High-Temperature Plastics

Advances will be propelled by the ongoing adoption of high-temperature plastics in place of more conventional materials such as metal, glass, and other polymers in an expanding array of applications.

US demand to grow 5.8% annually through 2017

US demand for high-temperature plastics is forecast to expand 5.8 percent per year to $3.1 billion in 2017, with volume expected to exceed 300 million pounds on annual gains of 4.7 percent. Advances will be propelled by the ongoing adoption of high-temperature plastics in place of more conventional materials such as metal, glass, and other polymers in an expanding array of applications. Gains will be further supported by an improving economic outlook and rising consumer confidence, which will boost the output of durable goods such as electrical equipment, electronic products, machinery, and transportation equipment that increasingly utilize high-temperature plastics

Fluoropolymers to offer best growth opportunities

Fluoropolymers are by far the largest type of high-temperature plastic, accounting for nearly half of total market value in 2012. Although advances in this large sector are expected to trail the average, fluoropolymers will continue to offer the best opportunities for growth based on their market size. The widespread use of polytetrafluoroethylene in the large industrial market will promote overall gains, particularly as opportunities in applications such as chemical processing and industrial filtration continue to arise. Additionally, a substantial rebound in nonresidential building activity, especially in the office and commercial sector, will spur demand for fluorinated ethylene propylene, which is widely used in wire and cable applications due to its low dielectric constant, flexibility, and superior heat- and fireresistance.

Polyketones to see most rapid demand gains

Polyketones are anticipated to see the most rapid demand gains through the forecast period, albeit from a relatively small base. Advances will be fueled by efforts to extend the use of these highpriced, high-performance materials into new applications, particularly in the medical field, where these biocompatible resins are gaining use in orthopedic implants. Overall demand will be spurred by efforts on the part of producers to market polyketones as a lightweight alternative to metals in a variety of demanding applications, including those found in the oil and gas, and wind energy sectors. Polyphenylene sulfide and sulfone polymers are also projected to achieve above average gains, propelled by rising motor vehicle output and vehicle fuel-efficiency efforts.

Exceptional attributes to stimulate demand

The exceptional attributes of hightemperature plastics will continue to stimulate demand in a widening array of applications. For instance, high-temperature plastics are gaining use in motor vehicle applications due to their ability to provide necessary heat- and chemicalresistance, strength, durability, and weight reduction. In the electronics sector, more stringent technical and environmental specifications will promote the use of high-temperature plastics, which are inherently flame retardant and do not contain halogenated additives.

Study Scope

This industry study, High-Temperature Plastics, presents historical demand data for 2002, 2007 and 2012, and forecasts for 2017 and 2022 by resin and market. The study also considers market environment factors, evaluates company market share, and profiles 24 industry players.

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Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION viii

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

MARKET ENVIRONMENT

General

Macroeconomic Outlook

Demographic Trends

Manufacturing Outlook

Electrical & Electronic Equipment Outlook

Plastic Resin Outlook

Competitive Materials

Pricing Trends

Historical Market Trends

Regulatory & Environmental Issues

International Activity

Foreign Trade

RESINS

General

Fluoropolymers

Polytetrafluoroethylene

Fluorinated Ethylene Propylene

Other Fluoropolymers

Producers

Sulfone Polymers

Polysulfones

Polyethersulfone & Other Sulfone Polymers

Producers

Polyimides

Polyetherimide

Other Polyimides

Producers

Polyphenylene Sulfide

Markets

Producers

High-Performance Polyamides

Markets

Producers

Liquid Crystal Polymers

Markets

Producers

Polyketones

Markets

Producers

Other High-Temperature Plastic Resins

MARKETS

General

Electrical & Electronic Equipment

Wire & Cable

Wire & Cable Outlook