Fluoropolymer Materials: Technologies and Global Markets
NEW YORK, July 6, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- This BCC Research report measures the current and future global fluoropolymers market and all major segments of that market. Forecast given from 2015 through 2020.
Use this report to:
- Identify the key properties, processing and performance characteristics of individual fluoropolymer products.
- Receive market analysis for individual fluoropolymer products by geographic region and end-use sector.
- Learn about the legislative and regulatory issues related to the fluoropolymer industry.
- Examine U.S. patents related to fluoropolymer production and processing technologies.
Highlights
- Global consumption of fluoropolymers amounted to 702.7 million lbs. in 2014 and is projected to total 740.4 million lbs. in 2015. The market is expected to grow during the period 2015 to 2020 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.5% to reach 969.1 million lbs. In 2020.
- Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is the most widely used fluoropolymer material, accounting for a projected share of almost 42% in 2015. The segment should grow from 310.4 million lbs. In 2015 to 401.5 million lbs. In 2020, with a CAGR of 5.3% from 2015 to 2020.
- Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) is the fastest-growing fluoropolymer material in terms of consumption, expected to increase from 100.5 million lbs. In 2015 to 139.9 million lbs. in 2020, with a CAGR of 6.8% from 2015 to 2020.
Introduction & Scope
INTRODUCTION
STUDY GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
The principal goals of this study are to measure the current and future global fluoropolymers market and all major segments of that market; help readers form a comprehensive understanding of recent advances and trends in applications, technologies and global and regional markets for fluoropolymers; and identify the best
opportunities for market growth. A fluoropolymer is a fluorocarbon-based polymer with multiple strong carbon-fluorine bonds. It is characterized by a high resistance to solvents, acids and bases. Fluoropolymers are used in a wide range of applications due to their unique properties and distinct performance characteristics. Typical applications for fluoropolymers include electrical/electronic uses, piping, automotive fuel lines, chemical processing equipment and nonstick coatings for cookware.
Fluoropolymers have very good vapor barrier properties, allowing less than 0.1g of steam to penetrate a square meter of film per day at 38°C and 90% relative humidity.
They are also highly resistant to both chemicals and water, and show stronger heat durability than most other polymers. Fluoropolymers make up a family of thermoplastic resins analogous to polyethylene, in which some of the hydrogen atoms attached to the carbon chain are replaced by fluorine or fluorinated alkyl groups. In some cases, other halogens such as chlorine are also part of the molecule.
The most common commercial fluoropolymers are:
- PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) from the polymerization of tetrafluoro-ethylene and ethylene [C2H4].
- FEP (fluorinated ethylene propylene) from tetrafluoroethylene [C2F4] and hexafluoropropylene [C3F6].
- PFA (perfluoroalkoxy) from tetrafluoroethylene and perfluoropropyl vinyl ether [C3H7C4OF5].
- PCTFE (polychlorotrifluoroethylene) from chlorotrifluoro-ethylene monomer [C2F3CI].
- ECTFE (Ethylene chlorotrifluoroethylene) from chlorotrifluoroethylene and ethylene.
- ETFE (ethylene tetrafluoroethylene) from alternating ethylene and tetrafluoroethylene units in the polymer main chain.
- PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride) from vinylidene fluoride monomer.
- PVF (polyvinyl fluoride) from vinyl fluoride monomer [C2H3F].
Although fluoropolymers represent a small sub-sector of the global thermoplastics market, consumption is growing at a steady pace. Global demand is growing at an
increasing rate due to world economic activity. With the Western fluoropolymer markets being mostly mature, the Asia-Pacific region is the main growth engine. Key
end-use fluoropolymer markets, such as industrial and construction, are slow-growing with fluoropolymers having achieved high penetration rates for key applications. The
transportation, electrical/electronic (E&E) markets present interesting growth opportunities for certain fluoropolymer types, such as PVDF and FEP. However, fluoropolymers' growth potential is being restrained by their relative high cost and record price levels, as compared with many other high-performance plastics and elastomers. With prices at such high levels, deselection of fluoropolymers is a concern.
Key industry challenges identified in the report include:
- Securing long-term control over the fluoropolymer feedstock supply.
- Capitalizing on faster-growing fluoropolymer markets in China and India.
- Reducing fluoropolymer production costs.
- Expanding the application markets.
- Promoting environmental awareness and sustainable solutions.
- Meeting growing price competition from Chinese fluoropolymer producers.
REASONS FOR DOING THE STUDY
There are three main reasons for undertaking this study:
- Resin manufacturers need to understand market growth and technology trends for long-term business planning.
- Fluoropolymer processors need to understand the technology, markets and trends for the various end-use markets and applications.
- Brand owners need to understand the different technologies and performances of the various fluoropolymer materials.
INTENDED AUDIENCE
The intended audience of this report includes fluoropolymer feedstock and resin suppliers, machinery and equipment manufacturers, processors and brand owners.
SCOPE OF REPORT
This new BCC Research report on fluoropolymers will include market data, in U.S. dollar and consumption (million lbs.) terms, for the years 2014 and 2015, and market
forecasts to 2020. Market data is presented by material, end-use sector and geographic region. The report also analyzes fluoropolymer technology developments, industry structure and market drivers and trends. Company profiles of the leading fluoropolymer resin companies and processors describe their product, market and geographic focus; market share; and recent corporate developments.
Principle fluoropolymer materials include:
- Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).
- Fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP).
- Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF).
- Polyvinyl fluoride (PVF).
- Polychlorotrifluoroethylene (PCTFE).
- Perfluoroalkoxy (PFA).
- Ethylene chlorotrifluoroethylene (ECTFE).
- Ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE).
- Other fluoropolymers.
- Fluoroelastomers (FKM).
End-use markets covered in the report are:
- Transportation.
- Electrical and electronics (electronic parts and components).
- Industrial plants and machinery.
- Building and construction.
- Other markets (consumer products, including medical devices, cookware and bakeware, fabric protection, eyeglass lenses and packaging).
The geographic regions covered in the report are:
- Western Europe.
- Eastern Europe.
- North America.
- South and Central America.
- Asia-Pacific.
- Middle East and Africa.
INFORMATION SOURCES
The report is supported by an extensive program of desk/secondary and primary research based on many information sources, including interviews with fluoropolymer
feedstock and resin suppliers, processors and machinery manufacturers; company websites and annual reports; online research; market reports; trade magazines; and
official government statistics.
Read the full report: http://www.reportlinker.com/p03082971-summary/view-report.html
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