ARTICLES

  • A research has led to the development of conducting polymer coatings that can improve aircraft safety that may also impact the internal components of the aircraft when exposed to lightening. In another finding, carbon nanotubes have excellent mechanical properties, are very tough, very rigid, and conduct electricity. A research has come up with methods that will enable the carbon nanotubes to have a high degree of dispersion and stability within the polymer matrix. Read more in Advances in polymers improve aviation safety- conductive coatings, conducting nano tubes
  • Global polyolefins consumption has grown significantly with PE and PP being the world’s most widely used commodity plastic resins. PE is the world’s largest plastic resin in value terms, and PP is the second largest, together accounting for about 55% of the global plastic resins consumption. The growth drivers are increasing demand from high population countries of Asia Pacific region amid increasing industrial activity; and the North American shale gas boom that has provided an opportunity for availability of cheaper raw material. Continuous innovation in packaging applications is helping the replacement of traditional packaging materials with polyolefins. Packaging applications has the best growth potential among the various end-use applications, currently accounting for about 60% of the global polyolefins demand. Read more in Asia Pacific to lead growth in global polyolefins consumption, estimated to grow at CAGR of 6.2% to 2018
  • Polypropylene is the second most widely traded polymer in the world after polyethylene, and is one of the fastest growing sectors in India and around the world. Driven by robust demand at over 10%, overall PP production in India is forecast to grow at a CAGR of about 6.1%. PP is used in a host of applications across sectors such as automobiles, FMCG, textile, agriculture, housing, health-care, electronics and infrastructure due to its versatility, ease of manufacturing, cost efficiency and affordability. Growth is driven by changing lifestyles and increasing disposable incomes, changing consumer food habits and high competition in consumer products, innovative packaging, switch to biobased PP, etc. Read more in Global Polypropylene market is expected to cross US$124 bln in 2019
  • The global polymer foams market is driven by its diverse range of applications in sectors such as construction, automotive, furniture, packaging, etc. Environmental regulations from different industry sectors and other sectors facilitates the growth of foams. This market is expected to see healthy growth driven by the APAC region. New technology and innovations emerge commercially and would be very effective for the growth of foams in future. US demand for plastic foams is on the rise, recovering from the declines posted during the recession impacted period. To know about the growth sectors, the high growth regions, the growing applications, the factors impacting demand, etc, read Global polymer foams market estimated at US$131 bln by 2018, growing at a CAGR of 7.7%
  • The Asia Pacific region will continue to be the largest market for Thermoplastic Elastomers through 2017, while North America and Western Europe growing well. Motor vehicles account for the largest portion of the world TPE market, with one-third of total demand in 2012. Gains will be fueled by an improvement in the TPE-intensity of automotive industries in North America and Western Europe, as well as increased usage in emerging markets. The most rapid growth will be seen in the asphalt and roofing market, driven by a rebound in developing world construction spending. The adhesive/ sealant/coatings market will also see good growth, as TPEs continue to displace other resins in adhesive formulations. Read more in Demand for Thermoplastic Elastomers forecast to grow at 5.5% to 5.8 mln tons by 2017
  • High demand from user industries such as packaging, bedding & furniture, building & construction, and automotive will increase the overall polypropylene foams as well as polyurethane foam global consumption. Asia-Pacific region is expected to dominate this market with its growing demand for PP foams especially in the automotive and packaging segments, and for PU foams in different especially in bedding & furniture, and building & construction. To know about the regions that are expected to see robust growth and the factors driving growth, read Global PP foams market growing at CAGR of 11%, PU foams market at CAGR of 6.9% from 2013 to 2018