Engineers May Benefit as Key Polycarbonate Applications Suffer

April 16, 2009

Polycarbonate, one of the fastest-growing engineering polymers in recent years, looks like it’s in for some hard times. On one side, the clear thermoplastic is getting battered by concerns over adverse health effects of biphenyl A (a key constituent) and on the other by declining sales of CDs and DVDs.New clarified polypropylenes are replacing PCs used in food and beverage containers. The economics favoring polyolefins is also changing. The price differential between the two polymers, already substantial, is likely to widen further as massive new PP supplies come on one. PC is easily twice as expensive as PP right now.

Meanwhile, one of the giant markets for PC is under siege. Since the introduction of the MP3, sales of CDs have dropped in seven out of the last eight years. Large label CD sales dropped 20% in 2008. The outlook is grim as it becomes apparent that movies and other content will be increasingly delivered over the Internet.

That’s why you see so many concept cars (like the first Chevy Volt) featuring polycarbonate roofs. Automotive glazing has been the Holy Grail for PC for at least five years. But that won’t be coming anytime soon because of concerns over performance issues.

What does all this mean for mechanical engineers? Look for major producers (such as Sabic IP, Bayer, Dow or Mitsubishi) to show more interest on working with you to develop new applications. Key candidates are components requiring clarity, stiffness, temperature resistance and impact resistance.

Posted by Doug Smock on April 16, 2009 | Comments (3)

April 21, 2009

In response to: Engineers May Benefit as Key Polycarbonate Applications Suffer
dualframes commented:

Impact-resistant houses? From tornadoes?
As a Materials Expert, do you see these improvements from polycarbonates?
If so, how economical will they be?
Since it is the building frame Assemblages that are failing in winds, earthquakes, floods, collision impacts, do you think Polycarbonites will replace the structural assemblge designs, or the protection measures from water, thermal, fire, etc?
I like the alloys of Polycarbonates, because they are lighter in weight than plywood, solid steel shearwalls, drywall board, and other structural building frame covering materials used in today's construction industries.
I don't think they can replace the structural protections of these heavier materials, but, look like they have a major role possibility, when the building frame assemblages start incorporating a new technology in frame assemblage reinforcing, called continuous reinforcing.
With the frames secure from movements from wind, seismic, collision, etc; applied forces, the Polycarbonite can replace the plywood, drywall, and steel frame coverings, for better protections from temperature, water and flooding, fire, and other hazardous chemicals that currently accellerate the degenerations of wood, masonry, concrete, gypsum, steel.
Just my two cents worth.
God Bless and Speed;
Randy Dube
Now, if we can just get the Mainstream Media and News interested in these fantastic new innovations and advancements in the Science and Technologies of Structural Frame Assemblages, Materials, and Economics!!

April 21, 2009

In response to: Engineers May Benefit as Key Polycarbonate Applications Suffer
dualframes commented:

April 17, 2009

In response to: Engineers May Benefit as Key Polycarbonate Applications Suffer
Greg Koski Plastics.com commented:

Great point Doug! Polycarb really needs to restart market development for itself.

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