REPORT SCOPE
INTRODUCTION
STUDY GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
The major objective of this report is to measure and analyze markets for inherently conductive polymers (ICPs) and, somewhat, to a lesser extent, traditional conductively filled thermoplastics, in terms of their competitive scenario in specific applications. Another goal is to develop a reasonable scenario for ICP markets outside of their competitive posture vis-à-vis traditional conductive-filled thermoplastics.
The latter group is often called “conductive plastics.” However, in several market reports these materials are often termed “conductive polymers,” which often leads to some confusion.
Often ICPs and conductive plastics are termed “electroactive polymers/plastics” while in other studies the phrase “electroactive” polymers includes very highly specialized polymers with both electrical and/or optical characteristics (electro-optic polymers).
REASONS FOR DOING THE STUDY
Conductive plastics are made from traditional thermoplastics containing fillers that render them conductive, while ICPs conduct electricity on their own, and electro-optic polymers develop optical characteristics under influence of an applied electric field.
Although conductive plastics mimic conductivity of metals (particularly copper and steel), insulative resins employing conductive fillers (e.g., metal or carbon powder or fiber) achieve a measure of conductivity. However, there are generally compromises in terms of processibility or performance or overall economics; thus, the search for alternate “conductive plastics” such as ICPs.
By the mid-1990s, commercialization of ICPs was still in its infancy. Production of these materials had been scaled up from grams to pounds, but overall global production and consumption totals are still negligible due to overall instability and higher prices.
Even though several major companies have “given up” on ICPs, researchers and other commercial and educational institutions are pushing ahead. Literally hundreds of papers and patents on ICPs are published each year. Clearly, there are a great many scientists and corporations who are still optimistic about significant commercial successes of ICPs and, indeed, usage has increased over the last several years.
Electro-optic polymers (EO polymers) are further removed from commercialization than ICPs. However, there might be greater potential in the long term for EO polymers, compared with those of ICPs, because optical applications may be farther reaching than electrical uses.
Clearly, there is a need for an objective appraisal of ICPs versus traditional conductive plastic markets.
ICPs have a wide variety of potential applications, such as electrostatic dissipation (ESD) control, light emitting displays, capacitors, electrostatic paintable plastics, antistatic packaging, corrosion-resistant paints/coatings, and other more esoteric markets such as rechargeable batteries, smart windows, and electronic membranes. Currently, most ICPs lack sufficient conductivity to be effective for EMI shielding.
In many of these applications, ICPs are beginning to impact conductively filled traditional thermoplastics, while the “market” for EO polymers is still not expected to become significant until the middle of this decade, at the earliest.
SCOPE OF THE STUDY
This report will cover both ICPs and conductively filled thermoplastics in terms of their competitive scenario as well as to assess ICP markets independent of traditional conductive plastics.
Typical applications for conductive plastics include ESD/antistatic packaging, electrostatic spray painting, as well as other applications, while, as noted, ICP applications include batteries, transistors, light-emitting diodes (LEDs), capacitors, corrosion-resistant coating products, membranes, sensors, etc.
It should be made clear that mention of new conductive polymer activities are a very frequent occurrence in the trade press and/or company press releases.
To quantify estimated volumes for basic ICPs such as polythiophenes, polyanilines, or polypyrroles is exceedingly difficult mainly because these materials are usually not used as existent solids or liquids in the “neat” form, except for several types of films or “pastes.”
Polythiophenes, for example, are mostly sold in very dilute solutions (less than 5% concentration), while polyanilines are often used as 25% emulsions. ICP “volumes,” therefore, are almost always reported by weight as dilute solutions or emulsions and overall global estimates derived from various suppliers, the trade press, or reports vary by several hundred percent. The major players in the ICP business are almost always unwilling to provide even the broadest estimates because of the wide disparity of concentrations of the ICPs along with the proprietary nature of this information.
The overall market data is global, but further segmentation into major geographic areas was not feasible.
METHODOLOGY
Both primary and secondary research sources were used to gather information, including:
- Complete literature review on products and technology
- Patent search
- Contacts with key personnel from producers, suppliers, and end users
ANALYST’S CREDENTIALS
Research analyst Mel Schlechter has more than 40 years in the chemical industry, and specializes in plastics market research. He has been with BCC Research for more than 10 years and holds a B.S. in chemistry, an M.S. in organic chemistry, and an M.B.A. in marketing.
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DISCLAIMER
The information developed in this report, is intended to be as reliable as possible at the time of publication and of a professional nature. This information does not constitute managerial, legal, or accounting advice; nor should it serve as a corporate policy guide, laboratory manual, or an endorsement of any product, as much of the information is speculative in nature. The author assumes no responsibility for any loss or damage that might result from reliance on the reported information or from its use.
Source: BCC Research
