POLYPHENYLENE ETHER COMPOUNDS MARKET ANALYSIS

Polyphenylene ether (PPE) is produced by oxidative polycondensation of 2,6-dimethylphenol in the presence of a copper amine catalyst. It is a thermoplastic, linear, and non-crystalline polyether. These compounds possess high surface tension and therefore, its tendency to wet metal surfaces is less. These compounds find major applications in automotive, electrical, and electronics industries. Also, they are used in applications where excellent thermo-oxidative and ionization radiation stability and low volatility is required. Various types of polyphenylene ether include polyamide (PPE/PA), polypropylene (PPE/PP), polystyrene (PPE/PS), and others.

Market Dynamics

The global polyphenylene ether compounds market is expected to witness stable growth rate over the forecast period (2019-2027). Growth of the global automotive industry is expected to increase demand for polyphenylene ether compounds over the forecast period. This is owing to increasing demand for lightweight and fuel-efficient automobiles, globally. Moreover, increasing use of polyphenylene ether in electrical fittings and circuitry is expected to increase demand for PPE compounds, thereby driving growth of the global polyphenylene ether compounds market over the forecast period.

Also, application of PPE compounds in ultra-high-vacuum fluids, electronic connector lubricants, optics, and high-temperature and radiation-resistant lubricants are expected to increase demand for polyphenylene ether compounds, thereby driving growth of the market over the forecast period.

However, the global economic slowdown in 2009, which led to decline in growth of the automotive industry and thereby, downfall of PPE consumption in vehicles, switch to metal body panels, and discontinuation of several automotive line are factors that hinder growth of the polyphenylene ether compounds market.

Market Outlook

On the basis of region, the global polyphenylene ether compounds market is segmented into North America, Latin America, Asia Pacific, Europe, Middle East, and Africa. Asia Pacific held dominant position in the global polyphenylene ether compounds market in 2017 and is expected to retain its dominant position in the global market over the forecast period. This is owing to growing electrical and electronics industry in emerging economies such as China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand in the region. North America is also expected to account for major share in the market over the forecast period, owing to increasing demand for polyphenylene ether in the automotive and electrical industry.

Key Players

Some of the major players operating in the global polyphenylene ether compounds market include Asahi Kasei Co., Evonik Industries AG, LyondellBasell Industries Holding B.V., Oxford Polymers, SABIC, Sumitomo Chemical Co. Ltd., Polyplastics Co. Ltd., Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation, Entec Polymers, and BASF SE.