Conductive Polymers

Report Highlights

• The global market for electroactive polymers increased from 290 million pounds in 2007 to an estimated 315 million pounds in 2008. It should reach 410 million pounds by 2012, a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.4%.
• Conductive plastics will continue to dominate the market, but ICPs will significantly increase their market share in volume and dollar value over the next 5 years.
• Capacitors are the largest ICP application followed by electrostatic dissipation, sensors and textiles.

INTRODUCTION

The major objective of this report is to analyze inherently conductive polymers (ICPs) and, 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).

SCOPE OF STUDY

This report contains:

• Descriptions of various electroactive polymer applications including electrostatic dissipation control, antistatic packaging, light emitting displays, capacitors, electrostatic paintable plastics, corrosion-resistant paints/coatings and electrostatic spray painting
• The current global market status for electroactive polymers, with trends and forecasts for growth over the next 5 years
• Analysis of the electroactive polymer industry on a worldwide basis, both from a market and application perspective
• The latest technological advancements along with a thorough patent analysis
• Company profiles.

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 CREDENTIALS

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.