| ARTICLES |
H1-08 saw polymer prices spike to record highs while H2-08 witnessed an unprecedented demand crash as a result of financial and global economic meltdown. The decline in demand was intensified by falling feedstock prices as crude prices sank by 70% in the last 6 months of 2008. Polyolefins consumption in 2008 was estimated to have shrunk by 1.6% against an estimated 3% growth in global economic output. Demand in 2009 is expected to improve slightly over 2008, but is not expected to return to 2007 levels in mature economies. The miniscule demand increase will be dwarfed by new capacities coming on stream in the Middle East and Asia. Read in 2008 was a difficult year for global polyethylene and polypropylene markets |
Polymer nanocomposite markets that have been slow in development till date, seem ready to take off with increasing application in the automotive and packaging sector. As commercial interest has moved beyond pilot programs and niche applications, it appears that nanocomposites are finally ready for a breakthrough in these markets. By 2011, nanocomposite demand will reach 150,000 tpa in USA. To know the factors that will fuel growth, the growth sectors, growing demand regions, etc, read Polymer Nanocomposites market to grow well globally, particularly in USA |
WPCs represent one of the rapidly growing markets within the plastics industry. Used as replacement for treated wood in building products and related applications, healthy growth is expected through 2011. WPCs find usage in a range of applications in a number of market sectors including building and construction, automotive, garden and outdoor products, industrial and infrastructure and few niche applications. Demand for WPCs and plastic lumber is projected to advance about 10% pa through 2011 to US$5.4 bln. To know about the various growth sectors, their rate of growth, new applications, read Wood Plastic Composites (WPCs) expected to grow well through 2011 |
Nanotechnology research in the food industry is getting focused on food packaging. Developments are increasing shelf-life, improving flavor and detecting pathogens in a wide variety of packaged foods. Packaging enhancements are even extended to the marketability of products through printable RFIDs, nanosensors, carbon nanotubes, nanovesicles , DNA biochips, etc. Nanocomposite packaging is likely to contribute significantly to the food packaging sector in the near future. To explore these advancements and the impact, read Nanotechnology can enhance food packaging |
PVC, under pressure from environmentalists, has used technologies to reduce environmental impact. Therefore it continues to grow at 3-4 % globally. In Europe, the PVC industry is on course to meet its 10 year recycling target laid out in its Vinyl 2010 voluntary commitment. Vinyl 2010 is based on a voluntary approach, with fixed targets and deadlines to improve production processes and products, invest in technology, minimise emissions and waste and boost collection and recycling. Read in PVC industry adopts new technologies to reduce environmental impact |
Shape Memory Polymers (SMP) are polymeric smart materials that have the ability to return from a deformed state to their original shape induced by an external stimulus. Certain classes of SMPs are biodegradable, offering the option to develop temporary implants. After the implant has fulfilled its intended use and healing/tissue regeneration has occurred, the material degrades into substances which can be eliminated by the body. These are finding application in stents and sutures. Read more in Biocompatible Shape Memory Polymers in medical applications |
A new induction barrel heating technology sharply cuts energy costs and improves temperature control for better quality and less scrap compared with conventional heater bands. It uses an optimized high-frequency power supply and a thermal insulating layer interposed between the barrel and coils to address the above issues and exploit the full potential of induction. All the heat is generated directly within the barrel and remains in the process. Read details in New Barrel Heating Technology improves efficiency in injection molding process |
Polyphthalamide (PPA) is a high performance polyamide. The property advantages provide improvements in dimensional stability, solvent and hydrolysis resistance, and also better high temperature mechanical property retention versus standard aliphatic nylons. Read in High performance properties of PPA make it ideal for replacing metal
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PRICE TRENDS
NAPHTHA 
Naphtha prices in Asia stagnated at US$645/MT CFR Japan for H1 October delivery as crude oil prices dipped. Mid week, unenthusiastic spot demand for open-spec naphtha and a possible supply increase pulled down naphtha prices in Asia by 10-15 dollars…
ETHYLENE 
As buying sentiments improved in Asia, ethylene prices rose to US$960/MT in the week of August 31, 2009. Prices were assessed ten dollars higher than last week at US$965/MT CFR FE and about 100 dollars higher in S Asia as the region had deficit supply on non arrival of cargoes from Iran due to continued delays...
PROPYLENE 
Saturation of the market with spot cargoes has cast an unenthusiastic shadow on propylene markets of Asia. As producers supplie of spot cargoes increased and regional plants started production, September shipment FOB Korea price……
Read More in Price trends of oil, polymer feedstock and commodity polymers in Asia for the week ended August 31, 2009
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