Polycarbonate Production: In the following post, the Polycarbonate definition, uses, properties, and price analysis have been
covered, providing an in-depth analysis of the commodity's demand dynamics.
Polycarbonate Explained
Polycarbonate (PC) is a type of plastic (thermoplastic) with organic functional groups connected by
carbonate groups (–O–(C=O)–O–) that is tough and transparent. It offers various advantages like
stiffness, strength, and impact resistance, making it an ideal raw material for end-uses like signs, face
shields, machine guards, skylights, architectural glazing, and POP displays. It has a wide spectrum of
applications due to it being more sustainable and recyclable.
Polycarbonate Properties Propelling Its Market Growth
Strength-
Polycarbonate is basically indestructible compared to plastic; hence, owing to its
excellent strength and durability, it finds use in a wide range of safety products like riot
shields, bulletproof glass, and safety glazing.
Clearness-
The commodity is a clear material which makes it ideal for end-uses like its
application as glazing in summerhouses, greenhouses, and conservatories. It is usually
treated with UV protective filters that offer protection from the sun.
Usability-
The material is comparatively lighter and offers excellent impact-resistance
properties, making it an easy material to use in DIY and engineering applications. It is easy to
bend, cut, and fix with bolts, nuts etc., making it great for thermoforming and machining.
Heat-
polycarbonate is classified as a thermoplastic, which implies that it can be reformed under some temperatures. It also offers dimensional stability and resistance to shock and
humidity.
Polycarbonate Applications Driving the Product’s Demand
In Electronic Components-
Polycarbonate is primarily employed in electronics due to its
safety features. As it is a good electrical insulator, resistant to heat and also works like a
flame retardant which makes it ideal for several products like electrical and
telecommunications hardware. Apart from that, it is also used in high-stability capacitors as
a dielectric.
In Construction Materials-
The commodity is also extensively used in the construction
sector, which includes its use in sound walls, dome lights, and flat or curved glazing.
For Data Storage-
Polycarbonate has applications in the production of DVDs, Compact Discs,
and Blu-ray Discs. These discs are made by injecting moulding polycarbonate in a mould
cavity that includes one side of the metal stamper that contains the disc data's negative
image. In contrast, the other mould side is a mirrored surface.
Automotive, Aircraft, And Security Components-
In the automotive sector, injection
moulded polycarbonate makes extremely smooth surfaces that are ideal for making direct
metalised parts, including decorative bezels and optical reflectors. By using its uniform
mould shrinkage, greater accuracy in parts can be achieved compared to those made of
polypropylene. It might be laminated to create bullet-proof glass in windows, automobiles
etc.
Niche Applications-
Polycarbonate is widely used to make various types of lenses, such as
lighting lenses, sunglass/eyeglass lenses, safety glasses and automotive headlamp lenses.
Apart from that, other products such as Ocarinas, visors, MP3/Digital audio player cases,
computer cases, blender jars, riot shields, and instrument panels can also be made. Also,
items like toys etc., are made using polycarbonate parts, for instance, gyro mounts, fins, as
well as fly bar locks that are used with radio-controlled helicopters.
Polycarbonate Production Processes
Polycarbonate Production from Bisphenol A (BPA or Bis-A) and Diphenyl Carbonate (DPC):
During this process, polymerisation depends on the diphenyl carbonate (DPC)
transesterification with bisphenol A, referred to as the Melt process. The product derived is
undiluted and can be directly pelletised to get polycarbonate finally.
Polycarbonate Production from Bisphenol A (BPA or Bis-A) and Carbonyl Chloride via
Condensation Polymerisation:
During this method, a bisphenol A solution is formed in
sodium hydroxide which further gets combined with a carbonyl chloride solution mixed in an
organic solvent like dichloromethane. Next, taking the help of a catalyst (essentially an
amine), the process of polymerisation is carried out. As the polycarbonate is made in an
inorganic layer, the removal of the aqueous layer is done. The derived product is then
evaporated, forming the polycarbonate (polymer).
Polycarbonate Market Participants Mentioned
- Covestro AG
- SABIC
- Teijin Limited
- Trinseo S.A.
- Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation (Mitsubishi Engineering-Plastics Corp.)
Polycarbonate Price Trend Movement Bifurcated On The Basis Of Region
North America
In the past few months, the Polycarbonate price surged in the market in North America. The high
pressure of cost from the feedstock Bisphenol A caused a negative impact on the downstream
derivative industries. The domestic market in the US witnessed a struggle in demand for
Polycarbonate and costs remained under additional stress to rising interest rates and soaring prices
for downstream automotive parts. Regional plants have boosted activities by a little in order to
facilitate the market, and carriers followed an upward trend with adequate terminal acceptance. The
level of participation was increased by downstream epoxy factories and intermediate traders.
APAC
Recently, the Polycarbonate market sentiments saw a declining trend in the Asian region. The
expenses from exporting countries such as South Korea and Thailand extenuated in addition to a
drop in consumption from the downstream sector.
The freight costs in Asia continued plummeting with global disputes. As far as supply is concerned,
more than sufficient goods are on-site, increased inventory, frail demand, and buyers' wait-and-see
market sentiments have been prevalent for a few months now. India recently witnessed a price
boost in the Polycarbonate market due to the festive season.
Europe
The Polycarbonate price saw an upward trajectory recently owing to the region's rise in prices of
natural gas and raw materials along with a risen operational price. Since the tensions between
Russia and Ukraine have been tumefying due to the war, the countries in Europe have undergone
major headwinds because of a scarcity in prices of natural gas and elevated costs for the available
material.
Polycarbonate production's operational cost in the region was seen soaring. In September, many
German ports were congested, the nation was disrupted by the supply chain, and the level of
product inventory was low in the market. The average demand from the downstream industries,
including automotive and electrical & electronics, propelled the cost in the northern direction.
Procurement and supply chain of certain commodities are pivotal to the businesses revolving around
them. Hence, understanding the implications, price dynamics, industrial whirlwinds, economic
implications, regulations, and so on are essential to the propulsion of businesses.
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