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Global demand for thermoplastic elastomers is forecast to increase 6.2% pa through 2009. Several factors will influence this gain, and TPEs will continue to find the majority of their use as replacements for natural and synthetic rubber, as well as for rigid thermoplastics and metals. TPEs will continue to gain new applications in which they are overmolded onto rigid plastic or metal components to enhance ergonomic or soft touch features on a wide range of products. To know more about the growing applications, growth sectors and growth regions, read Global demand for thermoplastic elastomers forecast to increase 6.2% pa till 2009 |
Natural polymer demand is expected to grow 6% pa through 2012. Gains will be stimulated by increased levels of food production, and opportunities in packaging, oilfield, medical, cosmetic/toiletry etc. Average prices are expected to decrease slightly based on declining prices for starch and fermentation products. Threats to further growth include mature applications and variable supplies for products due to climatic and political uncertainties. Read in Natural Polymers demand in USA to grow at 6% pa through 2012 |
The construction industry in some sectors of the Gulf had been impacted by the current recession. However as projects get refinanced, building activity is resuming and demand is expected to rise again for plastics pipe. This was the conclusion at a recent conference. Read in Plastics pipe demand to rise again as projects get refinanced and building activity resumes in Middle East |
The global large diameter pipe industry has been getting stronger in response to market changes that started in the 1990s. Despite rising material costs, composite pipes remain competitive. The sector is gaining market share at the expense of pipes made from iron and concrete. To know about the various sectors they find application in, themarket segments, the growth sectors, the growth regions, etc, read Large composite pipes have excellent growth potential of 10-12% from 2007-12 |
With typical weld times less than 1 second, utrasonic welding is very fast, easily automated and a widely used technique. To guarantee the successful welding of any parts, careful design of components and fixtures is required. To know details of the main components, factors for consideration while welding, distinct assembly and finishing techniques it is used in, applications, limitations, etc of the ultrasonic welding process, read Frequency is important in ultrasonic plastic welding machines |
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Work is underway to develop 100% petroleum-free automotive plastics to make cars totally compostable. Researchers are working on this concept, making decomposition one of the main challenges to overcome. Other solutions sought by the team include less moisture absorption, odor problems, improved exterior surface quality, high-strength, heat-resistance. Read in Automobile makers work to develop bioplastics towards totally compostable cars |
Liquid wood derived from wood pulp-based lignin can be mixed with other materials to create a strong, non-toxic alternative to petroleum-based plastics. It releases only that amount of carbon dioxide that the plant had originally fixed from the environment during its growth. Thus, the carbon cycle is closed and not disrupted. It does not require any elaborate process to change its chemical composition before disposal and can even be discarded off like wood. Read in Liquid Wood from pulp based lignin as strong, non-toxic alternative to petro-based plastics |
A synthetic wood substitute that may one day save trees, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and shrink landfills has been developed. The faux lumber is made from a new biodegradable plastic that could be used in a variety of building materials. The research team focused on biocomposites -glue-like material reinforced with natural fibers that are made from plants and recyclable polymers. Read in Bicomposites based on Polyhydroxy-butyrate (PHB) |
PRICE TRENDS for week of October 12, 2009
NAPHTHA 
Naphtha prices in Asia rose to US$600/MT in line with rising oil prices. Since market players from China and South Korea have just returned from their week long Holidays, few deals...
ETHYLENE 
Ethylene prices have slipped in Asia in the week on a supply glut from the Middle East and unenthusiastic markets. Though buying interest is beginning to perk up in China when markets reopened after an 8 day national holiday, deal values continue to be lower...
PROPYLENE
Propylene prices have advanced in Asia in the week as demand begins to recover in the region and also in line with rising crude and naphtha prices...
Read More in Price trends of oil, polymer feedstock and commodity polymers in Asia for the week ended October 12, 2009 |
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