Abstract:

This article presents changes that have occurred in recent years on the market for polyamides (PA). Attention is given to the various factors which brought about the changes. Demand and production figures are shown and the biggest players in production and commerce are indicated. The share of polyamides is compared with other polymers, and the demand for polyamide resins from various segments of industry is enumerated. Various figures characterising the market are quoted. While stability is observed in the production segment of classical polyamide fibres, much attention is given to the dynamic growth in the sector of polyamide resins. Impressive changes both in quality and quantity are taking place in the consumption of PA resins in many industry branches: the car industry, electrical and electronic appliances, civil engineering, packaging, and many others. Examples are given in the article of modern solutions and products put on the market as a result of close cooperation between R&D centers, industry and consumers. Most of the information contained herein is concerned with classical polyamides i.e. PA6 and PA66, yet other polyamides like aromatic-, long-chain-, and bio-polyamides are also highlighted.