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Acrylic resins are thermoplastic materials produced by the polymerization
of methacrylic acid esters (methacrylates) or acrylic acid esters (acrylates).
This report discusses the resins and plastics that are composed of over 50%
polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA). These polymers are available in the form of
sheet, molding and extrusion compounds (pellets, beads or powder), rods, tubes
and film.
Acrylics’ worldwide growth will be aided by increased construction activity,
which will positively affect applications such as glazing and lighting fixtures.
Most of the markets for PMMA-based resins are mature. Only a few markets, such
as point-of-purchase displays, and liquid crystal displays (LCDs), could experience
strong growth rates for acrylics. Western Europe and North America will continue
to account for the majority of acrylic volume, but the Asia Pacific region
is expected to slightly increase its share.
Acrylic plastics are noted primarily for their high optical clarity and exceptional
weatherability. These properties contribute to their use in a wide variety
of applications. The largest markets for acrylics are glazing, signs and displays,
lighting fixtures, automotive (mainly taillights) and sanitaryware applications.
In many of these markets, acrylics compete directly with polycarbonate, which
has similar optical properties and better impact resistance but is more susceptible
to UV degradation and is more expensive than acrylics. Other competing materials
in selected applications include styrene-acrylonitrile (SAN), thermoplastic
copolyesters (i.e., PETG and PCTG, which are glycol-modified PET resins), polystyrene,
polyvinyl chloride (particularly for extruded sheet) and polycarbonate.
The following pie chart shows world consumption of acrylic resins and plastics:
Currently there is shortness in the global methyl methacrylate (MMA) monomer
market, which is forecast to remain until 2008. This will have a negative impact
on acrylic resin and plastics production. This deficit may be intensified with
known maintenance outages planned in Japan, the Republic of Korea and Taiwan
in 2007. Since 2006, the MMA market has continued to tighten because of plant
problems in Europe and Asia, and growing demand in applications such as transparent
resins, emulsions and information technology. The liquid crystal display market
is a key driver for the MMA industry. Mitsubishi Rayon brought on line a 70
thousand metric ton MMA plant in China at the end of 2006, but still has to
import MMA to meet requirements. Known or planned expansions should alleviate
this problem. A total of 386 thousand metric tons of new capacity is scheduled
in Asia in 2008, with an additional 250 thousand metric tons announced for
after 2008.
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