Freedonia expects ABS and PVC to be the main resins

US conductive polymer demand is forecast to reach 370 million pounds of base resins in 2010, according to research group Freedonia. Freedonia forecasts that ABS will remain the most used resin, due to its high impact strength and will grow from 51 million pounds in 2005 to 67 million pounds in 2010.

Meanwhile PVC demand is expected to grow at a faster rate, hitting 51 million pounds in 2010 due to lower cost, performance enhancements, and design and processing ease. Polyphenylene-based resins such as polyphenylene sulphide will increasingly be used in high-temperature and chemical resistant applications.

In its report Conductive Polymers, Freedonia said the materials’ combination of processability, dimensional stability and conductivity and optical and mechanical properties will help drive demand. Product components accounted for 57% of all conductive polymer applications in 2005 and this segment is expected to present the best opportunities through 2010. This is due to rebounding electrical and electronic product shipments and greater use of conductive polymers in housing, rollers, trays and other products.