Carbon fiber is a high-value product with exceptional properties (lightweight and high strength). This report reviews the commercial and developing technologies for carbon fiber production. The economics of the PAN-based and pitch-based processes have been estimated for plants located in the United States, Western Europe, Japan and China. In addition, the report discusses the motivations behind recent capacity additions and provides a high-level analysis of the business and strategic considerations as well as the technology availability from the perspective of a company entering or expanding into the carbon fiber market. This analysis is underpinned by a review of end-use sector consumption as well as regional market dynamics.  

This report reviews the commercial and developing production technologies for solar grade polysilicon, as well as key industry, regulatory and capacity development trends. Regional cost of production estimates for commercial technologies are evaluated for plant locations in USGC, China, Europe, South Korea and Middle. Commercial applications and regional supply, demand and trade analysis are also included.

Process technologies and production economics for thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPUs) are presented. Economics were developed for ether TPUs and ester TPUs for both USGC and Coastal China, as produced by different types of reactive extrusion equipment. Regional market demand and forecasts are also provided.

The purpose of this study is to analyze developments in polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) as a replacement for conventional petrochemical polymers.  The report examines the technical, commercial, and economic aspects of producing PHAs, and their relative costs by region against conventional LDPE.