An infrared-reflective PMMA moulding compound, "Plexiglas CoolTouch" has been introduced by Degussa Plastics (Darmstadt / Germany; www.degussa-plastics.com) for outdoor applications where excessive heat build-up in the finished product could lead to it being deformed. The new PMMA grade is claimed to be less affected by heat build-up from exposure to the sun because it incorporates specially selected pigments. Heat build-up for black parts, such as window frames, is 15% less and for dark brown is 20% less than if conventional pigments are used, the company said. Traditional properties of Plexiglas materials, such as high resistance to weathering and UV light, and colourfastness, are unaffected by the pigment change.

Plexiglas CoolTouch is said to be suitable for all processing methods, including co-extrusion, where it can be used as a topcoat to protect other plastics such as PVC, PC, ABS or ASA. Special colours have been developed for use in the automotive industry.