Niche markets, examples

The Schiff reaction between chitosan and aldehydes or ketones yields the corresponding aldimines and ketimines, which are converted to N-alkyl derivatives upon hydrogenation with borohydride. Chitosan acetate salt can be converted into chitin upon heating [130]. The following are important examples of modified chitosans that currently have niche markets or prominent places in advanced research. 

The use of oleochemicals in polymers has a long tradition. One can differentiate between the use as polymer materials, such as linseed oil and soybean oil as drying oils, polymer stabilizers and additives, such as epoxidized soybean oil as plasticizer, and building blocks for polymers, such as dicarboxylic acids for polyesters or polyamides (Table 4.2) [7]. Considering the total market for polymers of ca. 150 million tonnes in 1997 the share of oleochemical based products is relatively small - or, in other terms, the potential for these products is very high. Without doubt there is still a trend in the use of naturally derived materials for polymer applications, especially in niche markets. As an example, the demand for linseed oil for the production of linoleum has increased from 10000 tonnes in 1975 to 50 000 tonnes in 1998 (coming from 120000 tonnes in 1960 ) [8a]. Epoxidized soybean oil (ESO) as a plastic additive has a relatively stable market of ca. 100000 tonnes year-1 [8b]. 

PHB producers expect continued progress in fermentation processes and identification of lower cost feedstock to provide more reasonable material costs for niche markets. Longer term, crop-based production has potential to drive PHB costs to more competitive levels from improved productivity. P G for example, is investigating the manufacture of Nodax by plant-grown methods. The supplier states that this method could reduce Nodax prices to between 1.0-2.0 per kg. 

True compound semiconductor production, in the Si sense of production, has only recently begun to come about with the introduction of large planetary systems and cluster tool compatible reactors [18]. Si equipment manufacturers have been reluctant to enter this niche market in force, and are generally unlikely to do so in the near future because of the small market size (—35-50 million dollars compared to the multi-billion dollar Si equipment markets, for example see Applied Materials sales). 

For example, if we consider the set of biodegradable and/or bio-based polymers, a recent market study published by the organization European Bioplastics (http //en.european-bioplastics.org/) shows that world capacity for production of these polymers, in 2012, was only around 1.4 million tons, of which 0.6 milhon were accounted for by biodegradable polymers. Compare this with worldwide plastic consumption of 288 million tons, of which, 57 million tons were in Europe alone, according to Plastics-Europe (http //www.plasticseurope.org), in 2012. Recent projections - particularly that presented by European Bioplastics - show that these very rapidly growing polymers will, nevertheless, remain a niche market for the next 10 years. They will account for only a small percent of the world plastic market. Thus, it is not envisaged that these polymers can totally replace conventional plastics. 

Until now, BMs have only established niche markets, for example as tableware or plastic forks, knives and spoons for mass events, or in agricultural applications as pots or mulch foils. The technical and economic conditions in these areas are promising for BMs. Such advantages have not yet been realized fully, for example in substitution of BMs for mass-produced plastics, especially since they have some drawbacks as waste material. For instance, mixing BMs with mass-produced plastics is problematical due to incompatibilities. 

In addition to the fuel-ceU hybrid systems for powertrains and hght traction applications described above, there are several other appHcations that use fuel-cell hybrid systems, some of which are described briefly below. These examples are only niche market appHcations. At present, the main application area for fuel-cell hybrid systems is mobile applications, as has been described. 

Lastly, it seems appropriate that at this stage fuel cell systems should be developed for large niche markets that are appropriate for the current state technical readiness of the technology. Forklift applications are a prime example of matching requirements versus capability. Large stationary fuel cells that are designed for constant base loads with high combined heat and power utilization requirements is another. 

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