Fluoropolymers to flourishFluoropolymers to flourish

Industrial market research firm The Freedonia Group (Cleveland, OH) says that demand for fluoropolymers in the U.S. is forecast to grow 5.7% annually to nearly $2 billion by 2009, with volume reaching 210 million lb. Fluoropolymer use is driven largely by the performance advantages-improved chemical resistance, high temperature stability, enhanced durability, and superior dielectric properties-that these materials offer over other plastics and rubber.

Strongest gains are forecast for fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP) consumption, which will be driven by accelerating production of semiconductors and wire and cable. Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), the largest volume fluoropolymer, faces increasing competition from other fluoropolymers, though this will be offset by the development of improved product grades and the expansion of its major markets.

Fluoroelastomers demand will be spurred by increased use in automotive, aerospace, and industrial and electrical equipment production, where they are displacing other plastics and rubber as a result of the ongoing trend toward higher operating temperatures and greater durability in engines and other machinery. The full report can be purchased at www.freedoniagroup.com.