Rigid Transparent Plastics

SUMMARY

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

The objective of this study is to provide an analysis of transparent plastics in terms of current and forecasted markets. New developments in clear plastics have expanded usage in existing and new applications, creating competition between polymers exhibiting optical clarity. The competitive scenario between glass and clear plastics will also be provided 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.

A 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.

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 the electronics, medical and automotive sectors. Of special interest within the electronics sector is use of transparent plastics as substrates for CDs and DVDs.

SCOPE OF STUDY

This report covers:

• Rigid, clear, non-packaging plastic parts, which include injection molded, non-film extrusion, and thermoforming (including cast sheet).
• Clear resins that 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: medical, electronic automotive markets, as well as building/construction, housewares, appliances, toys, optical lenses and aircraft transparencies
• U.S. market forecasts for plastics and applications for the period 2006 through 2011.
• Company profiles of leading suppliers and their products
• Tests, standards, regulations affecting the industry.

METHODOLOGY

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 over 40 years in the chemical industry, and specializes in plastics market research. He has been with BCC Research for over 10 years and holds a B.S in chemistry, M.S. in organic chemistry and a M.B.A. in marketing

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Table of Contents

• INTRODUCTION
  • STUDY GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
  • REASONS FOR DOING THE STUDY
  • SCOPE AND FORMAT
  • METHODOLOGY
  • ABOUT THE AUTHOR
  • RELATED BCC REPORTS
  • BCC ONLINE SERVICES
  • DISCLAIMER
• SUMMARY
  • Summary Table:
  • NORTH AMERICAN FORECAST OF THE TRANSPARENT PLASTIC MARKET BY TYPE OF RESIN, THROUGH 2011 (MILLION LBS.)
  • Summary Figure:
  • NORTH AMERICAN FORECAST OF THE TRANSPARENT PLASTIC MARKET BY TYPE OF RESIN, 2005-2011 (MILLION LBS.)
• THE GLASS INDUSTRY
  • BACKGROUND
  • FLAT GLASS
    • OVERVIEW
    • WINDOW AND SHEET GLASS
    • FLOAT GLASS
    • LAMINATED GLASS
    • TEMPERED GLASS
    • REFLECTIVE GLASS
    • SOLAR GLASS
    • BULLET-RESISTANT GLASS
    • EMI SHIELDING GLASS
    • PATTERNED GLASS
    • PLASTIC INROADS
    • Plastic Inroads (Continued)
• EVOLUTION OF CLEAR PLASTICS
  • BACKGROUND
  • IMPORTANT EARLY DEVELOPMENTS
  • CHOICES
  • PRICES
  • Table 1 LIST PRICES OF TRANSPARENT PLASTICS, 2006
• TECHNOLOGY
  • PERFORMANCE VARIABLES
  • TRANSPARENCY OR CLARITY
  • REFRACTIVE INDEX
  • HAZE
  • Table 2 OPTICAL QUALITIES OF CLEAR RIGID PLASTICS
    • YELLOWNESS INDEX (YI)
    • UV STABILITY
  • Table 3 SENSITIVITY TO UV RADIATION AMONG SELECTED CLEAR PLASTICS
    • ABRASION RESISTANCE
    • USE OF COATINGS
    • CHEMICAL RESISTANCE
    • HEAT RESISTANCE
  • Table 4 HEAT RESISTANCE LEVELS OF SELECTED CLEAR PLASTICS (°F AT 264 PSI)
    • INDUSTRY CONSIDERATIONS
    • MECHANICAL STRENGTH
  • Table 5 COMPARATIVE IMPACT RESISTANCE VALUES AMONG SELECTED CLEAR PLASTICS
    • DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
      • DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS (CONTINUED)
• TRANSPARENT PLASTICS
  • OVERVIEW
  • Table 6 PERCENT OF TRANSPARENT GRADES FOR MAJOR PLASTICS, 2006 (MILLION LBS.)
    • POLYCARBONATES
      • OVERVIEW
      • PROPERTY ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES
      • PRODUCERS AND CAPACITIES
  • Table 7 DOMESTIC POLYCARBONATE PRODUCERS AND ANNUAL CAPACITIES (MILLION LBS.)
    • APPLICATIONS
    • NEW PRODUCTS AND DEVELOPMENTS
    • EMERGING DEVELOPMENTS
      • Automotive Glazing
      • Adding Colors to Optical Discs
      • DVD Usage
      • The Battle for DVDs
    • NEW PRODUCTS
      • Polycarbonate/ Siloxane Resins
      • New Lexan Sheet Products
      • Transparent Glass-Filled Polycarbonates
    • MARKET ESTIMATES AND FORECASTS
  • Table 8 NORTH AMERICAN FORECAST OF THE POLYCARBONATE TRANSPARENT MARKET BY APPLICATION, THROUGH 2011 (MILLION LBS.)
  • Table 9 NORTH AMERICAN FORECAST FOR THE POLYCARBONATE TRANSPARENT BUILDING/CONSTRUCTION MARKET THROUGH 2011 (MILLION LBS.)
  • ACRYLICS
    • OVERVIEW
    • COMPARISON OF PMMA WITH GLASS
    • PROPERTIES
    • MANUFACTURE OF ACRYLIC POLYMERS
      • Sheet
      • Properties of Acrylic Molded and Extruded Products
    • MMA AND PMMA
    • PRODUCER/ SUPPLIER ACTIVITIES AND DEVELOPMENTS
      • Background
      • Cyro Industries
      • Lucite International
      • Aristech Acrylic LLC
      • Plaskolite
    • NEW PRODUCTS
      • Cyro Industries
    • MARKET ESTIMATES AND FORECASTS
  • Table 10 NORTH AMERICAN FORECAST FOR THE ACRYLIC TRANSPARENT PLASTIC MARKET BY APPLICATION, THROUGH 2011 (MILLION LBS.)
  • Table 11 NORTH AMERICAN FORECAST FOR THE ACRYLIC TRANSPARENT PLASTIC BUILDING/CONSTRUCTION MARKET, THROUGH 2011 (MILLION LBS,)
  • Figure 1 NORTH AMERICAN FORECAST FOR THE ACRYLIC TRANSPARENT PLASTIC BUILDING/CONSTRUCTION MARKET, 2005-2011 (MILLION LBS,)
  • POLYSTYRENES
    • OVERVIEW
    • GENERAL-PURPOSE POLYSTYRENE
      • Background
      • Characteristics of General Purpose Polystyrene
  • SPECIALTY GRADES
  • STYRENE COPOLYMERS
  • OPTICAL PROPERTIES
    • Background
    • Refractive Index
    • Haze
    • Birefringence
  • PRODUCERS AND CAPACITIES
  • Table 12 KEY POLYSTYRENE PRODUCERS AND CAPACITIES (MILLION LBS./YEAR)
    • PROCESSING
      • Overview
  • Table 13 FABRICATION METHODS AND USES FOR POLYSTYRENE
    • Injection Molding
    • Extrusion
  • CLEAR GRADES
  • MARKET ESTIMATES AND FORECASTS
  • Table 14 NORTH AMERICAN FORECAST OF THE POLYSTYRENE TRANSPARENT MARKET BY APPLICATION, THROUGH 2011 (MILLION LBS.)
  • Table 15 NORTH AMERICAN FORECAST OF THE POLYSTYRENE TRANSPARENT BUILDING/CONSTRUCTION MARKET BY PRODUCT, THROUGH 2011 (MILLION LBS.)
    • STYRENE-BUTADIENE COPOLYMERS (SBCS)
      • BACKGROUND
      • PROCESSING
      • PROPERTIES
      • PRICING
      • APPLICATIONS BY PROCESS
  • Table 16 SBC MAJOR PRODUCTS SEGMENTED BY POLYMER PROCESS
    • NEW PRODUCTS
      • Chevron Phillips
      • BASF
      • Kraton Polymers
    • MARKET ESTIMATES AND FORECASTS
  • Table 17 NORTH AMERICAN FORECAST OF THE STYRENE BLOCK COPOLYMER TRANSPARENT MARKET BY APPLICATION, THROUGH 2011 (MILLION LBS.)
    • STYRENE-ACRYLONITRILE COPOLYMERS (SAN)
      • OVERVIEW
      • PROPERTIES
      • SAN TRANSPARENT APPLICATIONS
      • PRODUCERS AND SUPPLIERS
      • TECHNOLOGY AND MARKETING ACTIVITIES
      • MARKET ESTIMATES AND FORECASTS
  • Table 18 NORTH AMERICAN FORECAST OF THE SAN TRANSPARENT MARKET BY APPLICATION, THROUGH 2011 (MILLION LBS.)
  • Table 19 SAN TRANSPARENT BUILDING/CONSTRUCTION MARKET BY PRODUCT, THROUGH 2011 (MILLION LBS.)
    • STYRENE-ACRYLIC COPOLYMERS
      • OVERVIEW
      • PROPERTIES AND BLENDING
      • APPLICATIONS
      • NOVA CHEMICAL'S PRODUCTS
      • CYRO PRODUCTS
      • NEW PRODUCTS
        • Nova Chemical
        • Cyro Industries
      • MARKET ESTIMATES AND FORECASTS
  • Table 20 NORTH AMERICAN FORECAST OF THE SMMA MARKET BY APPLICATION, THROUGH 2011 (MILLION LBS.)
    • ACRYLONITRILE-BUTADIENE-STYRENE (ABS)
      • OVERVIEW
      • TRADE NAMES AND GRADES
      • PRODUCERS AND CAPACITIES
  • Table 21 NORTH AMERICAN ABS PRODUCERS AND CAPACITIES
    • APPLICATIONS
    • MARKET ESTIMATES AND FORECASTS
  • Table 22 NORTH AMERICAN FORECAST FOR THE ABS TRANSPARENT MARKET BY APPLICATION, THROUGH 2011 (MILLION LBS.)
  • Figure 2 NORTH AMERICAN FORECAST FOR THE ABS TRANSPARENT MARKET BY APPLICATION, 2005-2011 (MILLION LBS.)
    • CELLULOSICS
      • OVERVIEW
      • PROPERTIES
      • THE ORIGINAL CLEAR PLASTIC
      • TYPES OF CLEAR CELLULOSIC PLASTICS
      • ADVANTAGES
      • DISADVANTAGES
      • PRODUCERS
      • MARKET ESTIMATES AND FORECASTS
  • Table 23 NORTH AMERICAN FORECAST FOR THE CELLULOSIC TRANSPARENT PLASTIC MARKET BY APPLICATION, THROUGH 2011 (MILLION LBS.)
  • Figure 3 NORTH AMERICAN FORECAST FOR THE CELLULOSIC TRANSPARENT PLASTIC MARKET BY APPLICATION, 2005-2011 (MILLION LBS.)
    • POLYVINYL CHLORIDE
      • OVERVIEW
      • FORMS OF PVC
      • PROCESSING
        • Background
        • Extrusion
        • Calendering
    • CONSUMPTION PATTERNS
    • PRODUCERS AND CAPACITIES
  • Table 24 KEY PVC PRODUCERS AND THEIR CAPACITIES (MILLION LBS./YEAR)
    • APPLICATIONS OF CLEAR PVC
    • SUPPLIERS AND GRADES
    • MARKET ESTIMATE AND FORECASTS
  • Table 25 NORTH AMERICAN FORECAST FOR THE PVC TRANSPARENT MARKET BY APPLICATION, THROUGH 2011 (MILLION LBS.)
    • POLYSULFONES
      • BACKGROUND
      • SUPPLIERS AND GRADES
      • RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
      • MARKET ESTIMATES AND FORECASTS
  • Table 26 NORTH AMERICAN FORECAST FOR THE POLYSULFONE TRANSPARENT MARKET BY APPLICATION,1 THROUGH 2011 (MILLION LBS.)
  • Figure 4 NORTH AMERICAN FORECAST FOR THE POLYSULFONE TRANSPARENT MARKET BY APPLICATION, 2005-2011 (MILLION LBS.)
  • THERMOPLASTIC POLYESTERS (POLYETHYLENE TEREPHTHALATE - PET)
    • OVERVIEW
    • MAJOR APPLICATIONS
    • MODIFIED PET RESINS
    • PRODUCERS AND CAPACITIES
  • Table 27 KEY NORTH AMERICAN PET PRODUCERS AND CAPACITIES (MILLION LBS./YEAR)
    • SUPPLIERS AND CLEAR GRADES
    • NEW PRODUCTS
    • GENERAL CLEAR PET APPLICATIONS
    • ADVANTAGEOUS PROPERTIES OF CLEAR PET
    • MARKET ESTIMATES AND FORECASTS
  • Table 28 NORTH AMERICAN FORECAST OF THE THERMOPLASTIC POLYESTER TRANSPARENT MARKET BY APPLICATION, THROUGH 2011 (MILLION LBS.)
  • Figure 5 NORTH AMERICAN FORECAST OF THE THERMOPLASTIC POLYESTER TRANSPARENT MARKET BY APPLICATION, THROUGH 2011 (MILLION LBS.)
    • ALLYL DIGLYCOL CARBONATE (ADC)
      • BACKGROUND
      • TYPES OF PRODUCTS, PROPERTIES, AND APPLICATIONS
      • MARKET ESTIMATES AND FORECASTS
    • OTHER TRANSPARENT PLASTICS
      • POLYPROPYLENE
        • Overview
        • Producers and Capacities
  • Table 28 (CONTINUED)
    • Typical Applications
    • Properties
      • Background
      • Techniques Used to Impart Clarity
    • Competitive Scenario
    • New Developments
      • Total Petrochemical
      • Basell North America
      • Sabic
    • Clear Grades
  • NYLON
    • Overview
    • Suppliers
    • Clear Grades
    • Applications of Clear Grades
  • POLYESTER CARBONATES
  • CYCLIC OLEFIN COPOLYMERS (COCS)
    • Background
    • Recent Developments
  • OTHER CYCLIC OLEFIN THERMOPLASTICS
  • MARKET ESTIMATES AND FORECASTS
  • TRANSPARENT PLASTICS MARKET SUMMARY
  • Table 29 NORTH AMERICAN FORECAST FOR THE TRANSPARENT PLASTIC MARKET BY RESIN, THROUGH 2011 (MILLION LBS.)
• APPLICATIONS FOR TRANSPARENT PLASTICS
  • OVERVIEW
  • BUILDING/ CONSTRUCTION PRODUCTS
    • OVERVIEW
    • BACKGROUND
    • SOME EXAMPLES OF PRODUCT USAGE
    • MARKET ESTIMATES AND FORECASTS
  • Table 30 NORTH AMERICAN FORECAST FOR THE BUILDING/CONSTRUCTION TRANSPARENT PLASTIC MARKET BY RESIN, THROUGH 2011 (MILLION LBS.)
  • Table 31 NORTH AMERICAN FORECAST FOR THE BUILDING/CONSTRUCTION TRANSPARENT PLASTIC MARKET BY APPLICATION, THROUGH 2011 (MILLION LBS.)
    • GLAZING
      • Background
      • Properties
  • Table 32 SELECTED PROPERTIES OF PLASTIC SHEET FOR OUTDOOR APPLICATIONS
    • Acrylic Sheet
    • Polycarbonate Sheet
    • Specific Products Used in Glazing
    • Other Specific Examples of Plastic Glazing Products
    • Use in Greenhouses
    • Recent Developments
      • Cyro Industries
      • Eastman Chemical
    • Skylights
      • Overview
      • Use of Glass
      • Use of Plastics
        • Overview
        • Plastic Types
      • Glass and Plastic Combinations
      • Skylight Configurations
    • Market Estimates and Forecasts
• Table 33 NORTH AMERICAN FORECAST FOR THE GLAZING TRANSPARENT PLASTIC MARKET BY RESIN, THROUGH 2011 (MILLION LBS.)
  • LIGHTING LENSES
    • Overview
    • New Lighting Technologies
    • Key Performance Parameters
    • Type of Lighting Products
    • Clear Plastics Used
      • Acrylics
      • Polystyrene
      • Cellulosics
      • Polycarbonates
      • PVC
    • Processing Methods
    • Lighting Lens Suppliers
  • SIGNS/DISPLAYS
    • Background
    • Outdoor Sign Market
    • Examples of Commercial Products for Signs/Displays
  • PLUMBING FIXTURES
    • Overview
    • Clear Plastic Plumbing Fixture Manufacturers
    • Market Estimates and Forecasts
  • Table 34 NORTH AMERICAN FORECAST FOR LIGHTING LENS/PANEL TRANSPARENT PLASTIC MARKET BY RESIN, THROUGH 2011 (MILLION LBS.)
  • Table 34 (CONTINUED)
  • Table 35 NORTH AMERICAN FORECAST OF THE PLUMBING FIXTURES TRANSPARENT PLASTIC MARKET BY RESIN, THROUGH 2011 (MILLION LBS.)
  • Table 36 NORTH AMERICAN FORECAST OF THE SIGN/DISPLAY TRANSPARENT PLASTIC MARKET BY RESIN, THROUGH 2011 (MILLION LBS.)
    • ELECTRONIC APPLICATIONS
      • OVERVIEW
      • MARKET DYNAMICS
        • Compact Discs
        • Digital Video Discs (DVDs)
        • Optical Disc Key Performance Parameters
        • Processing of DVDs
        • Market Considerations
        • Emergence of Flexible CDs
    • TRANSPARENT SUBSTRATE MATERIALS
      • Glass
      • Plastics
        • Background
        • DVD Plastic Materials
          • Polycarbonates
          • Acrylics
          • Polycarbonate Supplier's Response
          • Polycarbonates Geared For DVDs
  • ELECTRONIC DISPLAYS
    • Background
  • Table 37 GLOBAL FORECAST FOR TV ELECTRONIC DISPLAY SCREEN MARKET,
    • Cathode Ray Tubes Are Still Around
    • Display Panels
      • Overview
      • Characteristics
      • Substrate Options
      • Glass vs. Clear Plastics
        • Technologies
        • Clear Material Preferences
      • Display Panel Suppliers
    • Rear Projection Screens
    • Background
    • HD-DVDs
    • Blu-Ray Discs
      • Background
      • Technologies
      • Transparent Plastic Scenario
    • MARKET ESTIMATES AND FORECASTS
  • Table 38 NORTH AMERICAN FORECAST FOR THE ELECTRONICS TRANSPARENT PLASTIC MARKET BY RESIN, THROUGH 2011 (MILLION LBS.)
  • MEDICAL APPLICATIONS
    • OVERVIEW
    • FDA ACTIVITIES
    • PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS
    • REGULATIONS APPLYING TO CLEAR PLASTICS IN MEDICAL/LABORATORY WARE
    • PLASTIC MEDICAL/LABORATORY AND WARE DEVICES
      • Background
      • Applications
  • Table 39 SELECTED TESTS FOR PLASTICS USED IN MEDICAL APPLICATIONS
    • Key Performance Parameters
      • Clarity
      • Dimensional Stability
      • Chemical Compatibility
      • Sterilizability
        • Background
        • Steam Autoclaving
        • Gas Sterilization
        • Gamma Radiation
        • Chemical Sterilization
        • Plasma Gas
        • Trends
  • CLEAR PLASTICS IN MEDICAL APPLICATIONS
    • Polystyrene
    • Polycarbonates
      • Background
      • Applications
      • Specific Examples
        • Renal Dialysis
        • Surgical Instruments
        • Cardiac Surgery Products
      • Sterilization
      • New Products
    • Acrylics
      • Background
      • Medical Products and Sterilization
      • Use in Medical Devices
      • New Medical Products
    • Polysulfones
      • Background
      • Medical Properties and Applications
    • SAN Resins
    • Styrene Block Copolymers
    • ABS
      • Medically Related Properties
      • Medical Product Applications
    • Acrylic-Styrene Copolymers
    • Polyesters
    • PVC
      • Background
  • EXAMPLES OF CLEAR PLASTIC MEDICAL PRODUCTS
    • Anesthesia Aids
    • Blood Centrifuge Bowls
    • Blood Oxygenators
    • Pulsatile Balloon Pumps
    • Intravenous Solution Administration Sets
    • Syringes
    • Disposable Devices
  • MARKET ESTIMATES AND FORECASTS
  • Table 40 MEDICAL TRANSPARENT PLASTIC MARKET BY RESIN, THROUGH 2011 (MILLION LBS.)
    • AUTOMOTIVE
• OVERVIEW
  • Table 41 HISTORICAL, CURRENT AND PROJECTED U.S. AUTOMOTIVE SALES (MILLIONS)
    • CAFE ISSUES
    • TAILLIGHTS AND REAR BRAKE LIGHTS
      • Background
      • Types of Clear Plastic Used
      • Innovations in Taillight Assemblies
    • HEADLIGHTS AND FRONT-END LENSES
      • Background
      • Technology Advances
      • Advantages and Disadvantages
      • Types of Headlights
      • New/Upcoming Technologies
        • HID ("Xenon") Headlamps
        • LED Headlights
      • Marketing Aspects
    • INTERIOR AUTOMOTIVE LENSES
      • Summary of Resin Usage in Automotive Lenses
  • Table 42 RESIN USAGE IN AUTOMOTIVE LENSES (PERCENT OF TOTAL VOLUME)
    • Impact of Federal Regulations and Standards
  • AUTOMOTIVE GLAZING
    • Background
    • Overview
    • Criteria for Replacing Glass
    • Market Opportunities
    • Critical Issues
    • DuPont Activities
    • Solutia's Efforts with Glass
    • Bayer-GE Plastics Joint Project
      • Background
      • Technology
      • Market Aspects
  • Market Challenges
  • NHTSA Activities
  • Other Automotive Glazing Standards
• RECREATIONAL VEHICLES (RVS)
• OTHER POTENTIAL GLASS REPLACEMENTS
• OTHER RELATED ACTIVITIES
  • Saint Gobain Auto Glazing Joint Venture
  • Exatec Teams up with Czech Firm
• MARKET ESTIMATES AND FORECASTS
  • Table 43 AUTOMOTIVE TRANSPARENT PLASTIC MARKET BY RESIN, THROUGH 2011 (MILLION LBS.)
    • HOUSEWARES
      • Background
      • Market Estimates and Forecasts
  • Table 44 HOUSEWARES TRANSPARENT PLASTIC MARKET BY RESIN, THROUGH 2011 (MILLION LBS.)
    • APPLIANCES
      • OVERVIEW
      • APPLIANCE USAGE IN U.S. HOUSEHOLDS
  • Table 45 NORTH AMERICAN SALES OF LEADING APPLIANCE PRODUCTS, THROUGH 2005 (MILLION UNITS)
    • KEY APPLICATIONS FOR PLASTICS IN APPLIANCES
  • Table 46 SELECTED MAJOR APPLICATIONS FOR POLYMERS IN APPLIANCES
    • CLEAR PLASTICS IN APPLIANCES
      • Refrigerators
        • Door Lids
        • Crisper Tray Buckets and Covers
        • Other Clear Plastic Refrigerator Applications
    • KEY APPLIANCE MANUFACTURERS
    • MARKET ESTIMATES AND FORECASTS
  • Table 47 NORTH AMERICAN FORECAST OF APPLIANCE TRANSPARENT PLASTIC MARKET BY RESIN, THROUGH 2011 (MILLION LBS.)
  • TOYS
    • OVERVIEW
    • BACKGROUND
    • CLEAR PLASTIC APPLICATIONS
    • USE OF PLASTICS IN TOYS
      • Background
      • Polystyrene
      • ABS
      • SBCs
      • Polycarbonates
        • Background
        • Historical Summary
    • CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COUNCIL
    • MARKET ESTIMATES AND FORECASTS
  • Table 48 NORTH AMERICAN FORECAST FOR THE TRANSPARENT PLASTIC TOY MARKET BY RESIN, THROUGH 2011 (MILLION LBS.)
    • OPTICAL LENSES
      • Refractive Index
      • Abbe Values
    • WHY PLASTICS ARE USED
    • FABRICATION METHODS FOR OPTICAL PLASTIC LENSES
      • Background
      • Margins of Error
    • KEY PERFORMANCE PARAMETERS
    • ADVANTAGES OF PLASTICS
    • CLEAR PLASTICS USED
      • Background
      • Acrylics
      • Polystyrene
      • Polycarbonates
        • Overview
        • Advantages and Disadvantages
        • Competitive Scenario with CR-39
      • Acrylic-Styrene Copolymers
      • Allyl Diglycol Carbonate
      • Trivex
      • Cellulosics
      • SAN
      • Other
  • OPTICAL LENS MARKET SEGMENTS
    • Background
    • Ophthalmic Lenses
      • Properties and Advantages
      • Market Dynamics
        • Market Dynamics (Continued)
      • Recent Developments
        • Ophthalmic Lens Suppliers
      • Contact Lenses
        • Overview
        • Types of Plastics Used
  • Table 49 CONTACT LENS MATERIALS
    • Historic Background
    • Recent Developments
    • Contact Lens Suppliers
  • Table 50 SELECTED KEY CONTACT LENS PRODUCERS AND TRADE NAMED PRODUCTS
    • Safety Lenses
      • Background
      • Deficiencies of Glass
      • Plastics Choices
  • MARKET ESTIMATES AND FORECAST
  • Table 51 OPTICAL LENS TRANSPARENT PLASTIC MARKET BY RESIN, THROUGH 2011 (MILLION LBS.)
  • BUSINESS MACHINES
    • OVERVIEW
    • MARKET ESTIMATES AND FORECASTS
  • Table 52 NORTH AMERICAN FORECAST FOR THE BUSINESS MACHINE TRANSPARENT PLASTIC MARKET, THROUGH 2011 (MILLION LBS.)
  • AIRCRAFT TRANSPARENCIES
    • OVERVIEW
    • IMPORTANCE OF IMPACT RESISTANCE
    • CLEAR PLASTIC PREFERENCES
    • IMPORTANT CLEAR PLASTICS SUPPLIERS
    • CLEAR PLASTICS PROCESSING METHODS
    • APPLICATIONS FOR MILITARY AND COMMERCIAL AIRCRAFT
      • Military Aircraft Transparencies
      • Commercial Aircraft Transparencies
    • RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
    • LEADING MANUFACTURERS OF AIRCRAFT TRANSPARENCIES
    • MARKET ESTIMATES AND FORECASTS
  • Table 53 NORTH AMERICAN FORECAST FOR THE AIRCRAFT TRANSPARENT PLASTIC MARKET BY RESIN, THROUGH 2011 (MILLION LBS.)
    • OTHER CLEAR PLASTICS APPLICATIONS
      • BACKGROUND
      • MARKET ESTIMATES AND FORECASTS
  • Table 54 NORTH AMERICAN FORECAST FOR OTHER TRANSPARENT PLASTIC MARKETS BY RESIN, THROUGH 2011 (MILLION LBS.)
    • SUMMARY OF TRANSPARENT PLASTIC APPLICATIONS
  • Table 55 NORTH AMERICAN FORECAST TRANSPARENT PLASTICS MARKET BY APPLICATION, THROUGH 2011 (MILLION LBS.)
• INTRA-PLASTIC COMPETITION AMONG TRANSPARENT PLASTICS
  • INTRA-PLASTIC COMPETITION AMONG TRANSPARENT PLASTICS
  • NAS COMPARED TO ACRYLICS
  • ZYLAR COMPARED TO POLYCARBONATES
  • Table 56 COMPETITIVE TRANSPARENT PLASTICS SCENARIO BY APPLICATION
    • MAJOR PRODUCERS/ SUPPLIERS AND PRODUCTS
  • Table 57 MAJOR SELECTED TRANSPARENT RESIN SUPPLIERS AND TRADE-NAMED PRODUCTS
  • Table 57 (CONTINUED)
• STANDARDS, TESTS, AND REGULATIONS
  • PROPERTIES AND TEST METHODS
  • OPTICAL TESTS
  • TRANSPARENT PLASTICS CODE APPROVALS
  • OTHER CODE APPROVALS
    • UNDERWRITERS LABORATORIES
    • NEW YORK CITY CODES
    • MILITARY SPECIFICATIONS
    • FDA AND USP REGULATIONS
• COMPANY PROFILES
  • ARISTECH ACRYLICS-FLORENCE, KY
  • ARKEMA-PHILADELPHIA, PA
  • BASELL POLYOLEFINS-WILMINGTON, DE
  • BASF-FLORHAM PARK, NJ
  • BAYER CORP.-PITTSBURGH, PA
  • CHEVRON PHILLIPS CHEMICAL-THE WOODLANDS, TX
  • CYRO INDUSTRIES-ROCKAWAY, NJ
  • DEGUSSA-DARMSTADT, GERMANY
  • DOW PLASTICS-MIDLAND, MI
  • DUPONT-WILMINGTON, DE
  • EASTMAN CHEMICAL-KINGSPORT, TN
  • EMS CHEMIE-SUMTER, SC
  • GE PLASTICS-PITTSFIELD, MA
    • GE PLASTICS-PITTSFIELD, MA (CONTINUED)
  • INNOVENE-HOUSTON, TX
  • KRATON POLYMERS-HOUSTON, TX
  • LUCITE INTERNATIONAL - CORDOVA, TN
  • NOVA CHEMICA -PITTSBURGH, PA
  • NOVOLEN TECHNOLOGIES-LADENBURG, GERMANY
  • PLASKOLITE, INC.-COLUMBUS, OH
  • PPG INDUSTRIES-PITTSBURGH, PA
  • SHEFFIELD PLASTICS-SHEFFIELD, MA
  • SOLVAY ADVANCED POLYMERS LLC-ALPHARETTA, GA
  • SPARTECH POLYCAST-STAMFORD, CT
  • TEIJIN CO.-TOKYO, JAPAN
  • TOTAL PETROCHEMICALS-HOUSTON, TX
  • ZEON CHEMICALS-LOUISVILLE, KY
    • ZEON CHEMICALS-LOUISVILLE, KY (CONTINUED)
• APPENDIX
  • ACRONYMS
    • ACRONYMS (CONTINUED)
• LIST OF TABLES
  • Summary Table:
  • NORTH AMERICAN FORECAST OF THE TRANSPARENT PLASTIC MARKET BY TYPE OF RESIN, THROUGH 2011 (MILLION LBS.)
  • Table 1 LIST PRICES OF TRANSPARENT PLASTICS, 2006
  • Table 2 OPTICAL QUALITIES OF CLEAR RIGID PLASTICS
  • Table 3 SENSITIVITY TO UV RADIATION AMONG SELECTED CLEAR PLASTICS
  • Table 4 HEAT RESISTANCE LEVELS OF SELECTED CLEAR PLASTICS (°F AT 264 PSI)
  • Table 5 COMPARATIVE IMPACT RESISTANCE VALUES AMONG SELECTED CLEAR PLASTICS
  • Table 6 PERCENT OF TRANSPARENT GRADES FOR MAJOR PLASTICS, 2006 (MILLION LBS.)
  • Table 7 DOMESTIC POLYCARBONATE PRODUCERS AND ANNUAL CAPACITIES (MILLION LBS.)
  • Table 8 NORTH AMERICAN FORECAST OF THE POLYCARBONATE TRANSPARENT MARKET BY APPLICATION, THROUGH 2011 (MILLION LBS.)
  • Table 9 NORTH AMERICAN FORECAST FOR THE POLYCARBONATE TRANSPARENT BUILDING/CONSTRUCTION MARKET THROUGH 2011 (MILLION LBS.)
  • Table 10 NORTH AMERICAN FORECAST FOR THE ACRYLIC TRANSPARENT PLASTIC MARKET BY APPLICATION, THROUGH 2011 (MILLION LBS.)
  • Table 11 NORTH AMERICAN FORECAST FOR THE ACRYLIC TRANSPARENT PLASTIC BUILDING/CONSTRUCTION MARKET, THROUGH 2011 (MILLION LBS,)
  • Table 12 KEY POLYSTYRENE PRODUCERS AND CAPACITIES (MILLION LBS./YEAR)
  • Table 13 FABRICATION METHODS AND USES FOR POLYSTYRENE
  • Table 14 NORTH AMERICAN FORECAST OF THE POLYSTYRENE TRANSPARENT MARKET BY APPLICATION, THROUGH 2011 (MILLION LBS.)
  • Table 15 NORTH AMERICAN FORECAST OF THE POLYSTYRENE TRANSPARENT BUILDING/CONSTRUCTION MARKET BY PRODUCT, THROUGH 2011 (MILLION LBS.)
  • Table 16 SBC MAJOR PRODUCTS SEGMENTED BY POLYMER PROCESS
  • Table 17 NORTH AMERICAN FORECAST OF THE STYRENE BLOCK COPOLYMER TRANSPARENT MARKET BY APPLICATION, THROUGH 2011 (MILLION LBS.)
  • Table 18 NORTH AMERICAN FORECAST OF THE SAN TRANSPARENT MARKET BY APPLICATION, THROUGH 2011 (MILLION LBS.)
  • Table 19 SAN TRANSPARENT BUILDING/CONSTRUCTION MARKET BY PRODUCT, THROUGH 2011 (MILLION LBS.)
  • Table 20 NORTH AMERICAN FORECAST OF THE SMMA MARKET BY APPLICATION, THROUGH 2011 (MILLION LBS.)
  • Table 21 NORTH AMERICAN ABS PRODUCERS AND CAPACITIES
  • Table 22 NORTH AMERICAN FORECAST FOR THE ABS TRANSPARENT MARKET BY APPLICATION, THROUGH 2011 (MILLION LBS.)
  • Table 23 NORTH AMERICAN FORECAST FOR THE CELLULOSIC TRANSPARENT PLASTIC MARKET BY APPLICATION, THROUGH 2011 (MILLION LBS.)
  • Table 24 KEY PVC PRODUCERS AND THEIR CAPACITIES (MILLION LBS./YEAR)
  • Table 25 NORTH AMERICAN FORECAST FOR THE PVC TRANSPARENT MARKET BY APPLICATION, THROUGH 2011 (MILLION LBS.)
  • Table 26 NORTH AMERICAN FORECAST FOR THE POLYSULFONE TRANSPARENT MARKET BY APPLICATION,1 THROUGH 2011 (MILLION LBS.)
  • Table 27 KEY NORTH AMERICAN PET PRODUCERS AND CAPACITIES (MILLION LBS./YEAR)
  • Table 28 NORTH AMERICAN FORECAST OF THE THERMOPLASTIC POLYESTER TRANSPARENT MARKET BY APPLICATION, THROUGH 2011 (MILLION LBS.)
  • Table 29 NORTH AMERICAN FORECAST FOR THE TRANSPARENT PLASTIC MARKET BY RESIN, THROUGH 2011 (MILLION LBS.)
  • Table 30 NORTH AMERICAN FORECAST FOR THE BUILDING/CONSTRUCTION TRANSPARENT PLASTIC MARKET BY RESIN, THROUGH 2011 (MILLION LBS.)
  • Table 31 NORTH AMERICAN FORECAST FOR THE BUILDING/CONSTRUCTION TRANSPARENT PLASTIC MARKET BY APPLICATION, THROUGH 2011 (MILLION LBS.)
  • Table 32 SELECTED PROPERTIES OF PLASTIC SHEET FOR OUTDOOR APPLICATIONS
  • Table 33 NORTH AMERICAN FORECAST FOR THE GLAZING TRANSPARENT PLASTIC MARKET BY RESIN, THROUGH 2011 (MILLION LBS.)
  • Table 34 NORTH AMERICAN FORECAST FOR LIGHTING LENS/PANEL TRANSPARENT PLASTIC MARKET BY RESIN, THROUGH 2011 (MILLION LBS.)
  • Table 35 NORTH AMERICAN FORECAST OF THE PLUMBING FIXTURES TRANSPARENT PLASTIC MARKET BY RESIN, THROUGH 2011 (MILLION LBS.)
  • Table 36 NORTH AMERICAN FORECAST OF THE SIGN/DISPLAY TRANSPARENT PLASTIC MARKET BY RESIN, THROUGH 2011 (MILLION LBS.)
  • Table 37 GLOBAL FORECAST FOR TV ELECTRONIC DISPLAY SCREEN MARKET,
  • Table 38 NORTH AMERICAN FORECAST FOR THE ELECTRONICS TRANSPARENT PLASTIC MARKET BY RESIN, THROUGH 2011 (MILLION LBS.)
  • Table 39 SELECTED TESTS FOR PLASTICS USED IN MEDICAL APPLICATIONS
  • Table 40 MEDICAL TRANSPARENT PLASTIC MARKET BY RESIN, THROUGH 2011 (MILLION LBS.)
  • Table 41 HISTORICAL, CURRENT AND PROJECTED U.S. AUTOMOTIVE SALES (MILLIONS)
  • Table 42 RESIN USAGE IN AUTOMOTIVE LENSES (PERCENT OF TOTAL VOLUME)
  • Table 43 AUTOMOTIVE TRANSPARENT PLASTIC MARKET BY RESIN, THROUGH 2011 (MILLION LBS.)
  • Table 44 HOUSEWARES TRANSPARENT PLASTIC MARKET BY RESIN, THROUGH 2011 (MILLION LBS.)
  • Table 45 NORTH AMERICAN SALES OF LEADING APPLIANCE PRODUCTS, THROUGH 2005 (MILLION UNITS)
  • Table 46 SELECTED MAJOR APPLICATIONS FOR POLYMERS IN APPLIANCES
  • Table 47 NORTH AMERICAN FORECAST OF APPLIANCE TRANSPARENT PLASTIC MARKET BY RESIN, THROUGH 2011 (MILLION LBS.)
  • Table 48 NORTH AMERICAN FORECAST FOR THE TRANSPARENT PLASTIC TOY MARKET BY RESIN, THROUGH 2011 (MILLION LBS.)
  • Table 49 CONTACT LENS MATERIALS
  • Table 50 SELECTED KEY CONTACT LENS PRODUCERS AND TRADE NAMED PRODUCTS
  • Table 51 OPTICAL LENS TRANSPARENT PLASTIC MARKET BY RESIN, THROUGH 2011 (MILLION LBS.)
  • Table 52 NORTH AMERICAN FORECAST FOR THE BUSINESS MACHINE TRANSPARENT PLASTIC MARKET, THROUGH 2011 (MILLION LBS.)
  • Table 53 NORTH AMERICAN FORECAST FOR THE AIRCRAFT TRANSPARENT PLASTIC MARKET BY RESIN, THROUGH 2011 (MILLION LBS.)
  • Table 54 NORTH AMERICAN FORECAST FOR OTHER TRANSPARENT PLASTIC MARKETS BY RESIN, THROUGH 2011 (MILLION LBS.)
  • Table 55 NORTH AMERICAN FORECAST TRANSPARENT PLASTICS MARKET BY APPLICATION, THROUGH 2011 (MILLION LBS.)
  • Table 56 COMPETITIVE TRANSPARENT PLASTICS SCENARIO BY APPLICATION
  • Table 57 MAJOR SELECTED TRANSPARENT RESIN SUPPLIERS AND TRADE-NAMED PRODUCTS
• LIST OF FIGURES
  • Summary Figure:
  • NORTH AMERICAN FORECAST OF THE TRANSPARENT PLASTIC MARKET BY TYPE OF RESIN, 2005-2011 (MILLION LBS.)
  • Figure 1 NORTH AMERICAN FORECAST FOR THE ACRYLIC TRANSPARENT PLASTIC BUILDING/CONSTRUCTION MARKET, 2005-2011 (MILLION LBS,)
  • Figure 2 NORTH AMERICAN FORECAST FOR THE ABS TRANSPARENT MARKET BY APPLICATION, 2005-2011 (MILLION LBS.)
  • Figure 3 NORTH AMERICAN FORECAST FOR THE CELLULOSIC TRANSPARENT PLASTIC MARKET BY APPLICATION, 2005-2011 (MILLION LBS.)
  • Figure 4 NORTH AMERICAN FORECAST FOR THE POLYSULFONE TRANSPARENT MARKET BY APPLICATION, 2005-2011 (MILLION LBS.)
  • Figure 5 NORTH AMERICAN FORECAST OF THE THERMOPLASTIC POLYESTER TRANSPARENT MARKET BY APPLICATION, THROUGH 2011 (MILLION LBS.)