Special engineering plastics

Polyphenylene sulphide

In 2000, the demand for PPS was 5,700 tons, of which 60 “70 per cent were used to make parts for import. It is predicted that demand in 2005 will exceed 10,000 tons. Currently, some plants with a capacity of 100 tons per annum are still operating.

During the tenth Five Year Plan, several PPS expansion units will begin to operate , which should solve the problems of relying on imports. It is understood that Japan Ink Co intends to build PPS facilities in cooperation with China.

Polyimide

In 1962, China began to develop polyimide for use in mechanical and electrical instruments, the chemical industry, rockets and space projects and other advanced science and technology fields. At present, the domestic output exceeds 1,000 tons per annum, and it should go up to 1,700 tons per annum in 2005. The demand in 2000 was 4,000 tons. According to estimates, the demand will be 8,000 “10,000 tons in 2010.

Polysulphone

It is reported that Shanghai Plastic Industry Co. has started to build a production facility.

Liquid crystal polymer

Beijing University, Zhejiang University, Tianjin Synthetic Material Institute, Wuhan Chemical Engineering College, the Chemistry Institute of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Qinghua University are all working on the synthesis and application of liquid crystals.

Polyether ether ketone

The Special Engineering Material Plant attached to Jilin University was approved to set up a 500 tons per annum facility to manufacture PEEK, PES and other special engineering plastics.