Engineering Resins, Polymer Alloys & Blends
Report Highlights
- The North American market for engineering resin and polymer alloy/blend is expected to increase from 3.3 billion pounds in 2007 to an estimated 3.4 billion pounds in 2008 and 4.0 billion pounds in 2013, a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.1%.
- Polycarbonates have the largest share of the materials market with 887.0 million pounds in 2007 and an estimated 912.0 million pounds in 2008. This is expected to increase at a CAGR of 3.1% to reach 1.1 billion pounds in 2013.
- The nylons segment is the second largest by volume. Roughly 801.0 million pounds were used in 2007, with an expected increase to 825.0 million pounds in 2008. This should reach 954.0 million pounds in 2013, a CAGR of 3.0%.
INTRODUCTION
STUDY GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
The objective of this study is to provide a detailed analysis of engineering resins along with polymer alloys/blends. Usage of these resins will be segmented into a wide variety of applications and analyses, and will include some intracompetition of these resins among themselves along with selected commodity thermoplastics and thermosets.
REASONS FOR DOING THE STUDY
Traditional engineering resins and polymer alloys/blends have been “around” for decades and, yet, there are few studies that analyze in detail all of the major materials involved in terms of plant capacities, markets by application, new technologies and products, and rationales for anticipated growth.
There have been a great many changes in terms of producers/suppliers, products, grades, applications, competitive materials, technologies, and the ever-increasing “offshore” scenario. Some of these changes are the result of a great many corporate changes, which have become the “norm” in many industries.
As a result, there is clearly a need for a detailed reappraisal of the market dynamics of the engineering resin and polymer alloy/blend market.
SCOPE OF REPORT
In this report, engineering resins include traditional varieties such as nylons, polycarbonates, polyacetals, (reinforced) polyethylene terephthalate or PET, and poly(butylene terephthalate) or PBT, along with alloys/blends, such as polycarbonate-ABS alloy/blend (PC/ABS), PPO-HIPS alloy/blend (PPO/HIPS), PPO-nylon alloy/blend (PPO/nylon), and polycarbonate-PBT alloy/blend (PC/PBT). Higher-performance engineering resins include polysulfones, poly(phenylene-sulfide), polyimides, polyketones, and liquid crystal polymers.
The key applications covered include automotive segmented by under-the-hood, external and interior products; electrical/electronic markets; medical devices/products; building/construction materials; appliances; electronic enclosures; plastic rigid food packaging; and several key smaller markets such as optical lenses, aviation products, etc.
METHODOLOGY
A comprehensive review was undertaken of literature relating to engineering resins, their applications and technology, and significant new development. Included in the review were supplier trade literature, texts, and monographs.
Following collection and analysis of this information, interviews were conducted with producers, suppliers, and molders of engineering resins along with representatives of the trade press.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Research analyst Mel Schlechter has over 40 years in the chemical industry, and specializes in plastics market research. He has been with BCC Research for over 10 years and holds a B.S. in chemistry, M.S. in organic chemistry, and a M.B.A. in marketing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Report Highlights
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The polymer alloy/blend market is estimated at 565 million pounds in 1999 and is forecast to increase at a 5.3% average annual growth rate, reaching about 730 million pounds by 2004.
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PC-based alloys/blends account for 54% of the total, followed by PPO-based alloys/ blends with 41%, which leaves the other group with 5%. It is important to note that the PC-based resins are growing at a rate 2.3 times that of the PPO-based resins.
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Electronic enclosures and automotive industries are the dominant outlets for alloys/blends, making up over 90% of total volume. Appliances, medical, lawn/garden and sports/recreation account for the remaining applications for alloys/blends.
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Alloys/blends compete with alloy/blend components, e.g., polycarbonate vs. PC/ABS, and with non-alloy/blend components such as PC/ABS vs. polyurethanes, thermoset polyesters, etc.