Abstract
Global production and consumption of MMA in 2007 was almost 3.1 million metric tons. Global capacity utilization was 89% in 2007; this was an increase from 2006 due to a larger increase in consumption than capacity. Global MMA consumption is estimated to have increased by 6% in 2007, and is expected to increase by 5.1% per year from 2007 to 2012, declining to 3.4% per year from 2012 to 2017. As a result of considerable capacity additions, average global utilization rates are expected to decline to the low-80s range by 2010, gradually increasing afterward.
Acrylic sheet production accounted for about 36% of global MMA consumption in 2007, followed by molding/extrusion with 24% of total consumption. Other applications for MMA include surface coatings, emulsion polymers, impact modifiers, polyesters, and transesterification.
The following pie chart shows world consumption of MMA by end use:
