The polymer industry makes use of synthetic and natural polymers in manufacturing processes for many different products. These products range from everyday items that are commonly used by the average person to specialized tools utilized by professionals.
Some examples of natural polymers include:
- Starch;
- Cellulose;
- Proteins;
- Wool;
- Silk,
- Natural rubber.
Polymer production results in synthetic polymers that are designed to imitate what is found in nature. Some examples of synthetic polymers include:
- Bakelite;
- Neoprene;
- Nylon;
- Polyethylene;
- Polystyrene;
- Teflon,
- Silicone.
Polymer manufacturing
Industrial polymers are the end result of a chemical process called polymerization, which involves the joining up of many molecules. Polymer production concludes when simple compounds, or monomers, combine to make polymers.
The polymer manufacturing process requires the application of heat, pressure, and catalysis. This creates polymers by causing chemical reactions that affect the monomers. These monomers bind together and form a chain or polymer.
Some polymers require entire monomers to join, while other chains consist of monomers that are only partially joined. When portions of monomers are left out of the joining up process, by-products are produced.
Just as monomers can be combined to make industrial polymers, so can polymers be combined to make alloys.
Polymer classification
Different polymer manufacturing processes result in different types of polymers. They can be divided by:
- The manufacturing process;
- Their end structure;
- The different types of polymers.
There are three different types of polymers:
- Thermoplastics;
- Thermosets,
- Elastomers.
Let’s take a moment to look at each category in more detail.
Thermoplastics
The lifespan of these polymers is practically limitless, as they can be melted and reshaped again and again.
Some types of thermoplastics include:
- Polypropylene;
- Polyethylene;
- Polyvinylchloride;
- Polystyrene;
- Polyethylenetheraphthalate,
- Polycarbonate.
These can be used to make:
- Toys;
- Sports equipment;
- Car parts;
- Bottles;
- Containers;
- Grocery bags,
- And more!
Because thermoplastics have so many different applications, there is a high demand for this type of polymer. This is not likely to decrease anytime soon.
Thermoset Plastics
Don’t let the similar names confuse you. Thermoset plastics and thermoplastics are not the same. In fact, they are very different from each other.
While thermoplastics can be melted and reshaped, thermosets can’t. Instead, they remain solid even when subjected to high heat, which is why this type of polymer is perfect for electronics and appliances.
Elastomers
These polymers are elastic. They become harder in cool temperatures and if the temperature drops down far enough, they might even crack. When temperatures increase, the opposite effect occurs as the elastomer’s chains become more flexible.
Elastomers are also sensitive to fluids, which may cause these polymers to swell and deteriorate. Chemicals, temperature, and pressure all play into a fluid’s compatibility with elastomers.
Elastomers can be manufactured by injection molding, transfer molding, or compression molding. The best option really depends on the specific project.
Polymer market
Based on an overview of the polymer market, there appears to be an increase in demand for the products created by this industry. According to the report, there are many different industries that need polymers. This should give polymer companies great opportunities for growth.
These industries are replacing metals, glass, and paper with polymers because of the cost savings. Such industries include:
- Building and construction;
- Packaging;
- Consumer goods;
- Electronics and telecommunication,
- Automotive.
The report indicates that the polymer industry is expanding along with growing populations in China, India, and Brazil. As more people populate these countries more products are needed, which explains why the polymer industry is thriving in these parts of the world.
The polymer market can be divided into categories. If categorizing by product type, the categories include:
- Polyethylene;
- Polyvinyl chloride;
- Polypropylene;
- Polystyrene;
- Polyamide;
- Polyurethane,
- Polyacrylamide.
You might be the most familiar with polyethylene since this product is the most commonly used across various industries. According to the report on the Polymer market, polyethylene is frequently employed in the packaging industry.
The polymer market can also be divided up by application. Some examples of this include:
- Packaging;
- Electronics;
- Food;
- Petrochemicals;
- Healthcare;
- Building and construction;
- Electronics and communication,
- Transportation.
The report reveals that the most dominant application category in the polymer market is packaging. This should come as no surprise since nearly every product in our lives requires packaging.
The report also discloses the polymer market regions. These include:
- North America;
- Europe;
- Asia-pacific;
- Latin America;
- Middle East,
- Africa.
Out of all six, the North America and Asia-Pacific regions are the biggest players on the global scene.
Some of the most influential polymer companies in the industry include:
- The Dow Chemical Company;
- LyondellBasell Industries N.V.;
- Exxon Mobil Corporation;
- Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LLC,
- LANXESS.
The polymer industry appears to have a promising future with continued market growth. We plan to be part of that. Polyexcel is expanding and intends to enter the international market.
