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Water-soluble polymers are found in three categories:
- Synthetic, which are obtained by the polymerization of monomers synthesized from petroleum or natural gas precursors
- Semisynthetic, which are manufactured by chemical derivatization of natural organic materials, generally based on a polysaccharide
- Natural, including microbial-, plant- and animal-based materials
Water-soluble polymers are used primarily to disperse, suspend (thicken and gel), or stabilize particulate matter. However, they may perform any of the following functions:
- Binding
- Coagulating
- Dispersing, suspending, stabilizing
- Film forming
- Flocculating
- Lubrication and friction reduction
- Rheology modification and control
- Thickening, gelling
Worldwide, the value of water-soluble polymers was over $15 billion in 2006. Overall, modest growth in the consumption of water-soluble polymers is expected to continue through 2011, characterized by (1) minor displacement of semisynthetic polymers by natural polymers, particularly in food applications; (2) generally slower growth in consumption for nonfood applications; and (3) minor product innovations that will create new applications in existing market segments. Aggregate consumption of these polymers will increase at an average annual rate of 3.0–4.0% in volume.
The following pie charts show consumption of water-soluble polymers by type and by market on a volume basis.
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Demand for many water-soluble polymers is growing at rates near or slightly higher than the gross domestic product (GDP), particularly in regions with expanding manufacturing sectors of the economy, as opposed to expanding service sectors. As manufacturing increasingly shifts from the United States, Western Europe and Japan to other regions such as Southeast Asia and China, the world’s highest growth is migrating to these regions as well, particularly in segments such as adhesives, building products, paper, textiles and water treatment. Increasing per capita consumption in rapidly rising GDP economies such as China and Southeast Asia will also drive increased demand in segments such as food, personal care products and pharmaceuticals.
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