the Smart car, Honda Civic, and GM Corvette.

PC in front windscreens was yet to take off, said Buckmaster, but a change in regulations could boost demand for this application.

An amendment to European regulation ECE43R that was drafted in 2006 could be passed within the next 12 months, allowing PC to be used in front windscreens, he added.

PC is currently used in front windscreens in racing cars and could move into standard vehicles in the long term, Buckmaster said.

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By: Elaine Burridge
+44 20 8652 3214

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