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Dimer acid–based (DAB) nonnylon polyamide resins are either reactive
or nonreactive (i.e., they lack amine functionality). Reactive polyamides are
utilized primarily as curing agents for epoxy resins used in surface coatings
and adhesives. Nonreactive polyamides are used predominantly in hotmelt adhesives
and printing inks.
World consumption of reactive DAB polyamides will increase at an average annual
rate of 4.5–5.0% during 2005–2010. Most of that growth will come
from Asia Pacific. Consumption in North America and Western Europe will most
likely grow at an average annual rate of 1.0–1.5% during the same period.
World consumption of nonreactive polyamides will grow at an average annual
rate of 2.0–2.5% from 2005 to 2010.
The following pie chart shows world consumption of DAB polyamide resins in
2005.
In the United States, consumption of nonreactive polyamide resins used in
both hotmelt adhesives and printing inks is expected to grow at an average
annual rate of 2%. All other dimer acid–based markets, except flooring
and paving, and the smaller end-use applications, are expected to grow 1–1.5%
annually through 2010.
In Western Europe, consumption of nonreactive polyamides in printing inks
is expected to grow by only 0.8% per year. Other markets will show little growth
or remain flat except adhesives in shoe manufacturing, which are projected
to decline by 3% annually through 2010, as shoe production has shifted to Asia.
In Japan, consumption of DAB polyamide resins is expected to grow only 1.0%
per year through 2010. Most markets are mature and some are facing competition
from other materials.
Consumption of nonnylon polyamide-epichlorohydrin (PAE) resins, used primarily
for wet-strength applications by the paper industry, is growing in the United
States, Western Europe and Japan. Increased use of facial and kitchen tissues
and better wet-strength performance are key factors behind expected average
annual growth rates of 2–3% in the next five years in these regions.
World demand for PAE resins reached just over 67 thousand metric tons in 2005.
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