Polyamides, often also referred to as nylons, are a major class of thermoplastic resins that are used in the production of fibers, films and molded articles.  Nylon 6 and nylon 6,6 are the most important and highest-volume types and are the focus of this report.  Nylon 6 is made by the ring-opening polymerization of caprolactam while nylon 6,6 is from the polycondensation of HMDA and adipic acid.  This PERP report provides an overview of the production, commercial technology, market and economics of nylon 6 and 6,6  polymers, including nylon 6,6 monomers and nylon compounds.  

The report provides an analysis of the commercial acetylene-based and ethylene-based technologies for the production of vinyl acetate monomer (VAM), including a review of proprietary processes developed by major VAM producers. Cost of production estimates are included to illustrate the cost competitiveness of different routes in selected regions. A market review including regional capacities and supply/demand figures is also presented.

This report covers the chemistry, commercialized processes, developing technologies, and applications of polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) resin.   Comparative costs of production for all commercial processes are provided for plants located in the USGC, Japan, and China.  It also includes a brief regional market overview.

This report provides an overview of the common plastic fabrication processes such as compounding, foaming, blown film extrusion, injection molding, blow molding, bi-axially oriented polypropylene film, thermoforming, profile extrusion, fiber, and 3D printing. Cost of production estimates were developed for fabrication processes in the USGC or China. The report examines recent technology trends and market drivers for the fabrication processes. Market estimates have also been developed by geographies and/or resin and end use applications for selected fabrication processes.