Polyurethane elastomers, also known as polyurethane rubbers, are a class of elastomeric polymer materials that contain more urethane groups (-NHCOO-) in the molecular chain. Typically oligomeric polyols, polyisocyanates, chain extenders / Crosslinking agent and a small amount of additives for the preparation of raw materials.
From a molecular structure point of view, a polyurethane elastomer is a block polymer. Generally, a soft segment is composed of a flexible long chain of an oligomer polyol, a hard segment is composed of a diisocyanate and a chain extender, and a hard segment and a soft segment are alternately arranged. Forms repeating structural units. In addition to containing urethane groups, hydrogen bonds can be formed within and between the molecules of the polyurethane. The soft and hard segments can form microphase regions and produce microscopic phase separation. These structural features make polyurethane elastomers excellent Wear resistance and toughness, known as 'wear-resistant rubber'.
Analysis of Development Status of Polyurethane Elastomer Industry
According to data released by the Industry Research Institute of Forward-looking Industry in the “Demand Forecast and Investment Strategic Planning Analysis Report for Polyurethane Elastomer Industry”, the consumption of polyurethane elastomer market in China reached 1.03 million tons in 2016, an increase of 9.6% from the previous year. There are as many as a few hundred companies, a large number, and the competition is fierce. Among them, in the country, only the production of paving materials, construction companies have already exceeded 300.
From 2009 to 2016, the consumption of polyurethane elastomer market in China keeps increasing year by year. The CAGR of polyurethane elastomer consumption in 2009-16 is 15.3%. The growth of consumer demand in the market is faster. 2016, China's polyurethane The elastomer market consumption reached 1.03 million tons, an increase of 9.6% from the previous year.
Combining the changes in the consumption of polyurethane elastomers in China in recent years and the changes in the downstream market, Forward-looking Industry Research Institute predicts that in the next few years, the consumption of polyurethane elastomers will continue to maintain rapid growth. By 2022, the consumption of polyurethane elastomers in China will increase. Close to 2 million tons.
Market competition pattern forecast
At present, China's polyurethane elastomer industry is in a stage of rapid development. The competition in the low-end market is sufficient, and the high-end market is dominated by foreign companies. On the one hand, under the strong support of the national industrial policy, domestic companies will continue to increase investment in R&D. Large and medium-sized producers will continue to emerge, which will intensify competition in the mid-range market. On the other hand, domestic companies will enter the high-end market and seize the market share of foreign companies. Competition in the high-end market will also intensify in the future.
Industry overall trend forecast
The polyurethane elastomer industry is a sunrise industry in the macromolecules and new materials industry. The global demand for polyurethane elastomers is increasing, with an average annual compound growth rate of about 6%. The current global market capacity is up to 2.22 million tons. China's polyurethane elastomers Although the industry started late, it has developed rapidly. At present, the consumption in the Chinese market has reached 1.03 million tons. It has already surpassed Europe and the United States to become the world's first consumer market for polyurethane elastomers, and the average annual consumption has maintained a rapid growth of about 15%. Higher than the average annual growth rate of 3-4% in Europe and the United States market.
At present, as a new type of material, polyurethane elastomers have been gradually applied to all walks of life. The role of polyurethane elastomers has been increasing. With the development of the construction industry, the automotive industry, and the footwear industry, people are aware of environmental protection. Gradually increase, the emergence of new technologies for polyurethane elastomers, the application of polyurethane elastomers will become more and more widely, it is expected that the demand growth of polyurethane elastomers in China will maintain at more than 10%.