Global demand for Polycarbonate reached 2.7 million tons in 2005. Average annual growth is expected to be more than 7% pa to 2010.
Key application areas are electronics and optical media, and future demand growth is expected to follow these sectors. Global
consumption patterns are expected to alter dramatically over the next decade. Read in
Polycarbonate is poised to grow faster in Asia
Low-priced Chinese-built extruders have arrived in in small sizes and modest numbers in North America to make pipe, sheet, films and profiles. Most are bought by large, sophisticated processors who are sampling the Chinese made machines. Some are being bought by small start-up companies who cannot resist the lucrative prices. To know the success of these machines, the manufacturers supplying in North America and the various offerings, read Chinese extruders are getting a foothold in North America
Due to limited use in melt processing, Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), despite impressive properties, has remained
a niche product. With the aim of improving processing efficiency, extensive development work has been undertaken
to alter homopolymer PVDF, thus broadening its use. Alteration of properties is helping PVDF find application
in thermoforming as well as blown film extrusion. Read more in
Melt strength limitation of PVDF can be overcome by introduction of branching
A significant amount is being spent on
research of polymers based on renewable resources. DuPont has recently launched new polymers based
on renewable resources. Most of these new products will be commercially available in the second half of 2008. Read in
High performance polymers based on renewable resources continue to grow
New building codes and rising insurance costs are triggering a drive to develop new materials and structures that are more
resistant to hurricanes, as well as other natural calamities such as earthquakes. To read about exciting developments, read
Bendable concrete modified with polymer fibers provides protection against hurricanes
There are essentially two areas where polymers are used in the medical sector: disposable products/packaging products
and medical devices. New research and innovations play a major role in the field of medical devices where newer
materials are required for better performance. Several new materials with enhanced properties have been introduced.
Read in
New development & innovation is key to growth of polymers in medical field
