Abstract
HIGHLIGHTS:
- The North American transparent plastics market is estimated at more than
3.3 billion pounds in 2010, and is expected to reach 4 billion pounds by 2015,
a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.7%.
- Clear polycarbonate consumption is estimated at 950 million pounds in 2010
and is expected to increase at a 4.1% a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) to
reach 1.2 billion pounds in 2015, led by automotive, medical, and electronics
applications.
- The acrylic transparent market is valued at 866 million pounds in 2010 and
is expected to reach more than 1 billion pounds by 2015, a compound annual
growth rate (CAGR) of 3.8%. Building/construction applications account for
almost 60% of total volume, but the electronic segment will show the largest
growth.
STUDY GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
The objective of this study is to provide an analysis of rigid transparent
plastics in terms of current and forecasted usage. New developments in clear
plastics expanded usage in existing and new applications, and competition
between polymers exhibiting optical clarity will be covered. The competitive
scenario between glass and clear plastics will also be noted, as well as
detailed discussions on the competition between individual transparent
plastics. Important suppliers of clear plastics, their product lines, and
other important factors that impact the market will also be covered.
REASONS FOR DOING THE STUDY
The search is continuing for special markets by most plastics suppliers,
somewhat irrespective of potential volume. Selection criteria focus on growing
specialty markets with opportunities for respectable profits even though sales
volumes may not be large by commodity resin standards.
Rigid transparent plastics have become a significant market and encompass many
types of polymers. In addition to acrylics and polycarbonates, many
styrene-based materials, along with commodity and specialty polymers are
available in clear grades. Opportunities in several application areas are in
need of reappraisal in regard to transparent or clear plastics, especially in
electronic, medical, and automotive sectors in economically dire times. Of
special interest within the electronic sector is use of transparent plastics
as substrates for CDs, DVDs, and more recent variants.
SCOPE OF REPORT
The term “transparent” or “clear” is obviously a
subjective one. Most definitions relate clarity of plastics to percent of
light transmission as defined by ASTM test D-1003. Light transmission
percentages above 85% usually are accepted as transparent, although many
suppliers claim “clear grades” with percentages of 80% or lower
such that the distinction between “transparent” and
“translucent” is often hazy. Other related important ASTM tests
include the D-523 and the D-542.
Clear plastics are commercially available in many forms, for example,
injection molded, extruded, blow molded, thermoformed, and so forth. Many
extruded products are also converted to clear films. The many uses of these
films (commodity, specialty, coextruded, plastic food, medical packaging,
etc.) could be the subject of a separate report. Thus, the
“packaging” markets such as healthcare and food are not
“covered” in this report.
Blow-molded clear plastics are hollow and most are converted to bottles or
containers, while thermoformed plastics are similar to injection molded except
that they are usually thinner and require less expensive equipment and capital
outlay.
Thus, this report will cover rigid, clear, non-packaging plastic products,
which include injection molded, non-film extrusion, and thermoforming
(including cast sheet). As noted, the major plastic products excluded from
this report will be flexible and hollow thin materials (including films).
Those clear resins covered in this report specifically include: acrylics,
polycarbonates, polystyrenes, styrene block copolymers (SBCs), styrene
acrylonitrile (SAN), ABS, polysulfones, thermoplastic polyesters (almost
exclusively, PET), polypropylene, acrylic-styrene copolymers (SMMA), PVC,
nylon, cellulosic resins, cyclic olefin copolymers (COCs), and allyl diglycol
carbonate (ADC).
Major applications for these rigid transparent plastics, in addition to
medical, electronic, and automotive markets, include: building/construction
(glazing, lighting lenses, signs/displays), housewares, appliances, toys,
optical lenses, and aircraft transparencies.
Geographic scope of this report is the North American market.
METHODOLOGY
Both primary and secondary research methodologies were used in preparing this
study. A comprehensive review was undertaken of the literature relating to
clear polymers, their applications and technology, and significant new
developments. Included in the review were supplier trade literature, texts,
and monographs.
Following collection and analysis of this information, unresolved issues were
discussed with producers, suppliers, and fabricators of transparent plastics.
The terms “transparent” and “clear” are used
interchangeably. The acronyms PS, PP, and PC are often used to denote
polystyrene, polypropylene, and polycarbonate, respectively.
Methylmethacrylate and MMA are also used interchangeably, as are
polymethylmethacrylate and PMMA. Methylmethacrylate polymers are also
synonymous with PMMA and the terms “acrylics” and/or
“acrylic polymers” are often used as well.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Research analyst Mel Schlechter has more than 40 years of experience in the
chemical industry, and specializes in plastics market research. He has been
with BCC Research for more than a decade and holds a B.S. in chemistry, M.S.
in organic chemistry, and a M.B.A. in marketing.
Table of Contents
CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION
- STUDY GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
- REASONS FOR DOING THE STUDY
- SCOPE OF REPORT
- METHODOLOGY
- ABOUT THE AUTHOR
- RELATED BCC REPORTS
- BCC ONLINE SERVICES
- DISCLAIMER
CHAPTER TWO: SUMMARY
- SUMMARY TABLE NORTH AMERICAN TRANSPARENT PLASTIC MARKET BY TYPE OF RESIN,
THROUGH 2015
- SUMMARY FIGURE NORTH AMERICAN TRANSPARENT PLASTIC MARKET BY TYPE OF RESIN,
2009-2015 (MILLION POUNDS)
CHAPTER THREE: OVERVIEW
- THE GLASS INDUSTRY
- BACKGROUND
- FLAT GLASS
- OVERVIEW
- WINDOW AND SHEET GLASS
- FLOAT GLASS
- LAMINATED GLASS
- TEMPERED GLASS
- REFLECTIVE GLASS
- SOLAR GLASS
- BULLET-RESISTANT GLASS
- EMI SHIELDING GLASS
- PATTERNED GLASS
- PLASTIC INROADS
CHAPTER FOUR: EVOLUTION OF CLEAR PLASTICS
- BACKGROUND
- IMPORTANT EARLY DEVELOPMENTS
- CHOICES
- THE PROBLEM
- TECHNOLOGY
- PERFORMANCE VARIABLES
- TRANSPARENCY OR CLARITY
- REFRACTIVE INDEX
- HAZE
- TABLE 1. OPTICAL QUALITIES OF CLEAR RIGID PLASTICS (1)
- YELLOWNESS INDEX (YI)
- UV STABILITY
- TABLE 2. SENSITIVITY TO UV RADIATION AMONG SELECTED CLEAR PLASTICS
- ABRASION RESISTANCE
- USE OF COATINGS
- CHEMICAL RESISTANCE
- HEAT RESISTANCE
- TABLE 3. HEAT RESISTANCE LEVELS OF SELECTED CLEAR PLASTICS (oF AT 264
PSI)
- INDUSTRY CONSIDERATIONS
- MECHANICAL STRENGTH
- TABLE 4. COMPARATIVE IMPACT RESISTANCE VALUES AMONG SELECTED CLEAR
PLASTICS
- DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
- TRANSPARENT PLASTICS
- OVERVIEW
- TABLE 5. PERCENT OF TRANSPARENT GRADES FOR MAJOR PLASTICS, 2006 (%)
- POLYCARBONATES
- IMPACT OF BISPHENOL A ON POLYCARBONATE USAGE
- PROCESSING
- PROPERTY ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES
- PRODUCERS AND CAPACITIES
- TABLE 6. NORTH AMERICAN POLYCARBONATE PRODUCERS AND CAPACITIES
(MILLION POUNDS/YEAR)
- RECENT CAPACITY DEVELOPMENTS
- Recent Capacity Developments (Continued)
- APPLICATIONS
- PRODUCER GRADES
- SPECIFIC APPLICATIONS
- SELECTED TRADE NAMES OF POLYCARBONATES
- OTHER IMPORTANT COMPANIES INVOLVED WITH POLYCARBONATES
- Altuglas International
- Sheffield Chemical
- NEW PRODUCTS AND DEVELOPMENTS
- Teijin Chemical Activities
- Bayer Material Science
- MARKET ESTIMATES AND FORECASTS
- Market Estimates and Forecasts (Continued)
- TABLE 7. POLYCARBONATE TRANSPARENT MARKET BY APPLICATION, THROUGH
2015 (MILLION POUNDS)
- TABLE 8. POLYCARBONATE TRANSPARENT BUILDING/CONSTRUCTION MARKET,
THROUGH 2015 (MILLION POUNDS)
- ACRYLICS
- OVERVIEW
- COMPARISON OF PMMA WITH GLASS
- PROPERTIES
- MANUFACTURE OF ACRYLIC POLYMERS
- Sheet
- Properties of Acrylic Molded and Extruded Products
- APPLICATIONS
- PRODUCER/SUPPLIER ACTIVITIES AND DEVELOPMENTS Altuglas
- Cyro Industries
- Lucite International
- NEW DEVELOPMENTS
- Mitsubishi Rayon Becomes Global Acrylics Leader
- Evonik Cyro LLC Activities
- New Thermoformed Acrylic Sheet
- Usage of Biocides
- Acrylics with Higher Heat and Scratch Resistance
- Neon Acrylic Products
- DeGussa in Taiwan Acrylic JV
- Sekisui Develops Techpolymer
- COMPARISON OF ACRYLICS VERSUS POLYCARBONATES
- MARKET ESTIMATES AND FORECASTS
- TABLE 9. ACRYLIC TRANSPARENT PLASTIC MARKET BY APPLICATION (1),
THROUGH 2015 (MILLION POUNDS)
- TABLE 10. ACRYLIC TRANSPARENT PLASTIC BUILDING/CONSTRUCTION MARKET,
THROUGH 2015 (MILLION POUNDS)
- STYRENIC RESINS
- OVERVIEW
- GENERAL PURPOSE POLYSTYRENE (GPPS)
- Background
- Characteristics of General Purpose Polystyrene
- Specialty Grades
- STYRENE COPOLYMERS
- Overview
- Optical Properties
- Background
- Refractive Index
- Haze
- Birefringence
- HIPS
- STYRENIC POLYMER PRODUCERS
- THE NEW DOMESTIC STYRENIC SCENARIO
- PROCESSING
- Overview
- TABLE 11. FABRICATION METHODS AND USES FOR POLYSTYRENE
- Injection Molding
- Extrusion
- MARKET ESTIMATES AND FORECASTS
- TABLE 12. POLYSTYRENE TRANSPARENT MARKET BY APPLICATION *, THROUGH
2015 (MILLION POUNDS)
- TABLE 13. POLYSTYRENE TRANSPARENT BUILDING/CONSTRUCTION MARKET BY
PRODUCT, THROUGH 2015 (MILLION POUNDS)
- THERMOPLASTIC STYRENE BLOCK COPOLYMERS
- Background
- Producers
- Processing
- Properties
- Polymer Processes
- TABLE 14. SBC MAJOR PRODUCTS SEGMENTED BY POLYMER
- PROCESS
- TABLE 14. (CONTINUED)
- K-Resin Details
- Medical Applications
- Consumer Products
- Toys
- Styrolux Details
- Recent Developments
- Market Estimates and Forecasts
- TABLE 15. STYRENE BLOCK COPOLYMER TRANSPARENT MARKET BY APPLICATION,
THROUGH 2015 (MILLION POUNDS)
- STYRENE-ACRYLONITRILE COPOLYMERS (SAN)
- Overview
- Properties
- SAN Transparent Applications
- Producers
- Technology and Marketing Activities
- Market Estimates and Forecasts
- TABLE 16. SAN TRANSPARENT MARKET BY APPLICATION, THROUGH 2015
(MILLION POUNDS)
- TABLE 17. SAN TRANSPARENT BUILDING/CONSTRUCTION MARKET BY PRODUCT,
THROUGH 2015
- STYRENE-ACRYLIC COPOLYMERS
- Overview
- Properties and Blending
- Applications
- Product Details
- Ineos Nova New Development
- Market Estimates and Forecasts
- TABLE 18. SMMA MARKET BY APPLICATION (MILLION POUNDS)
- TABLE 18. (CONTINUED)
- ACRYLONITRILE-BUTADIENE-STYRENE (ABS)
- Background
- Properties
- Processing
- General Grades
- Producers
- Overview
- Capacities
- TABLE 19. ESTIMATES OF SELECTED ABS PRODUCER CAPACITIES (MILLION
POUNDS)
- General ABS Applications
- Overview
- Clear ABS Applications
- Other Global Clear ABS Producers
- Market Estimates and Forecasts
- TABLE 20. ABS TRANSPARENT MARKET BY APPLICATION*, THROUGH 2015
(MILLION POUNDS)
- CELLULOSICS
- BACKGROUND
- OVERVIEW
- PROPERTIES
- THE ORIGINAL CLEAR PLASTIC
- TYPES OF CLEAR CELLULOSIC PLASTICS
- ADVANTAGES
- DISADVANTAGES
- PRODUCERS
- NEW DEVELOPMENTS
- New Cellulose Acetate Grades
- MARKET ESTIMATES AND FORECASTS
- TABLE 21. CELLULOSIC TRANSPARENT PLASTIC MARKET BY APPLICATION,
THROUGH 2015 (MILLION POUNDS)
- POLYVINYL CHLORIDE
- OVERVIEW
- FORMS OF PVC
- PROCESSING
- Background
- Extrusion
- Calendering
- CONSUMPTION PATTERNS
- APPLICATIONS OF CLEAR PVC
- SUPPLIERS AND GRADES
- CLEAR RIGID PVC CHARACTERISTICS
- MARKET ESTIMATES AND FORECASTS
- TABLE 22. PVC TRANSPARENT MARKET BY APPLICATION, THROUGH 2015
(MILLION POUNDS)
- THERMOPLASTIC POLYESTERS (POLYETHYLENE TEREPHTHALATE - PET)
- OVERVIEW
- MAJOR APPLICATIONS
- MODIFIED PET RESINS
- PETG
- SUPPLIERS AND CLEAR GRADES
- Eastar
- Spectar
- Durastar
- Tritan
- OTHER COMPANIES INVOLVED IN RIGID TRANSPARENT POLYESTERS
- Spartech
- Sheffield Plastics
- Plaskolite
- SUMMARIZING CLEAR PET APPLICATIONS AND PROPERTIES
- MARKET ESTIMATES AND FORECASTS
- TABLE 23. THERMOPLASTIC POLYESTER TRANSPARENT MARKET BY APPLICATION,
THROUGH 2015 (MILLION POUNDS)
- POLYSULFONES
- BACKGROUND AND PROPERTIES
- TYPES OF POLYSULFONES
- APPLICATIONS
- PRODUCER SCENARIO
- RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
- BASF
- CLEAR POLYSULFONE APPLICATIONS
- NEW DEVELOPMENTS
- MARKET ESTIMATES AND FORECASTS
- TABLE 24. POLYSULFONE TRANSPARENT MARKET BY APPLICATION*, THROUGH
2015 (MILLION POUNDS)
- ALLYL DIGLYCOL CARBONATE (ADC)
- BACKGROUND
- TYPES OF PRODUCTS, PROPERTIES, AND APPLICATIONS
- MARKET SHARE ESTIMATES
- MARKET ESTIMATES AND FORECASTS
- OTHER TRANSPARENT PLASTICS
- POLYPROPYLENE
- Overview
- Applications
- Properties
- Polypropylene Producers
- TABLE 25. U.S. MARKET SHARES OF LEADING POLYPROPYLENE PRODUCERS (%)
- Upgraded Polypropylene
- Techniques Used to Impart Clarity
- Competitive Scenario
- Clear Grades
- New Developments
- Metallocene Polypropylene Copolymers with Ultra-High Clarity
- UltraClear Polypropylenes
- New Polypropylene Transparent Resin
- NYLON
- Background
- Properties
- Major Types of Nylons
- Nylon 66
- Nylon 6
- Clear Grades
- Evonik/Degussa
- EMS Chemie
- Applications of Clear Nylon Grades
- A New Product
- Recent Developments
- Producers and Capacities
- TABLE 26. NYLON PRODUCERS AND CAPACITIES (MILLION POUNDS PER YEAR)
- CYCLIC OLEFIN COPOLYMERS (COCS)
- Cyclic Olefin Copolymers (Continued)
- MARKET ESTIMATES AND FORECASTS
- TRANSPARENT PLASTICS MARKET SUMMARY
- TABLE 27. TRANSPARENT PLASTIC MARKET BY RESIN, THROUGH 2015 (MILLION
POUNDS)
CHAPTER FIVE: APPLICATIONS FOR TRANSPARENT PLASTICS
- OVERVIEW
- ELECTRONIC APPLICATIONS
- OVERVIEW
- OPTICAL DISKS
- HOW DOES DVD TECHNOLOGY DIFFER FROM CD?
- Overview
- Optical Disc Key Performance Parameters
- Processing of DVDs
- Market Considerations
- BLU-RAY DISCS
- MARKET SIZE OF OPTICAL DISKS
- TRANSPARENT SUBSTRATE MATERIALS
- Glass
- Plastics
- Background
- DVD Plastic Materials
- Polycarbonates
- Acrylics
- Polycarbonate Supplier' s Response
- ELECTRONIC DISPLAYS
- Overview
- Characteristics
- Background
- Cathode Ray Tubes Are Still Around
- Display Panels
- Overview
- Substrate Options
- Glass versus Clear Plastics
- Technologies
- Clear Material Preferences
- Display Panel Suppliers
- Rear Projection Screens
- RECENT DEVELOPMENTS PERTAINING TO RIGID TRANSPARENT PLASTICS AND THE
ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY
- Cell Phone Growth Slowing Down
- Smart Phones Are “In”
- Polycarbonate LEDs
- Transparent Memory Devices
- Invisible Plastic Nanofibers Create Transparent Electronic Devices
- Styron LLC Introduces New Polycarbonate Grade for Optical Disks
- MARKET ESTIMATES AND FORECASTS
- TABLE 28. ELECTRONICS TRANSPARENT PLASTIC MARKET BY RESIN, THROUGH
2015 (MILLIONS)
- BUILDING/CONSTRUCTION PRODUCTS
- OVERVIEW
- BACKGROUND
- SOME EXAMPLES OF PRODUCT USAGE
- U.S. HOUSING STARTS
- TABLE 29. U.S. HOUSING STARTS FOR SINGLE-FAMILY HOMES, 1982-2009
(THOUSANDS OF UNITS)
- RECENT COMMENTS ON THE HOUSING MARKET
- MARKET ESTIMATES AND FORECASTS
- TABLE 30. BUILDING/CONSTRUCTION TRANSPARENT PLASTIC MARKET BY RESIN,
THROUGH 2015 (MILLION POUNDS)
- TABLE 31. BUILDING/CONSTRUCTION TRANSPARENT PLASTIC MARKET, BY
APPLICATION, THROUGH 2015 (MILLION POUNDS) GLAZING
- Background
- Properties
- TABLE 32. SELECTED PROPERTIES OF PLASTIC SHEETS FOR OUTDOOR
APPLICATIONS
- Acrylic Sheets
- Polycarbonate Sheets
- Specific Products Used in Glazing
- Other Specific Examples of Plastic Glazing Products
- Use in Greenhouses
- Skylights
- Overview
- Use of Glass
- Use of Plastics
- Overview
- Plastic Types
- Glass and Plastic Combinations
- Skylight Configurations
- New Developments
- Glazing that Provides Blast Protection in Construction
- Cleanroom Construction Using Polycarbonate
- PVB Capacity is Increased
- Market Estimates and Forecasts
- TABLE 33. GLAZING TRANSPARENT PLASTIC MARKET BY RESIN, THROUGH 2015
(MILLION POUNDS)
- LIGHTING LENSES
- Overview
- New Lighting Technologies
- Key Performance Parameters
- Type of Lighting Products
- Clear Plastics Used
- Acrylics
- Polystyrene
- Cellulosics
- Polycarbonates
- PVC
- Processing Methods
- Lighting Lens Suppliers
- SIGNS/DISPLAYS
- Background
- Resins Used
- Acrylics
- Polycarbonates
- Outdoor Sign Market
- Examples of Commercial Products for Signs/Displays
- Indoor Signs/Displays
- Point-of-Purchase Products (POPs)
- A New Product
- Visual Displays Made from Styrene Block Copolymers
- PLUMBING FIXTURES
- Overview
- Clear Plastic Plumbing Fixture Manufacturers
- Clear Plumbing Products
- MARKET ESTIMATES AND FORECASTS
- TABLE 34. LIGHTING LENS/PANEL TRANSPARENT PLASTIC MARKET BY RESIN,
THROUGH 2015 (MILLION POUNDS)
- TABLE 35. PLUMBING FIXTURES TRANSPARENT PLASTIC MARKET BY RESIN,
THROUGH 2015 (MILLION POUNDS)
- TABLE 36. SIGN/DISPLAY TRANSPARENT PLASTIC MARKET BY RESIN, THROUGH
2015 (MILLION POUNDS)
- MEDICAL APPLICATIONS
- OVERVIEW
- FDA ACTIVITIES
- PLASTICS MEDICAL TESTING PROCEDURES
- PLASTIC MEDICAL PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS
- REGULATIONS APPLYING TO CLEAR PLASTICS IN MEDICAL/LABORATORY WARES
- PLASTIC MEDICAL/LABORATORY AND LABWARE PRODUCTS AND DEVICES
- ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS OF MEDICAL PLASTICS
- Dimensional Stability
- Chemical Compatibility
- STERILIZATION TECHNIQUES
- Overview of Methods
- EtO Gas Sterilization
- Radiation Sterilization
- Gamma Radiation
- E-Beam Radiation
- POLYMER REACTIONS TO STERILIZATION METHODS
- NEED FOR CLARITY/TRANSPARENCY
- CLEAR PLASTICS IN MEDICAL APPLICATIONS
- Polystyrene
- Polycarbonates
- Background
- Applications
- Specific Examples
- Renal Dialysis
- Surgical Instruments
- Cardiac Surgery Products
- Sterilization
- Acrylics
- Background
- Medical Products and Sterilization
- Use in Medical Devices
- Examples of Acrylics Geared for the Medical Market
- Polysulfones
- Background
- Medical Properties and Applications
- SAN Resins
- Styrene Block Copolymers
- ABS
- Medically Related Properties
- Additional Medical Product Applications
- Acrylic-Styrene Copolymers
- Polyesters
- PVC
- ADDITIONAL SPECIFIC EXAMPLES OF CLEAR PLASTIC MEDICAL PRODUCTS
- Anesthesia Aids
- Blood Centrifuge Bowls
- Blood Oxygenators
- Pulsatile Balloon Pumps
- Intravenous Solution Administration Sets
- Syringes
- Disposable Devices
- MARKET ESTIMATES AND FORECASTS
- TABLE 37. MEDICAL TRANSPARENT PLASTIC MARKET BY RESIN, THROUGH 2015
(MILLION POUNDS)
- AUTOMOTIVE
- OVERVIEW
- TABLE 38. HISTORICAL, CURRENT, AND PROJECTED U.S. AUTOMOTIVE SALES,
1997-2015 (MILLION UNITS)
- TABLE 39. ESTIMATED HYBRID SALES FOR THE U.S. (THOUSAND UNITS)
- CAFE ISSUES
- BACKGROUND OF CLEAR PLASTIC USAGE IN AUTOS
- CAR LIGHTING SYSTEMS
- Overview
- LEDs
- Overview
- Some Details
- Challenges
- LIGHT SOURCES
- Incandescent Light Bulbs
- Non-Halogen
- Halogen
- TAIL LIGHT AND REAR BRAKE LIGHT HISTORY
- Background
- Types of Clear Plastic Used
- Innovations in Tail Light Assemblies
- Light Covers
- HEADLIGHT AND FRONT END LENS HIST0RY
- Background
- Technology Advances
- Advantages and Disadvantages
- Types of Headlights
- Marketing Aspects
- Polysulfones Try to Compete with Polycarbonates in Headlights
- INTERIOR AUTOMOTIVE LENSES
- LEDs Lighting Moving into Auto Interiors
- Summary of Resin Usage in Automotive Lenses
- TABLE 40. RESIN USAGE IN AUTOMOTIVE LENSES (PERCENT OF TOTAL VOLUME)
- IMPACT OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS
- AUTOMOTIVE GLAZING
- Background
- Overview
- Criteria for Replacing Glass
- Market Opportunities
- Critical Issues
- DuPont Activities
- Solutia' s Efforts with Glass
- Bayer-GE Plastics Joint Project
- Background
- Technology
- Market Aspects
- Market Challenges
- NHTSA Activities
- Examples of Commercial Polycarbonates for Lighting and Glazing
- Other Automotive Glazing Standards
- RECENT DEVELOPMENTS THAT COULD IMPACT THE AUTOMOTIVE GLAZING MARKET
- Exatec LLC Still Promoting Auto Glazing in the U.S.
- Bayer Launches Bay Vision
- North America Awaiting Breakthrough
- Other Polycarbonate Replacement of Exterior Car Parts
- New European Regulations Open the Door for Plastic Auto Glazing
- A New Bayer Material Science Test for Automotive Glazing Abrasion
- Polycarbonate Roof Systems
- Plastic Glazing for GMC' s Volt Electric Car
- LED Competition from Liquid Silicone Rubber
- Global Alliance Aims for Polycarbonate Auto Glazing
- MARKET ESTIMATES AND FORECASTS
- TABLE 41. AUTOMOTIVE TRANSPARENT PLASTIC MARKET BY RESIN, THROUGH
2015 (MILLION POUNDS)
- HOUSEWARES
- BACKGROUND
- SOME EXAMPLES OF POLYCARBONATE HOUSEWARE PRODUCTS
- NEW DEVELOPMENTS
- MARKET ESTIMATES AND FORECASTS
- TABLE 42. HOUSEWARES TRANSPARENT PLASTIC MARKET BY RESIN, THROUGH
2015 (MILLION POUNDS)
- APPLIANCES
- OVERVIEW
- APPLIANCE CATEGORIES
- REPRESENTATIVE PLASTIC INJECTION MOLDED APPLIANCE PARTS
- SMALL APPLIANCES
- HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCE MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY DEFINITIONS - NAICS 3352
- APPLIANCE MARKET SCENARIO
- MATERIALS USED IN APPLIANCES
- Metals
- Steel
- Aluminum
- Plastics
- TABLE 43. BROAD INDUSTRY ESTIMATES OF METAL VS. PLASTICS USAGE IN
HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCES BY WEIGHT (%)
- KEY APPLICATIONS FOR PLASTICS IN APPLIANCES
- TABLE 44. SELECTED MAJOR APPLICATIONS FOR POLYMERS IN APPLIANCES
- CLEAR PLASTICS IN APPLIANCES
- Refrigerators
- Door Lids
- Crisper Tray Buckets and Covers
- Other Clear Plastic Refrigerator Applications
- Examples of Acrylic Appliance Parts
- Examples of Polycarbonate Appliance Parts
- Polystyrene and Clear Polyester Appliance Parts
- KEY APPLIANCE MANUFACTURERS
- SOME NEW DEVELOPMENTS
- Clear Products from Milliken Used in Appliances in Brazil
- MARKET ESTIMATES AND FORECASTS
- TABLE 45. APPLIANCE TRANSPARENT PLASTIC MARKET BY RESIN, THROUGH 2015
(MILLION POUNDS)
- TOYS
- OVERVIEW
- BACKGROUND
- CLEAR PLASTICS USAGE
- Polystyrene
- ABS
- SBCs
- Polycarbonates
- Acrylics
- Historical Summary
- CLEAR PLASTIC APPLICATIONS
- CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COUNCIL
- NEGATIVE ISSUES
- THE CHINA STORY
- MARKET ESTIMATES AND FORECASTS
- TABLE 46. TRANSPARENT PLASTIC TOY MARKET BY RESIN, THROUGH 2015
(MILLION POUNDS)
- OPTICAL LENSES
- KEY CONCEPTS IN LENS MATERIALS
- Refractive Index
- Abbe Values
- WHY PLASTICS ARE USED
- FABRICATION METHODS FOR OPTICAL PLASTIC LENSES Background
- Manufacturing
- Blocking
- Margins of Error
- KEY PERFORMANCE PARAMETERS
- ADVANTAGES OF PLASTICS
- CLEAR PLASTICS USED
- Background
- Acrylics
- Polystyrene
- Polycarbonates
- Overview
- Advantages and Disadvantages
- An Optical Performance Comparison between Polycarbonates and Acrylics
- TABLE 47. OPTICAL PERFORMANCE PROPERTIES (%)
- Allyl Diglycol Carbonate (ADC)
- Background
- Competitive Scenario with CR-39
- Acrylic-Styrene Copolymers
- Trivex
- Cellulosics
- SAN
- Other Plastics in the Market
- Commercial Polycarbonate and Acrylic Optic Grades
- OPTICAL LENS MARKET SEGMENTS
- Background
- Ophthalmic Lenses
- Properties and Advantages
- Market Dynamics
- Ophthalmic Lens Suppliers
- Contact Lenses
- Overview
- Background
- Some Additional Details
- Types of Plastics Used
- TABLE 48. SELECTED CONTACT LENS MATERIALS
- Historic Background
- Current Status
- Contact Lens Suppliers
- TABLE 49. SELECTED KEY CONTACT LENS PRODUCERS AND THEIR PRODUCTS
- SAFETY LENSES
- Background
- American National Standards Institute (ANSI)
- Overview
- The Military Ballistic Requirement
- TABLE 50. MIL-SPEC MIL-PRF-31013
- Deficiencies of Glass
- Plastics Choices
- MARKET ESTIMATES AND FORECAST
- TABLE 51. OPTICAL LENS TRANSPARENT PLASTIC MARKET BY RESIN, THROUGH
2015 (MILLION POUNDS)
- BUSINESS MACHINES
- OVERVIEW
- MARKET ESTIMATES AND FORECASTS
- TABLE 52. BUSINESS MACHINE TRANSPARENT PLASTIC MARKET, THROUGH 2015
(MILLION POUNDS)
- AIRCRAFT TRANSPARENCIES
- OVERVIEW
- EXAMPLES OF GLASS PRODUCTS
- IMPORTANCE OF IMPACT RESISTANCE
- A RECENT DEVELOPMENT
- CLEAR PLASTIC PREFERENCES
- IMPORTANT CLEAR PLASTICS SUPPLIERS
- CLEAR PLASTICS PROCESSING METHODS
- APPLICATIONS ON MILITARY AND COMMERCIAL AIRCRAFT
- Military Aircraft Transparencies
- Commercial Aircraft Transparencies
- LEADING MANUFACTURERS OF AIRCRAFT TRANSPARENCIES
- SELECTED EXAMPLES OF COMPANIES' CLEAR PLASTIC PRODUCTS EARMARKED FOR
AIRCRAFT APPLICATIONS
- MARKETING CLEAR PLASTICS TO THE AIRCRAFT INDUSTRY IS NOT AN EASY ASSIGNMENT
- TABLE 53. REGISTRATIONS FOR PLEXIGLAS GS 245
- TABLE 54. REGISTRATIONS FOR PLEXIGLAS GS 249
- NEW DEVELOPMENTS
- New Polycarbonate Sheets for Aircraft Interiors
- Low-Heat Release Polycarbonate for Aircraft
- New Acrylic for Ultralight Aircraft
- An Example of an Important Supplier of Clear Plastic Products to the
Aircraft Industry
- MARKET ESTIMATES AND FORECASTS
- TABLE 55. AIRCRAFT TRANSPARENT PLASTIC MARKET BY RESIN, THROUGH 2015
(MILLION POUNDS)
- SOLAR APPLICATIONS
- OVERVIEW
- SABIC IP' S LEXAN SOLAR CONTROL IR
- CONCLUSIONS
- OTHER CLEAR PLASTICS APPLICATIONS
- BACKGROUND
- SOME SPECIFICS ON SELECTED EXAMPLES OF MISCELLANEOUS APPLICATIONS OF RIGID
TRANSPARENT PLASTICS
- Sanitary, Pools, and Spas
- Railroads
- Consumer Goods
- Sports and Leisure
- Machine Guards and Safety Shielding
- Bathroom Products
- MARKET ESTIMATES AND FORECASTS
- TABLE 56. OTHER TRANSPARENT PLASTICS MARKET BY RESIN, THROUGH 2015
(MILLION POUNDS)
- SUMMARY OF TRANSPARENT PLASTIC APPLICATIONS
- TABLE 57. TRANSPARENT PLASTICS MARKET BY APPLICATION, THROUGH 2015
(MILLION POUNDS)
CHAPTER SIX: INTRAPLASTIC COMPETITION AMONG SELECTED TRANSPARENT PLASTICS
- OVERVIEW
- APPLICATIONS
- POLYSTYRENE AND ABS
- SMMA RESINS
- OVERVIEW
- NAS COMPARED TO ACRYLICS
- ZYLAR COMPARED TO POLYCARBONATES
- SUMMARY OF COMPETITION BY APPLICATION
- TABLE 58. COMPETITIVE TRANSPARENT PLASTICS SCENARIO BY APPLICATION
- TABLE 58. (CONTINUED)
CHAPTER SEVEN: MAJOR PRODUCERS/SUPPLIERS AND PRODUCTS
- MAJOR PRODUCERS AND PRODUCTS
- TABLE 59. MAJOR SELECTED TRANSPARENT RESIN SUPPLIERS AND TRADE NAMES
OF PRODUCTS
- TABLE 59. (CONTINUED)
CHAPTER EIGHT: STANDARDS, TESTS, AND REGULATIONS
- PROPERTIES AND TEST METHODS
- OPTICAL TESTS
- TRANSPARENT PLASTICS CODE APPROVALS
- SELECTED ASTM CODES FOR RIGID TRANSPARENT PLASTICS
- OTHER CODE APPROVALS
- UNDERWRITERS LABORATORIES
- MILITARY SPECIFICATIONS
CHAPTER NINE: COMPANY PROFILES
- ARISTECH ACRYLICS
- ALTUGLAS INTERNATIONAL
- BASF
- BAYER MATERIAL SCIENCES
- CHEVRON PHILLIPS CHEMICAL
- EASTMAN CHEMICAL
- EMS CHEMIE NORTH AMERICA, INC.
- EVONIK/CYRO LLC
- INEOS NOVA LLC
- KLEERDEX
- LUCITE INTERNATIONAL
- PLASKOLITE, INC.
- PPG INDUSTRIES, INC.
- SABIC INNOVATIVE PLASTICS
- SHEFFIELD PLASTICS
- SPARTECH, INC.
- STYRON LLC
- ZEON CHEMICALS LP
- APPENDIX
- ACRONYMS
- ACRONYMS (CONTINUED)
