Asia-Pacific polyether polyols market expected to reach US$8,745.5 mln by end of decade

10-Apr-15

The Asia Pacific (APAC) polyether polyols market is expected to progress owing to the growing demand of these chemicals from end-user applications in this region, as per MicroMarket Monitor. APAC Polyether Polyols market is expected to reach a value of US$8745.5 million by 2020, estimated to grow at a CAGR of 8.5% from 2014 to 2020. A polyol is an alcohol containing multiple hydroxyl groups. Polymeric polyols are usually polyethers or polyesters. Polyether polyols are made by reacting epoxides, such as ethylene oxide or propylene oxide, with a multifunctional initiator in the presence of a catalyst, often a strong base such as potassium hydroxide or a double metal cyanide catalyst, such as zinc hexacyanocobaltate-t-butanol complex. Growth will be driven by the flexible foam application segment that is majorly used by end-user industries such as the bedding, furniture, carpets interlay, and car interior industries, among others. Low cost, ease of handling, and improved hydrolytic stability are the major factors influencing the overall consumption of polyether polyols in comparison to polyester polyols. Most polyether polyols are manufactured for the preparation of soft or rigid polyurethanes with different applications. Other uses vary from synthetic lubricants to surface active agents. Polyether polyols are majorly used in polyurethane foams. Flexible foams are largely used in cushioning applications, such as furniture, bedding & car seats, and carpet underlays, while rigid foam is mainly preferred by the construction industry, wherein it is used for insulation. Rigid foam is also used in commercial refrigeration and packaging. Other uses for polyether polyols include elastomers, adhesives and sealants, surface coatings, and polyurethane fibers. Major applications of polyether polyols include flexible foams, rigid foams, and others (adhesives, elastomers & sealants). On the basis of geography, this market is classified into countries such as China, South Korea, Japan, India, and rest of Asia.