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Polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) resins exhibit exceptional resistance to thermal degradation, high heat distortion temperature, and outstanding chemical and flame resistance. Major markets include automotive, electrical and electronics, industrial and appliances. World demand for PPS grew briskly during 2004–2007, largely driven by the dramatic growth in automotive and appliance parts in China. Other developed regions including the United States, Western Europe and Japan also grew at healthy rates. Although growth in automotive production in the three developed regions had been sluggish, PPS resins benefited from the ever-increasing under-the-hood temperature of automobiles and the need for fuel and flame resistance for many automotive parts. Demand for electrical, electronic and industrial applications is also growing.
In 2007–2012, China is expected to show very high growth rates in both capacity and consumption. Other regions are expected to show good average annual growth rates. Consumption growth will continue to shift toward China, where demand in filter bags and special applications is expected to rise sharply in addition to robust demand in electrical and electronics, automotive, and industrial applications.
New grades of PPS resins with improved mechanical and electrical properties have entered the market in recent years. They are easier to process, lower in cost and available in various colors because of their greater purity. For example, Fortron Industries now has PPS with magnetic, thermally conductive, low-wear, fiber optic, medical and food-grade capabilities, all suitable for injection molding. Injection molding is the major processing method for PPS, but some newer grades can be blow molded or extruded.
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