May 02, /-- Dow Chemical has launched a new range of functionalized polymers from its specialty polymers unit. Dow formed the unit last year within its polyolefin and elastomer (PO&E) business to expand sales into higher-margin applications (CW, Dec. 18/25, 2002, p. 31). The range of functionalized polymers include ethylene ethyl acrylate (EEA) copolymers, ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymers, and maleic anhydride-grafted (MAH) polymers.

Dow's market focus has traditionally been on packaging, says Gloria Cotton, marketing manager/specialty polymers. The range of functionalized polymers targets new markets for Dow, including compounding, thermoplastic powder coatings, and adhesives and tie layers, Cotton says. Dow inherited the EEA and EVA copolymers with its acquisition of Union Carbide, but Dow recently developed the MAE products, Cotton says. Dow plans to add six more new products to the line in the near term, she says. Dow says it is trying to double its 5%-10% market share in the new targeted segment in three to five years. Specialty polymers accounts for about 5% of Dow's total PO&E sales volumes, but growth rates are expected to surpass the average PO&E growth rate of 5%/year, she says. Dow did not disclose PO&E volumes. -PHS

Specialty polymers: Springing into automobiles.



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