Applications and processing of standard plastics

Following on from developments in the last two decades, commodity plastics – polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene and polyvinylchloride plus their copolymers and blends / compounds – will continue to play a dominant role from the user point of view. These products will experience further growth in mass markets, especially under cost-to-benefit aspects. Possibilities for the specific production of structured surfaces by means of chemical processes as well as physical modification by filling and reinforcing will ensure their continuing economic importance in the field of commodity plastics. Additional production capacities in the Arab and Asian countries will safeguard availability and competitivity of these plastics (which are still produced on the basis of fossil feedstocks) in the foreseeable future.

More key applications will emerge in the packaging, agricultural and construction industries. Future products will be characterised even more strongly than before by minimum material consumption with maximum utilisation of material properties.

Whereas multi-layer film already dominates nearly all applications in the packaging sector, development potential still exists in the field of plastic pipes. Through the use of reinforcing mechanisms, multi-layer or hybrid structures will generate increased strength and thus reduce consumption of resources. Similar developments are also expected for plastic profiles.

Plastics converters will further exploit their possibilities to specifically influence product properties through the compounding of low-priced commodity plastics with property-improving components and, with adequate production volumes, will make use of inline processes to cut manufacturing costs.


Applications and processing of standard plastics - Vita Prof. Dr.-Ing. Johannes Wortberg