Engineering Polymers

Technology Map Contents

January 2008

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Technology Map Detailed Contents

Importance of the Technology

The Technology in Brief

• Polymers and Copolymers
• Compounds, Blends, and Alloys
• Major Families of Engineering Polymers
  • Acetal
  • Nylon
  • Polycarbonate
  • Polyesters
  • Styrenics
• Specialty Engineering Polymers
  • Liquid-Crystal Polymers
  • Polyetheretherketone
  • Polyetherimide
  • Polyphenylene Ether
  • Polyphenylene Sulfide
  • Sulfone Polymers
• Processing
• Joining, Finishing, and Decoration
  • Joining (Assembly)
  • Finishing and Decoration
• Comparison with Competing Materials
  • Maximum-Use Temperature
  • Density
  • Strength
  • Stiffness
  • Toughness
  • Elongation
  • Flame Resistance
  • Processability
  • Other Properties
• Recycling

Commercial Development Parameters

• Demand Factors
• General Constraints
• Synergistic Technologies
• Competing Technologies
• Required Resources
• Regulatory Factors
  • Recycling Mandates
  • The European Union's RoHS Directive
  • The Kyoto Protocol

Areas to Monitor

• Long-Fiber–Reinforced Thermoplastics
• Nanocomposites
• Polymers from Renewable Resources
• Novel Engineering Polymers
• EP Use in Cars
• New Optical Media
• Specialty Films
• Environmental Legislation
• Corporate Portfolio Optimization
  • Divestments
  • Alliances with Chinese Firms
  • Strategic Acquisitions
  • Streamlined Product Portfolios

Implications of Commercialization

• Steady Growth in Existing Applications
• New Applications
• New Materials and Processes
• Stagnant Demand

Opportunities

• Aerospace
• Appliances
• Automobiles
• Building and Construction
• Electrical and Electronic Devices
• Office Furniture
• Optical Media
• Power Tools

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