Acid Copolymers and Ionomers Technologies
Acid copolymers are a class of specialty polyolefins (SPOs) that include copolymers of ethylene and acrylic acid or methacrylic acid. Ethylene ethyl acrylate (EEA) is a copolymer of ethylene and ethyl acrylate. The polymer exhibits high flexibility and excellent impact and tear resistance. These properties are dependent on the content of ethyl acrylate and can be changed by varying the acrylate content in the copolymer. Ethylene methyl acrylate (EMA) is a copolymer of ethylene and methyl acrylate. Ethylene butyl acrylate (EBA) is a copolymer of ethylene and n-butyl acrylate. These three ethylene-acrylate copolymers (EEA, EMA, and EBA) are collectively called specialty acid copolymers in this study. Another acid copolymer is ethylene methyl methacrylate (EMMA). Acid copolymers are polar in nature and used in various applications requiring adhesion of polyolefins to polar substrates. The acid content generally ranges from 3% to 20%. The table shows some of the typical properties of acid copolymers. Copolymers of ethylene with methacrylic acid are called ethylene methacrylic acid. Ethylene methacrylic acid is mainly used an intermediate for producing ionomers. Ionomers are thermoplastic polymers that are ionically cross linked, containing both hydrogen and ionic bonds. They are derived from ethylene methacrylic acid copolymers, which are neutralized with either sodium or zinc. Exhibit below shows typical technical attributes of acid copolymers and ionomers.
Exhibit 1. Technical attributes of acid copolymers and ionomers
Market Drivers in the Global Acid Copolymers and Ionomers Market
The major application areas for EEA are wire and cable, adhesives, flexible packaging, and nylon compounding. EMA’s major applications include food packaging, heat-shrink tubing, and disposable gloves. Thermal stability, soft feel, flexibility, and heat seal response at lower temperatures are some of its prominent properties. EBA is used in films or for coating applications, such as thermal laminating, frozen food packaging, and meat packaging. The low seal initiation temperatures, hot tack strength, and tackiness of acid copolymers make them useful in these applications. Ionomers have multiple applications within the injection molded, film, and extrusion markets. Important applications for ionomers are in the manufacture of films and extrusion coatings used primarily for packaging, such as for meat, snack foods, nuts and dried fruit, condiments, haircare products, and medical goods. Package types include squeeze tube packaging and aseptic brick packaging. Outside of packaging, some applications for ionomers are automotive injection molding, golf ball covers, and bulletproof glass.
Global Acid Copolymers and Ionomers Market Assessment
ADI Chemical Market Resources (ADI CMR), with extensive experience in these technologies, has conducted a strategic analysis that covers all major developments in the industry including a comprehensive analysis of supply-demand balance, status of technology availability, and strategic partnerships. It also gives extensive coverage on emerging players and challenges. Our in-depth examination and methodology are designed to assist companies in monitoring the rapid developments, analyzing the trends, and capitalizing on the many opportunities in these changing markets and technologies. The report is based on thorough analysis of the industry through a wide range of methods, including published information, patent searches, ADI CMR proprietary projects, and interviews with leading suppliers and distributors, as well as interviews with end users to understand their current and unmet needs. The manufacturing cost economics based on our extensive cost databases and interviews. The report will particularly benefit present and future market participants; producers, compounders, and end users; other polyolefin industry participants; and individual end-users, entrepreneurs, and organizations attempting to understand these complex issues and capture future growth in the marketplace.
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