NYLON 46 MARKET ANALYSIS

The global nylon 46 market size is expected to witness potential gains in the future and register a significant CAGR over the forecast period (2019 - 2027).

Market Overview

Nylon 46, also known as PA46, is a high performance, high temperature polyamide that finds application in the automotive and electronic sector. Koninklijke DSM N.V. is the only commercial supplier of nylon 46 under the trade name Stanyl - PA46. Nylon 46 has higher heat resistance, superior mechanical properties at elevated temperatures, and efficient wear and friction behavior compared to other engineering plastics such as polyamide 6 and 66, polyesters, and semi-aromatic polyamides.

Market Dynamics

Properties of nylon 46 such as strength, ductility, and high heat resistance promote its use as a versatile high heat engineering thermoplastic that finds application in the automotive and electronic sectors. Therefore, increasing demand for nylon 46 from the automotive and electronics industries is expected to boost growth of the global nylon 46 market over the forecast period. Other characteristics of nylon 46 include, high degree of crystallization, good rigidity at high temperature, and high water-absorption along with high chemical resistance.

However, high water absorption may lead to dimensional changes in the polyamide. Moreover, nylon 46 may darken with exposure to high heat and offer poor chemical resistance to strong acids and bases. These factors may hinder growth of the market to some extent.

Market Outlook

The global nylon 46 market is segmented into North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East, and Africa on the basis of regions. The market in Europe is expected to account for major market share, owing to increasing demand for nylon 46 from end-use industries such as automobiles and electronics. Properties such as high chemical resistance, low moisture absorbency, and superior dimensional stability increase demand for nylon 46 for the production of housing and covers, vehicle engine, and electrical components such as switches, jacks, and terminals. The market in Asia Pacific is driven by growing industrial development in emerging economies of China and India. Increasing demand for nylon 46 from the transportation industry is expected to contribute to growth of the market in North America.

Key Players

Key players operating in the global nylon 46 market include, Koninklijke DSM N.V., Honeywell International Inc., Sabic Innovative Plastics LLC, E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company, Asahi Kasei Corporation, Evonik Industries AG, and Li Peng Enterprice Company Ltd.

Key Developments

Major companies are undertaking strategic initiatives such as mergers & acquisitions and new product launch to maintain their dominance in the competitive business environment. For instance, in August 2017, Honeywell Resins and Chemicals announced to expand nylon polymer production capacity at its Chesterfield, Va. Production facility in order to meet the increasing demand for high-grade nylon polymers for packaging and other applications.

In December 2017, Royal DSM leading companies engaged in manufacturing nylon 46, announced a research collaboration with ECOR. The collaboration aims for developing healthier and recyclable alternatives for MDF, particleboard, and other panel materials.