Abstract
US market to double by 2011
Although the hype surrounding polymer nanocomposites has been in full-throttle
for over a decade, so far the market for these new materials has been
relatively slow to develop. However, as commercial interest has moved beyond
pilot programs and niche applications, it appears that nanocomposites are
finally ready for a breakthrough in markets such as motor vehicles and
packaging. By 2011, nanocomposites demand will more than double, reaching 300
million pounds. Growth will be fueled by declining prices of nanomaterials and
composites, as production levels increase and technical issues concerning the
dispersion of nanoadditives in the compounds are overcome. By 2025, it is
expected that nanocomposites will be a $9 billion market, with volumes nearing
five billion pounds.
Higher-priced resins to see fastest gains in near term
While thermoplastics currently comprise virtually all demand for
nanocomposites, compounds based on thermoset resins will eventually become a
substantial part of the market -- 20 percent of demand in 2025. Over the near
term, the most rapid gains will be seen in higher-priced resins such as
engineering plastics, in applications where the additional cost of
nanomaterials is not a critical factor. Looking forward, however,
nanocomposites based on commodity plastics, such as polypropylene,
polyethylene and PVC, will dominate the market. Among thermosets,
nanocomposites will make the strongest impact as enhancements for reinforced
polyester and epoxy compounds.
Study coverage
It presents historical demand data for 2001 and 2006 plus forecasts for 2011,
2016 and 2025 by nanocomposite resin, market and nanomaterial. The study also
considers market environment factors, reviews technology, details industry
structure, and identifies and profiles various leading nanocomposite
participants in the US industry.
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