Touted as one of the most versatile verticals of bulk and specialty chemicals business space, thermoplastic acrylic resins market is set to garner remarkable proceeds both from conventional as well as off-beat applications. While contribution of the polymer across a plethora of sectors like plastics & adhesives, paints & coatings, industrial, and commercial domains is not unheard of, sustainability notion is presently outlining thermoplastic acrylic resins market trends.
 

In this regard, thermoplastic acrylic resins marketplace witnessed the birth of FiberFrame in the automotive sector two years back. This natural fiber automotive sun roof frame, was officially launched by the German based automotive interior supplier, International Automotive Components Group, on the 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, with the help of BASF Corporation. Elaborating further on the deal, IAC for developing this FiberFrame reinforcement has utilized BASF’s, single component, cross linkable, water-based acrylate-based resin matrix, Acrodur 950 L. Probably the unique blending of its formulation which combines the benefit of conventional thermoplastic acrylate dispersions with that of reactive acrylate resins, made Acrodur 950 L grab most of the headlines in thermoplastic acrylic resins market. Speaking of the proprietary innovation, FiberFrame claimed to possess 70% renewable raw materials that results in almost saving 50% vehicle weight when compared to steel reinforced sun roof frames, cite sources. Reported to be the first automotive roof frame that is completely composed of nonwoven natural fiber composites, FiberFrame undoubtedly marks the genesis of unconventional application arena for thermoplastic acrylic resins industry.
 

Thermoplastic acrylic resins market, as per experts’ opinion, has indeed established itself as a paramount business space, given the fact that researchers have been relentlessly experimenting with this polymer not only to widen its application spectrum but also to collect enough substantiations to certify the results. As the interest surges, the profitability quotient of thermoplastic acrylic resins industry is certain to ascend with innovative process technologies that enhances production efficiency, performance, and broadens the product design options. Italy based plastic machinery manufacturer, Persico SpA, is one such name in the business sphere that has been lately experimenting with thermoplastic cores, with an aim to broaden thermoplastic acrylic resins industry offerings. Allegedly, Persico’s process produces asymmetrical as well as symmetrical hollow cores in a variety of textured or smooth finishes from a diversified range of thermoplastic cores, specifically designed for sandwich-panel construction.
 

Speaking of Persico’s numerous experimentation, one of the most interesting thermoplastic cores that the company has rotomolded till date is PEEK (polyetheretherketone). This high temperature, aromatic stiff thermoplastic melts at 343°C, which is markedly much higher than most of the traditional rotomolding resins. As claimed by the inventors, the sheer popularity of PEEK in thermoplastic acrylic resins market can be majorly credited to the electrical heating system that is embedded in Persico’s smart tool system, as it helps in quickly achieving the temperature required for rotomolding. Reportedly, the company now is putting its efforts in optimizing the processing conditions of polyetheretherketone in granular form, which presently can be rotomolded in micro pellet and powder form. With such incessant initiatives undertaken by the giants in bringing new products and research initiatives addressing the same, the commercialization potential of thermoplastic acrylic resins industry share is certain to augment over the ensuing years.
 

Another relevant instance demonstrating the extent by which thermoplastic acrylic resins market players have been focusing on bringing eco-friendly products is Arkema’s launch of a boat made from recyclable thermoplastic composites in the year 2016. Dubbed as Mini 6.50 Arkema 3 ‘’Innovation”, this sailboat prototype made with Elium® resin, reportedly, came on board by the open venture innovation initiative set up between race boat specialist Lalou Multi and Arkema. Though being processed in the same manner like any other conventional liquid acrylic resin and showcases the same mechanical properties, Elium resin took thermoplastic acrylic resins market by storm when its sustainability quotient came into light. If reports are to be relied, mini 6.50 Arkema 3 “Innovation” is the first boat that was built with this unique type of resin and Arkema was the first company to merchandise it.
 

The far-reaching applicability of thermoplastic acrylic resins market is quite vividly evidenced from the ongoing developments underlining the terrain. Having said that, it is imperative to mention that socio economic influences including the likes of VOC regulatory norms in Western countries, shale gas exploration in U.S., and a paradigm shift from solvent based to waterborne coatings, is likely to open up lucrative opportunities for thermoplastic acrylic resins industry players over the coming years. The business space has already established a strong footprint across developed economies. With the expansion of its application spectrum, it is soon to garner appreciable recognition across emerging nations as well.