Rigid Transparent Plastics

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Rigid Transparent Plastics
Published on October 2010

Report Summary

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.

INTRODUCTION

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

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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 Content

Chapter- 1: INTRODUCTION



STUDY GOALS AND OBJECTIVES 1
REASONS FOR DOING THE STUDY 1
SCOPE OF REPORT 1
METHODOLOGY 2
ABOUT THE AUTHOR 3
RELATED BCC REPORTS 3
BCC ONLINE SERVICES 3
DISCLAIMER 4

Chapter-2: SUMMARY

SUMMARY TABLE NORTH AMERICAN TRANSPARENT PLASTIC MARKET BY TYPE OF RESIN, THROUGH 2015 5
SUMMARY FIGURE NORTH AMERICAN TRANSPARENT PLASTIC MARKET BY TYPE OF RESIN, 2009-2015 (MILLION
POUNDS) 6

Chapter-3: OVERVIEW

THE GLASS INDUSTRY 7
BACKGROUND 7
FLAT GLASS 7
OVERVIEW 7
WINDOW AND SHEET GLASS 8
FLOAT GLASS 8
LAMINATED GLASS 8
TEMPERED GLASS 8
REFLECTIVE GLASS 9
SOLAR GLASS 9
BULLET-RESISTANT GLASS 9
EMI SHIELDING GLASS 9
PATTERNED GLASS 10
PLASTIC INROADS 10

Chapter-4: EVOLUTION OF CLEAR PLASTICS

BACKGROUND 11
IMPORTANT EARLY DEVELOPMENTS 12
CHOICES 13
THE PROBLEM 13
TECHNOLOGY 13
PERFORMANCE VARIABLES 13
TRANSPARENCY OR CLARITY 14
REFRACTIVE INDEX 14
HAZE 15
TABLE 1 OPTICAL QUALITIES OF CLEAR RIGID PLASTICS (1) 16
YELLOWNESS INDEX (YI) 16
UV STABILITY 17
TABLE 2 SENSITIVITY TO UV RADIATION AMONG SELECTED CLEAR PLASTICS 18
ABRASION RESISTANCE 19



USE OF COATINGS 19
CHEMICAL RESISTANCE 20
HEAT RESISTANCE 20
TABLE 3 HEAT RESISTANCE LEVELS OF SELECTED CLEAR PLASTICS (ºF AT 264 PSI) 21
INDUSTRY CONSIDERATIONS 21
MECHANICAL STRENGTH 22
TABLE 4 COMPARATIVE IMPACT RESISTANCE VALUES AMONG SELECTED CLEAR PLASTICS 22
DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS 22
TRANSPARENT PLASTICS 23
OVERVIEW 23
TABLE 5 PERCENT OF TRANSPARENT GRADES FOR MAJOR PLASTICS, 2006 (%) 24
POLYCARBONATES 24
IMPACT OF BISPHENOL A ON POLYCARBONATE USAGE 25
PROCESSING 25
PROPERTY ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES 25
PRODUCERS AND CAPACITIES 26
TABLE 6 NORTH AMERICAN POLYCARBONATE PRODUCERS AND CAPACITIES (MILLION POUNDS/YEAR) 26
RECENT CAPACITY DEVELOPMENTS 26
Recent Capacity Developments (Continued) 27
APPLICATIONS 28
PRODUCER GRADES 28
SPECIFIC APPLICATIONS 29
SELECTED TRADE NAMES OF POLYCARBONATES 30
OTHER IMPORTANT COMPANIES INVOLVED WITH POLYCARBONATES 30
Altuglas International 30
Sheffield Chemical 30
NEW PRODUCTS AND DEVELOPMENTS 31
Teijin Chemical Activities 31
Bayer Material Science 31
MARKET ESTIMATES AND FORECASTS 31
Market Estimates and Forecasts (Continued) 32
TABLE 7 POLYCARBONATE TRANSPARENT MARKET BY APPLICATION, THROUGH 2015 (MILLION POUNDS) 33
TABLE 8 POLYCARBONATE TRANSPARENT BUILDING/CONSTRUCTION MARKET, THROUGH 2015 (MILLION POUNDS) 34
ACRYLICS 34
OVERVIEW 34
COMPARISON OF PMMA WITH GLASS 34
PROPERTIES 35
MANUFACTURE OF ACRYLIC POLYMERS 35
Sheet 35
Properties of Acrylic Molded and Extruded Products 36
APPLICATIONS 37
PRODUCER/SUPPLIER ACTIVITIES AND DEVELOPMENTS 37
Altuglas 37
Cyro Industries 38
Lucite International 38
NEW DEVELOPMENTS 38
Mitsubishi Rayon Becomes Global Acrylics Leader 38
Evonik Cyro LLC Activities 38



New Thermoformed Acrylic Sheet 38
Usage of Biocides 39
Acrylics with Higher Heat and Scratch Resistance 39
Neon Acrylic Products 39
DeGussa in Taiwan Acrylic JV 39
Sekisui Develops Techpolymer 39
COMPARISON OF ACRYLICS VERSUS POLYCARBONATES 40
TABLE 9 ACRYLIC TRANSPARENT PLASTIC MARKET BY APPLICATION (1), THROUGH 2015 (MILLION POUNDS) 41
TABLE 10 ACRYLIC TRANSPARENT PLASTIC BUILDING/CONSTRUCTION MARKET, THROUGH 2015 (MILLION POUNDS) 42
STYRENIC RESINS 42
OVERVIEW 42
GENERAL PURPOSE POLYSTYRENE (GPPS) 43
Background 43
Characteristics of General Purpose Polystyrene 43
Specialty Grades 43
STYRENE COPOLYMERS 43
Overview 43
Optical Properties 44
Background 44
Refractive Index 44
Haze 44
Birefringence 45
HIPS 45
STYRENIC POLYMER PRODUCERS 45
THE NEW DOMESTIC STYRENIC SCENARIO 46
PROCESSING 46
Overview 46
TABLE 11 FABRICATION METHODS AND USES FOR POLYSTYRENE 47
Injection Molding 47
Extrusion 47
TABLE 12 POLYSTYRENE TRANSPARENT MARKET BY APPLICATION *, THROUGH 2015 (MILLION POUNDS) 48
TABLE 13 POLYSTYRENE TRANSPARENT BUILDING/CONSTRUCTION MARKET BY PRODUCT, THROUGH 2015 (MILLION
POUNDS) 49
THERMOPLASTIC STYRENE BLOCK COPOLYMERS 49
Background 49
Producers 49
Processing 49
Properties 50
Polymer Processes 50
TABLE 14 SBC MAJOR PRODUCTS SEGMENTED BY POLYMER PROCESS 50
TABLE 14 (CONTINUED) 51
K-Resin Details 51
Medical Applications 51
Consumer Products 51
Toys 51
Styrolux Details 51



Recent Developments 52
Market Estimates and Forecasts 52
TABLE 15 STYRENE BLOCK COPOLYMER TRANSPARENT MARKET BY APPLICATION, THROUGH 2015 (MILLION POUNDS)
52
STYRENE-ACRYLONITRILE COPOLYMERS (SAN) 53
Overview 53
Properties 53
SAN Transparent Applications 54
Producers 54
Technology and Marketing Activities 54
TABLE 16 SAN TRANSPARENT MARKET BY APPLICATION, THROUGH 2015 (MILLION POUNDS) 55
TABLE 17 SAN TRANSPARENT BUILDING/CONSTRUCTION MARKET BY PRODUCT, THROUGH 2015 56
STYRENE-ACRYLIC COPOLYMERS 56
Overview 56
Properties and Blending 57
Applications 57
Product Details 57
Ineos Nova New Development 58
TABLE 18 SMMA MARKET BY APPLICATION (MILLION POUNDS) 58
ACRYLONITRILE-BUTADIENE-STYRENE (ABS) 59
Background 59
Properties 59
Processing 60
General Grades 60
Producers 61
Overview 61
Capacities 61
TABLE 19 ESTIMATES OF SELECTED ABS PRODUCER CAPACITIES (MILLION POUNDS) 61
General ABS Applications 62
Overview 62
Clear ABS Applications 62
Other Global Clear ABS Producers 63
TABLE 20 ABS TRANSPARENT MARKET BY APPLICATION*, THROUGH 2015 (MILLION POUNDS) 63
CELLULOSICS 64
BACKGROUND 64
OVERVIEW 64
PROPERTIES 64
THE ORIGINAL CLEAR PLASTIC 65
TYPES OF CLEAR CELLULOSIC PLASTICS 65
ADVANTAGES 65
DISADVANTAGES 66
PRODUCERS 66
NEW DEVELOPMENTS 66
New Cellulose Acetate Grades 66



TABLE 21 CELLULOSIC TRANSPARENT PLASTIC MARKET BY APPLICATION, THROUGH 2015 (MILLION POUNDS) 67
POLYVINYL CHLORIDE 67
OVERVIEW 67
FORMS OF PVC 68
PROCESSING 68
Background 68
Extrusion 68
Calendering 68
CONSUMPTION PATTERNS 69
APPLICATIONS OF CLEAR PVC 69
SUPPLIERS AND GRADES 69
CLEAR RIGID PVC CHARACTERISTICS 69
TABLE 22 PVC TRANSPARENT MARKET BY APPLICATION, THROUGH 2015 (MILLION POUNDS) 70
THERMOPLASTIC POLYESTERS (POLYETHYLENE TEREPHTHALATE - PET) 70
OVERVIEW 70
MAJOR APPLICATIONS 71
MODIFIED PET RESINS 71
PETG 72
SUPPLIERS AND CLEAR GRADES 72
Eastar 72
Spectar 73
Durastar 73
Tritan 73
OTHER COMPANIES INVOLVED IN RIGID TRANSPARENT POLYESTERS 73
Spartech 73
Sheffield Plastics 74
Plaskolite 74
SUMMARIZING CLEAR PET APPLICATIONS AND PROPERTIES 74
TABLE 23 THERMOPLASTIC POLYESTER TRANSPARENT MARKET BY APPLICATION, THROUGH 2015 (MILLION POUNDS)
75
POLYSULFONES 75
BACKGROUND AND PROPERTIES 75
TYPES OF POLYSULFONES 76
APPLICATIONS 76
PRODUCER SCENARIO 77
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS 77
BASF 77
Solvay 77
Sumitomo Chemical 78
CLEAR POLYSULFONE APPLICATIONS 78
NEW DEVELOPMENTS 78
New Clear Polysulfones 78
TABLE 24 POLYSULFONE TRANSPARENT MARKET BY APPLICATION*, THROUGH 2015 (MILLION POUNDS) 79
ALLYL DIGLYCOL CARBONATE (ADC) 79



BACKGROUND 79
TYPES OF PRODUCTS, PROPERTIES, AND APPLICATIONS 80
MARKET SHARE ESTIMATES 80
OTHER TRANSPARENT PLASTICS 81
POLYPROPYLENE 81
Overview 81
Applications 82
Properties 82
Polypropylene Producers 82
TABLE 25 U.S. MARKET SHARES OF LEADING POLYPROPYLENE PRODUCERS (%) 83
Upgraded Polypropylene 83
Techniques Used to Impart Clarity 84
Competitive Scenario 85
Clear Grades 85
New Developments 85
Metallocene Polypropylene Copolymers with Ultra-High Clarity 85
UltraClear Polypropylenes 86
New Polypropylene Transparent Resin 86
NYLON 86
Background 86
Properties 87
Major Types of Nylons 87
Nylon 66 87
Nylon 6 87
Clear Grades 88
Evonik/Degussa 88
EMS Chemie 88
Applications of Clear Nylon Grades 88
A New Product 89
Recent Developments 89
Producers and Capacities 90
TABLE 26 NYLON PRODUCERS AND CAPACITIES (MILLION POUNDS PER YEAR) 90
CYCLIC OLEFIN COPOLYMERS (COCS) 90
Cyclic Olefin Copolymers (Continued) 91
TRANSPARENT PLASTICS MARKET SUMMARY 92
TABLE 27 TRANSPARENT PLASTIC MARKET BY RESIN, THROUGH 2015 (MILLION POUNDS) 92

Chapter-5: APPLICATIONS FOR TRANSPARENT PLASTICS

OVERVIEW 93
ELECTRONIC APPLICATIONS 94
OVERVIEW 94
OPTICAL DISKS 94
HOW DOES DVD TECHNOLOGY DIFFER FROM CD' 95
Overview 95
Optical Disc Key Performance Parameters 95



Processing of DVDs 96
Market Considerations 96
BLU-RAY DISCS 96
Introduction 96
MARKET SIZE OF OPTICAL DISKS 97
TRANSPARENT SUBSTRATE MATERIALS 97
Glass 97
Plastics 98
Background 98
DVD Plastic Materials 98
Polycarbonates 98
Acrylics 99
Polycarbonate Supplier's Response 99
ELECTRONIC DISPLAYS 100
Overview 100
Characteristics 100
Background 100
Cathode Ray Tubes Are Still Around 101
Display Panels 101
Overview 101
Substrate Options 102
Glass versus Clear Plastics 102
Technologies 102
Clear Material Preferences 103
Display Panel Suppliers 103
Rear Projection Screens 103
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS PERTAINING TO RIGID TRANSPARENT PLASTICS AND THE ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY 104
Cell Phone Growth Slowing Down 104
Smart Phones Are 'In' 104
Polycarbonate LEDs 104
Transparent Memory Devices 105
Invisible Plastic Nanofibers Create Transparent Electronic Devices 105
Styron LLC Introduces New Polycarbonate Grade for Optical Disks 105
TABLE 28 ELECTRONICS TRANSPARENT PLASTIC MARKET BY RESIN, THROUGH 2015 (MILLIONS) 106
BUILDING/CONSTRUCTION PRODUCTS 106
OVERVIEW 106
BACKGROUND 106
SOME EXAMPLES OF PRODUCT USAGE 107
U.S. HOUSING STARTS 107
TABLE 29 U.S. HOUSING STARTS FOR SINGLE-FAMILY HOMES, 1982-2009 (THOUSANDS OF UNITS) 108
RECENT COMMENTS ON THE HOUSING MARKET 108
TABLE 30 BUILDING/CONSTRUCTION TRANSPARENT PLASTIC MARKET BY RESIN, THROUGH 2015 (MILLION POUNDS) 108
TABLE 31 BUILDING/CONSTRUCTION TRANSPARENT PLASTIC MARKET, BY APPLICATION, THROUGH 2015 (MILLION
POUNDS) 109
GLAZING 109
Background 109



Properties 110
TABLE 32 SELECTED PROPERTIES OF PLASTIC SHEETS FOR OUTDOOR APPLICATIONS 110
Acrylic Sheets 110
Polycarbonate Sheets 111
Specific Products Used in Glazing 112
Other Specific Examples of Plastic Glazing Products 112
Use in Greenhouses 113
Skylights 113
Overview 113
Use of Glass 113
Use of Plastics 114
Overview 114
Plastic Types 114
Glass and Plastic Combinations 114
Skylight Configurations 114
New Developments 115
Glazing that Provides Blast Protection in Construction 115
Cleanroom Construction Using Polycarbonate 115
PVB Capacity is Increased 115
TABLE 33 GLAZING TRANSPARENT PLASTIC MARKET BY RESIN, THROUGH 2015 (MILLION POUNDS) 116
LIGHTING LENSES 116
Overview 116
New Lighting Technologies 117
Key Performance Parameters 117
Type of Lighting Products 118
Clear Plastics Used 118
Acrylics 118
Polystyrene 119
Cellulosics 119
Polycarbonates 120
PVC 120
Processing Methods 120
Lighting Lens Suppliers 121
SIGNS/DISPLAYS 121
Background 121
Resins Used 122
Acrylics 122
Polycarbonates 123
Outdoor Sign Market 123
Examples of Commercial Products for Signs/Displays 123
Indoor Signs/Displays 124
Point-of-Purchase Products (POPs) 124
A New Product 125
Visual Displays Made from Styrene Block Copolymers 125
PLUMBING FIXTURES 125
Overview 125
Clear Plastic Plumbing Fixture Manufacturers 126



Clear Plumbing Products 126
TABLE 34 LIGHTING LENS/PANEL TRANSPARENT PLASTIC MARKET BY RESIN, THROUGH 2015 (MILLION POUNDS) 127
TABLE 35 PLUMBING FIXTURES TRANSPARENT PLASTIC MARKET BY RESIN, THROUGH 2015 (MILLION POUNDS) 128
TABLE 36 SIGN/DISPLAY TRANSPARENT PLASTIC MARKET BY RESIN, THROUGH 2015 (MILLION POUNDS) 128
MEDICAL APPLICATIONS 128
OVERVIEW 128
FDA ACTIVITIES 129
PLASTICS MEDICAL TESTING PROCEDURES 129
PLASTIC MEDICAL PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS 129
REGULATIONS APPLYING TO CLEAR PLASTICS IN MEDICAL/LABORATORY WARES 130
PLASTIC MEDICAL/LABORATORY AND LABWARE PRODUCTS AND DEVICES 130
Background 130
Applications 131
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS OF MEDICAL PLASTICS 131
Dimensional Stability 131
Chemical Compatibility 131
STERILIZATION TECHNIQUES 131
Overview of Methods 131
EtO Gas Sterilization 132
Radiation Sterilization 133
Gamma Radiation 133
E-Beam Radiation 133
POLYMER REACTIONS TO STERILIZATION METHODS 134
NEED FOR CLARITY/TRANSPARENCY 134
CLEAR PLASTICS IN MEDICAL APPLICATIONS 135
Polystyrene 135
Polycarbonates 135
Background 135
Applications 136
Specific Examples 136
Renal Dialysis 136
Surgical Instruments 136
Cardiac Surgery Products 137
Sterilization 137
Acrylics 137
Background 137
Medical Products and Sterilization 137
Use in Medical Devices 138
Examples of Acrylics Geared for the Medical Market 138
Polysulfones 139
Background 139
Medical Properties and Applications 139
SAN Resins 140
Styrene Block Copolymers 140
ABS 140
Medically Related Properties 140
Additional Medical Product Applications 141



Acrylic-Styrene Copolymers 141
Polyesters 141
PVC 142
ADDITIONAL SPECIFIC EXAMPLES OF CLEAR PLASTIC MEDICAL PRODUCTS 142
Anesthesia Aids 142
Blood Centrifuge Bowls 142
Blood Oxygenators 143
Pulsatile Balloon Pumps 143
Intravenous Solution Administration Sets 143
Syringes 144
Disposable Devices 144
TABLE 37 MEDICAL TRANSPARENT PLASTIC MARKET BY RESIN, THROUGH 2015 (MILLION POUNDS) 146
AUTOMOTIVE 146
OVERVIEW 146
TABLE 38 HISTORICAL, CURRENT, AND PROJECTED U.S. AUTOMOTIVE SALES, 1997-2015 (MILLION UNITS) 146
TABLE 39 ESTIMATED HYBRID SALES FOR THE U.S. (THOUSAND UNITS) 147
CAFE ISSUES 147
BACKGROUND OF CLEAR PLASTIC USAGE IN AUTOS 148
CAR LIGHTING SYSTEMS 149
Overview 149
LEDs 149
Overview 149
Some Details 150
Challenges 150
LIGHT SOURCES 150
Incandescent Light Bulbs 150
Non-Halogen 150
Halogen 150
TAIL LIGHT AND REAR BRAKE LIGHT HISTORY 151
Background 151
Types of Clear Plastic Used 151
Innovations in Tail Light Assemblies 152
Light Covers 152
HEADLIGHT AND FRONT END LENS HIST0RY 152
Background 152
Technology Advances 153
Advantages and Disadvantages 153
Types of Headlights 154
Marketing Aspects 154
Polysulfones Try to Compete with Polycarbonates in Headlights 154
INTERIOR AUTOMOTIVE LENSES 155
Overview 155
LEDs Lighting Moving into Auto Interiors 155
Summary of Resin Usage in Automotive Lenses 156
TABLE 40 RESIN USAGE IN AUTOMOTIVE LENSES (PERCENT OF TOTAL VOLUME) 156
IMPACT OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 156
AUTOMOTIVE GLAZING 157



Background 157
Overview 157
Criteria for Replacing Glass 158
Market Opportunities 158
Critical Issues 159
DuPont Activities 159
Solutia's Efforts with Glass 159
Bayer-GE Plastics Joint Project 160
Background 160
Technology 160
Market Aspects 160
Market Challenges 161
NHTSA Activities 161
Examples of Commercial Polycarbonates for Lighting and Glazing 162
Other Automotive Glazing Standards 162
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS THAT COULD IMPACT THE AUTOMOTIVE GLAZING MARKET 163
Exatec LLC Still Promoting Auto Glazing in the U.S. 163
Bayer Launches Bay Vision 164
North America Awaiting Breakthrough 164
Other Polycarbonate Replacement of Exterior Car Parts 164
New European Regulations Open the Door for Plastic Auto Glazing 164
A New Bayer Material Science Test for Automotive Glazing Abrasion 165
Polycarbonate Roof Systems 165
Plastic Glazing for GMC's Volt Electric Car 165
LED Competition from Liquid Silicone Rubber 166
Global Alliance Aims for Polycarbonate Auto Glazing 166
TABLE 41 AUTOMOTIVE TRANSPARENT PLASTIC MARKET BY RESIN, THROUGH 2015 (MILLION POUNDS) 167
HOUSEWARES 167
BACKGROUND 167
SOME EXAMPLES OF POLYCARBONATE HOUSEWARE PRODUCTS 168
NEW DEVELOPMENTS 168
TABLE 42 HOUSEWARES TRANSPARENT PLASTIC MARKET BY RESIN, THROUGH 2015 (MILLION POUNDS) 169
APPLIANCES 169
OVERVIEW 169
APPLIANCE CATEGORIES 170
REPRESENTATIVE PLASTIC INJECTION MOLDED APPLIANCE PARTS 171
SMALL APPLIANCES 171
HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCE MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY DEFINITIONS ' NAICS 3352 172
APPLIANCE MARKET SCENARIO 172
MATERIALS USED IN APPLIANCES 173
Metals 173
Steel 173
Aluminum 173
Plastics 174
TABLE 43 BROAD INDUSTRY ESTIMATES OF METAL VS. PLASTICS USAGE IN HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCES BY WEIGHT (%)
174



KEY APPLICATIONS FOR PLASTICS IN APPLIANCES 174
TABLE 44 SELECTED MAJOR APPLICATIONS FOR POLYMERS IN APPLIANCES 175
CLEAR PLASTICS IN APPLIANCES 175
Refrigerators 175
Door Lids 175
Crisper Tray Buckets and Covers 176
Other Clear Plastic Refrigerator Applications 176
Examples of Acrylic Appliance Parts 176
Examples of Polycarbonate Appliance Parts 177
Polystyrene and Clear Polyester Appliance Parts 177
KEY APPLIANCE MANUFACTURERS 177
SOME NEW DEVELOPMENTS 178
Clear Products from Milliken Used in Appliances in Brazil 178
TABLE 45 APPLIANCE TRANSPARENT PLASTIC MARKET BY RESIN, THROUGH 2015 (MILLION POUNDS) 178
TOYS 179
OVERVIEW 179
BACKGROUND 179
CLEAR PLASTICS USAGE 180
Polystyrene 180
ABS 180
SBCs 180
Polycarbonates 181
Acrylics 181
Historical Summary 181
CLEAR PLASTIC APPLICATIONS 182
CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COUNCIL 182
NEGATIVE ISSUES 182
THE CHINA STORY 182
TABLE 46 TRANSPARENT PLASTIC TOY MARKET BY RESIN, THROUGH 2015 (MILLION POUNDS) 183
OPTICAL LENSES 184
KEY CONCEPTS IN LENS MATERIALS 184
Refractive Index 184
Abbe Values 184
WHY PLASTICS ARE USED 184
FABRICATION METHODS FOR OPTICAL PLASTIC LENSES 185
Background 185
Manufacturing 186
Blocking 186
Margins of Error 186
KEY PERFORMANCE PARAMETERS 187
ADVANTAGES OF PLASTICS 188
CLEAR PLASTICS USED 188
Background 188
Acrylics 188
Polystyrene 189
Polycarbonates 189



Overview 189
Advantages and Disadvantages 190
An Optical Performance Comparison between Polycarbonates and Acrylics 190
TABLE 47 OPTICAL PERFORMANCE PROPERTIES (%) 191
Allyl Diglycol Carbonate (ADC) 191
Background 191
Competitive Scenario with CR-39 191
Acrylic-Styrene Copolymers 192
Trivex 193
Cellulosics 193
SAN 194
Other Plastics in the Market 194
Commercial Polycarbonate and Acrylic Optic Grades 194
OPTICAL LENS MARKET SEGMENTS 194
Background 194
Ophthalmic Lenses 195
Properties and Advantages 195
Market Dynamics 195
Ophthalmic Lens Suppliers 196
Contact Lenses 197
Overview 197
Background 197
Some Additional Details 197
Types of Plastics Used 198
TABLE 48 SELECTED CONTACT LENS MATERIALS 198
Historic Background 198
Current Status 199
Contact Lens Suppliers 199
TABLE 49 SELECTED KEY CONTACT LENS PRODUCERS AND THEIR PRODUCTS 200
SAFETY LENSES 200
Background 200
American National Standards Institute (ANSI) 201
Overview 201
The Military Ballistic Requirement 201
TABLE 50 MIL-SPEC MIL-PRF-31013 201
Deficiencies of Glass 202
Plastics Choices 202
MARKET ESTIMATES AND FORECAST 203
TABLE 51 OPTICAL LENS TRANSPARENT PLASTIC MARKET BY RESIN, THROUGH 2015 (MILLION POUNDS) 203
BUSINESS MACHINES 204
OVERVIEW 204
TABLE 52 BUSINESS MACHINE TRANSPARENT PLASTIC MARKET, THROUGH 2015 (MILLION POUNDS) 204
AIRCRAFT TRANSPARENCIES 205
OVERVIEW 205
EXAMPLES OF GLASS PRODUCTS 205
IMPORTANCE OF IMPACT RESISTANCE 205
A RECENT DEVELOPMENT 206



CLEAR PLASTIC PREFERENCES 206
IMPORTANT CLEAR PLASTICS SUPPLIERS 207
CLEAR PLASTICS PROCESSING METHODS 208
APPLICATIONS ON MILITARY AND COMMERCIAL AIRCRAFT 208
Military Aircraft Transparencies 208
Commercial Aircraft Transparencies 209
LEADING MANUFACTURERS OF AIRCRAFT TRANSPARENCIES 209
SELECTED EXAMPLES OF COMPANIES' CLEAR PLASTIC PRODUCTS EARMARKED FOR AIRCRAFT APPLICATIONS 210
MARKETING CLEAR PLASTICS TO THE AIRCRAFT INDUSTRY IS NOT AN EASY ASSIGNMENT 210
TABLE 53 REGISTRATIONS FOR PLEXIGLAS GS 245 211
TABLE 54 REGISTRATIONS FOR PLEXIGLAS GS 249 211
NEW DEVELOPMENTS 211
New Polycarbonate Sheets for Aircraft Interiors 211
Low-Heat Release Polycarbonate for Aircraft 211
New Acrylic for Ultralight Aircraft 212
An Example of an Important Supplier of Clear Plastic Products to the Aircraft Industry 212
TABLE 55 AIRCRAFT TRANSPARENT PLASTIC MARKET BY RESIN, THROUGH 2015 (MILLION POUNDS) 212
SOLAR APPLICATIONS 213
OVERVIEW 213
SABIC IP'S LEXAN SOLAR CONTROL IR 213
CONCLUSIONS 214
OTHER CLEAR PLASTICS APPLICATIONS 214
BACKGROUND 214
SOME SPECIFICS ON SELECTED EXAMPLES OF MISCELLANEOUS APPLICATIONS OF RIGID TRANSPARENT PLASTICS 215
Sanitary, Pools, and Spas 215
Railroads 215
Consumer Goods 215
Sports and Leisure 215
Machine Guards and Safety Shielding 215
Bathroom Products 216
TABLE 56 OTHER TRANSPARENT PLASTICS MARKET BY RESIN, THROUGH 2015 (MILLION POUNDS) 216
SUMMARY OF TRANSPARENT PLASTIC APPLICATIONS 217
TABLE 57 TRANSPARENT PLASTICS MARKET BY APPLICATION, THROUGH 2015 (MILLION POUNDS) 217

Chapter-6: INTRAPLASTIC COMPETITION AMONG SELECTED TRANSPARENT PLASTICS

OVERVIEW 218
APPLICATIONS 218
POLYSTYRENE AND ABS 219
SMMA RESINS 219
OVERVIEW 219
NAS COMPARED TO ACRYLICS 220
ZYLAR COMPARED TO POLYCARBONATES 220
SUMMARY OF COMPETITION BY APPLICATION 220
TABLE 58 COMPETITIVE TRANSPARENT PLASTICS SCENARIO BY APPLICATION 220



Chapter-7: MAJOR PRODUCERS/SUPPLIERS AND PRODUCTS

MAJOR PRODUCERS AND PRODUCTS 222
TABLE 59 MAJOR SELECTED TRANSPARENT RESIN SUPPLIERS AND TRADE NAMES OF PRODUCTS 222

Chapter-8: STANDARDS, TESTS, AND REGULATIONS

PROPERTIES AND TEST METHODS 224
OPTICAL TESTS 224
TRANSPARENT PLASTICS CODE APPROVALS 225
SELECTED ASTM CODES FOR RIGID TRANSPARENT PLASTICS 226
OTHER CODE APPROVALS 226
UNDERWRITERS LABORATORIES 226
MILITARY SPECIFICATIONS 226

Chapter-9: COMPANY PROFILES

ARISTECH ACRYLICS 227
ALTUGLAS INTERNATIONAL 227
BASF 228
BAYER MATERIAL SCIENCES 229
CHEVRON PHILLIPS CHEMICAL 230
EASTMAN CHEMICAL 230
EMS CHEMIE NORTH AMERICA, INC. 231
EVONIK/CYRO LLC 232
INEOS NOVA LLC 232
KLEERDEX 233
LUCITE INTERNATIONAL 233
PLASKOLITE, INC. 234
PPG INDUSTRIES, INC. 235
SABIC INNOVATIVE PLASTICS 235
SHEFFIELD PLASTICS 236
SPARTECH, INC. 237
STYRON LLC 237
ZEON CHEMICALS LP 238

Chapter-10: APPENDIX

APPENDIX 239
ACRONYMS 239
ACRONYMS (CONTINUED) 240


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