World Thermoplastic Elastomers - The Freedonia Group

Demand by Market & TypeThese Sections analyze demand trendsand consider the threats and opportunitiesfor each type and market.DEMAND BY TYPEThermoplastic PolyurethanesSAMPLE PAGEWorld demand for thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers (TPUs) is forecast toincrease 6.3 percent per year to 260,000 metric tons in 2006, outpacing inflationadjustedgains in the global economy and tracking aggregate growth in the overallTPE industry. Market value is forecast to expand nine percent per year over thesame period to $1.9 billion. TPUs were the first thermoplastic elastomers to findwidespread commercial use, which makes this a relatively mature segment of theTPE industry, and these elastomers continue to face strong competition fromother thermoplastic elastomers, particularly reactor thermoplastic polyolefins(TPOs) in film and sheet applications. However, TPUs are seeing increased use inblends with TPOs, a practice that is expanding the range of applications for bothtypes of materials. TPUs are commonly used in motor vehicles, consumerConsumer & Sporting Goods Markets for Thermoplastic Elastomersproducts, industrial products, wire and cable, and medical products, as well as a(thousand variety metric of tons) miscellaneous markets.Item Thermoplastic 1992 1996 polyurethane 2001elastomers 2006 are block 2011copolymers incorporating hardand soft segments into their structure. The properties of these materials may bePers Consump Expend (bil US 98$) varied 19416 by altering 22358the proportion 26493 31670 of the polymers 38470used, the chain length or thekg/mil $ PCE branching 2.5 of the 3.5 copolymer. 5.6 The hard 7.7segment 10.1 is an isocyanate, while the softsegments include esters, ethers and caprolactones, depending on desired performancecharacteristics,Consumer & Sporting Goods 49.5 78.0 SAMPLE 148.0 245.0CharacteristicsTABLE 390.0vary according to the manufacturer, butBy Type:ester-based elastomers generally offer better weatherability and better chemicalThermoplastic Polyurethanes 11.0 18.0 36.0 56.0 90.0resistance, while ether-based materials offer improved hydrolytic stability.Styrenic Block Copolymers 13.0 17.0 35.0 53.0 80.0Thermoplastic Polyolefins Polycaprolactone 9.0 16.0types offer 30.0 a good 59.0 balance between 96.0 the properties of polyesterCopolyester Elastomers and polyether 6.0 types. 10.0 Additives 18.0 are 29.0 used to improve 45.0 dimensional stability, reduceThermoplastic Vulcanizates friction, 2.5 improve 5.0static resistance, 11.0 increase 19.0 flame 33.0retardance, and provideOther TPEs weatherability 8.0 12.0 and fungal 18.0 resistance. 29.0 TPUs can 46.0 be reinforced with glass fibers atlevels up to 40 percent.By Application:Appliances & Housewares TPUs 40.0 offer high 59.0 tensile strength, 95.0 cut 148.0 and abrasion 225.0resistance, and good wearSporting Goods & Household Goods 9.5 19.0 53.0 97.0 165.0© Copyright by The Freedonia Group, Inc.8World Thermoplastic Elastomers #1553Freedonia Industry Study