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Engineering plastics[1] are a group ofplastic materials that have better mechanical or thermal properties than the more widely usedcommodity plastics (such aspolystyrene,polyvinyl chloride,polypropylene andpolyethylene).
Engineering plastics are more expensive than standard plastics, therefore they are produced in lower quantities and tend to be used for smaller objects or low-volume applications (such as mechanical parts), rather than for bulk and high-volume ends (like containers and packaging). Engineering plastics have a higher heat resistance than standard plastics and are continuously usable at temperatures up to about 150 °C (300 °F).
The term usually refers tothermoplastic materials rather thanthermosetting ones. Examples of engineering plastics includepolyamides (PA, nylons), used forskis andski boots;polycarbonates (PC), used inmotorcycle helmets andoptical discs; andpoly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA, major brand names acrylic glass and plexiglass), used e.g. for taillights and protective shields. The currently most-consumed engineering plastic isacrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), used for e.g.car bumpers,dashboard trim andLego bricks.
Engineering plastics have gradually replaced traditional engineering materials such as metal, glass or ceramics in many applications. Besides equalling or surpassing them in strength, weight, and other properties, engineering plastics are much easier to manufacture, especially in complicated shapes. Across all different product types, more than 22 million tonnes of engineering plastics were consumed worldwide in 2020.[2]
Each engineering plastic usually has a unique combination of properties that may make it the material of choice for some application. For example, polycarbonates are highly resistant to impact, while polyamides are highly resistant to abrasion. Other properties exhibited by various grades of engineering plastics include heat resistance, mechanical strength, rigidity, chemical stability, self lubrication (specially used in manufacturing of gears and skids) and fire safety.
The market for engineering plastics is rapidly expanding in the globe due to a shift from traditional materials like alloys and metals to high-performance polymers with superior mechanical, thermal and chemical properties. The market size value in 2024 is 146.80 billion USD, with the revenue forecast of 230.64 billion USD in 2030.[3] The market is growing in automation & transportation, electrical & electronics, building & construction, consumer goods & appliances, medical and aerospace. Automative and transportation segment has the largest market share for over 34.85% in 2023.[3]Key manufacturers in this competitive market are Grand Pacific Petrochemical Corporation, Mitsubishi Engineering-Plastics Corporation and Celanese Corp.[3] By resin type, the styrene copolymers, ABS and SAN, held the largest share at 33.7% in 2023 (source).Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene is a high-demand engineering plastic often used in the electronics and automotive parts such as bumpers, interior trims, due to its lightweight and durable nature.[3]
Additionally, with the rise of concerns for plastic waste and its impact on the environment, manufacturers have increased investment in recyclable and biodegradable engineering plastics, reflecting a growing demand for sustainable materials in future market.[3]
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