Application of Engineering Plastics
Compared with general plastics, engineering plastics can meet higher requirements in terms of mechanical properties, durability, corrosion resistance, heat resistance, etc., and are more convenient to process and can replace metal materials. Engineering plastics are widely used in industries such as electronics and electrical, automotive, construction, office equipment, machinery, aerospace, etc. Replacing steel and wood with plastics has become an international trend. Engineering plastics have become the fastest growing field in the world's plastic industry today. Its development not only supports the national pillar industry and modern high-tech industry, but also promotes the transformation of traditional industries and the adjustment of product structure.
The application of engineering plastics in automobiles is increasing, mainly used as bumpers, fuel tanks, instrument panels, body panels, doors, headlight covers, fuel pipes, radiators, and engine related components.
In terms of machinery, engineering plastics can be used for mechanical parts such as bearings, gears, screw nuts, seals, as well as mechanical structural components such as shells, cover plates, handwheels, handles, fasteners, and pipe joints.
In electronic appliances, engineering plastics can be used for insulation materials such as wire and cable wrapping, printed circuit boards, insulation films, and structural components of electrical equipment.
Engineering plastics can be used in household appliances such as refrigerators, washing machines, air conditioners, televisions, electric fans, vacuum cleaners, irons, microwaves, rice cookers, radios, combination audio equipment, and lighting fixtures.
In the chemical industry, engineering plastics can be used in chemical equipment such as heat exchangers and chemical equipment liners, as well as in chemical pipelines such as pipes and pipe fittings, valves, and pumps.
Due to the rapid development of industries such as automobiles, electronics, and construction in China, it has become the country with the fastest growth in global demand for engineering plastics. According to analysis, with the continuous development of the domestic economy, the demand for engineering plastics will further increase, and the development prospects of China's engineering plastics industry are very broad. In terms of the home appliance industry, the annual demand for engineering plastics in refrigerators, freezers, washing machines, air conditioners, and various small household appliances will reach about 600000 tons. The amount of engineering plastics used for communication infrastructure construction, as well as railway and highway construction, is even more astonishing, and it is expected that the total demand will reach over 4.5 million tons in the next few years.
In 2010, China's consumption of engineering plastics reached 2.443 million tons, a year-on-year increase of 11%, making it the country with the fastest growth in global demand; In 2011, the consumption of engineering plastics in China was 2.72 million tons, a year-on-year increase of 11.34%. It is expected that the consumption of engineering plastics in China will reach 3.37 million tons by 2013 and 4.17 million tons by 2015.
