Future high performance plastic

In 1975, a study conducted by the plastic industry predicted that the future of plastic industry was hidden in special types of high-performance plastic materials with enhanced properties (such materials should occupy about 50 % of market share of polymer industry). The continuous development in polyolefins science revealed that time unimaginable secrets and potential for polyolefins to meet the high-performance needs expected from technical and speciality plastics. Thus, the latest trend in plastic goods processing is pronouncedly controlled by polyolefin producers (while high-performance plastics accounted in 1997 was about 0.25 % of polymer market) [1]. 

The ability of polyimides to withstand high temperatures and pressures in load bearing and dynamic applications is attracting interest in the automotive industry. Applications where polyimide parts are used include seal rings, thrust washers, wear strips, locknut inserts, valve seats, plugs, and other hydraulic components (i.e., mainly molded parts). Continued interest in high-performance plastic components (as well as ceramic parts) could lead to a need for adhesives able to withstand high temperatures in the future. 

The world electronics and telecom markets have experienced a substantial downturn since 2000. This has resulted in a major decline in demand for engineering and high performance plastics. There are signs that demand may be about to recover in several important end user markets, which should bolster future demand prospects for plastic materials. An examination of some leading indicators of future end user market demand shows that there is some cause for optimism. 

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