Download Report IHS CEH Report : Fibers, Specialty Organic (Chemical Economics Handbook 2019)
PDF by S&P Global Commodity Insights; IHS Markit
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Format: PDF Language: English Pages: 127 Publisher: S&P Global Commodity Insights; IHS Markit Publitshion date: 2019 ISBN: 139455
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Description
Specialty organic fibers are used in specialty high-performance, textile, or functional applications. High-performance fibers such as aramid, fluoropolymer, or high-strength polyethylene fibers possess very good tensile strength and stiffness (modulus), can be lightweight, and can have excellent fire, superior thermal, and good chemical resistance that would normally degrade conventional fibers. Specialty textile fibers such as spandex (elastane) or polyvinyl alcohol (vinal) fibers can have better physical and chemical properties than conventional fibers, which can result in excellent durability, high-tenacity for reinforcement, and better adhesion.
High-performance fibers are used in many applications, including use in the aerospace, biomedical, civil engineering, construction, protective apparel, geotextiles, and electronics markets. They are found in specialized areas where major commodity fibers cannot provide unique features needed in such things as ballistic resistant materials, fire protective clothing, or advanced composite applications. However, the raw materials used to make these specialty fibers can be higher priced due to lower volumes and more difficult processing conditions.
The value of these specialty fibers is estimated to be over $11 billion. Global demand for some of these fibers can be as low as a few hundred metric tons per year.
Overall, these high-performance fibers will continue to have relatively good demand in the next several years. For example, aramid fibers consumption is expected to increase at over 6% per year during the next five years, with even higher growth in China. Likewise, high-strength polyethylene fibers consumption is anticipated to have annual growth of 5–6%, driven by use in ballistic materials, industrial fabrics, composite reinforcements, and ropes and cables.
In some cases, individual strengths and weaknesses make one fiber more suitable than another for specific applications. As a result, fibers are often blended to balance properties. For example, polybenzimidazole (PBI) fibers or polyacrylonitrile fibers, partially oxidized, with their very high flame resistance and degradation temperature, can also be combined with high-strength para-aramid fibers.
Specialty textile fibers such as vinyon fibers are noted for their resistance to chemicals, water, corrosive atmospheric gases, sunlight, and biodegradation. Fabrics made from vinyon fibers can resemble fabrics made from acrylic fibers; however, vinyon fibers soften at relatively low temperatures, swell in the presence of chlorinated solvents (such as those used in dry cleaning), and develop static charges readily. Vinal fibers can be used for nonwoven fabrics, reinforcements in corrugated sheets, and other applications such as ropes.
Spandex fibers are mainly used in activewear/outerwear, as well as other uses such as hosiery or intimate apparel. World consumption of spandex fibers is expected to be 4–5%. This growth will be driven by the Asia region, as the much smaller US and Western European markets will continue to face consumption declines.
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