The major objective of this report is to measure and analyze markets for inherently conductive polymers (ICPs) and, somewhat, to a lesser extent, traditional conductively filled thermoplastics, in terms of their competitive scenario in specific applications.  Another goal is to develop a reasonable scenario for ICP markets outside of their competitive posture vis-à-vis traditional conductive-filled thermoplastics.

The latter group is often called “conductive plastics.”  However, in several market reports these materials are often termed “conductive polymers,” which often leads to some confusion.

Often ICPs and conductive plastics are termed “electroactive polymers/plastics” while in other studies the phrase “electroactive” polymers includes very highly specialized polymers with both electrical and/or optical characteristics (electro-optic polymers).

REASONS FOR DOING THE STUDY

Conductive plastics are made from traditional thermoplastics containing fillers that render them conductive, while ICPs conduct electricity on their own, and electro-optic polymers develop optical characteristics under influence of an applied electric field.

Although conductive plastics mimic conductivity of metals (particularly copper and steel), insulative resins employing conductive fillers (e.g., metal or carbon powder or fiber) achieve a measure of conductivity.  However, there are generally compromises in terms of processibility or performance or overall economics; thus, the search for alternate “conductive plastics” such as ICPs.

By the mid-1990s, commercialization of ICPs was still in its infancy.  Production of these materials had been scaled up from grams to pounds, but overall global production and consumption totals are still negligible due to overall instability and higher prices.

Even though several major companies have “given up” on ICPs, researchers and other commercial and educational institutions are pushing ahead.  Literally hundreds of papers and patents on ICPs are published each year. Clearly, there are a great many scientists and corporations who are still optimistic about significant commercial successes of ICPs and, indeed, usage has increased over the last several years.

Electro-optic polymers (EO polymers) are further removed from commercialization than ICPs.  However, there might be greater potential in the long term for EO polymers, compared with those of ICPs, because optical applications may be farther reaching than electrical uses.

Clearly, there is a need for an objective appraisal of ICPs versus traditional conductive plastic markets.

ICPs have a wide variety of potential applications, such as electrostatic dissipation (ESD) control, light emitting displays, capacitors, electrostatic paintable plastics, antistatic packaging, corrosion-resistant paints/coatings, and other more esoteric markets such as rechargeable batteries, smart windows, and electronic membranes.  Currently, most ICPs lack sufficient conductivity to be effective for EMI shielding.

In many of these applications, ICPs are beginning to impact conductively filled traditional thermoplastics, while the “market” for EO polymers is still not expected to become significant until the middle of this decade, at the earliest.

SCOPE OF THE STUDY

This report will cover both ICPs and conductively filled thermoplastics in terms of their competitive scenario as well as to assess ICP markets independent of traditional conductive plastics. 

Typical applications for conductive plastics include ESD/antistatic packaging, electrostatic spray painting, as well as other applications, while, as noted, ICP applications include batteries, transistors, light-emitting diodes (LEDs), capacitors, corrosion-resistant coating products, membranes, sensors, etc.

It should be made clear that mention of new conductive polymer activities are a very frequent occurrence in the trade press and/or company press releases.

To quantify estimated volumes for basic ICPs such as polythiophenes, polyanilines, or polypyrroles is exceedingly difficult mainly because these materials are usually not used as existent solids or liquids in the “neat” form, except for several types of films or “pastes.” 

Polythiophenes, for example, are mostly sold in very dilute solutions (less than 5% concentration), while polyanilines are often used as 25% emulsions.  ICP “volumes,” therefore, are almost always reported by weight as dilute solutions or emulsions and overall global estimates derived from various suppliers, the trade press, or reports vary by several hundred percent.  The major players in the ICP business are almost always unwilling to provide even the broadest estimates because of the wide disparity of concentrations of the ICPs along with the proprietary nature of this information.

The overall market data is global, but further segmentation into major geographic areas was not feasible.

REPORT HIGHLIGHTS

    The global market for electroactive polymers was $1.9 billion in 2010 and is expected to be about $2.1 billion in 2011. It is forecast to grow to over $3 billion by 2016 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.1%.
    The market for conductive plastics was $1.7 billion in 2010 and is expected to grow to $1.8 billion by 2011. This market is forecast to reach $2.4 billion by 2016 at a CAGR of 5.9%.
    Inherently conductive polymers (ICPs) are still considered an emerging market, but they do have some market penetration. The market for ICPs was $227 million in 2010 and is expected to grow from $297 million in 2011 to $639 million in 2016 at a CAGR of 16.4%.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION  
    STUDY GOALS AND OBJECTIVES   
    REASONS FOR DOING THE STUDY  
    SCOPE OF THE STUDY  
    METHODOLOGY   
    ANALYST'S CREDENTIALS   
    DISCLAIMER   

CHAPTER TWO: SUMMARY 
  SUMMARY TABLE GLOBAL MARKET FOR ELECTROACTIVE
    POLYMERS, THROUGH 2016 (MILLION POUNDS/$ MILLIONS)  5
  SUMMARY FIGURE GLOBAL MARKET FOR ELECTROACTIVE
    POLYMERS, 2010-2016 ($ MILLIONS)  6-7

CHAPTER THREE: ELECTROACTIVE POLYMER OVERVIEW 
    OVERVIEW   8
    BACKGROUND  8
    INHERENTLY CONDUCTIVE POLYMERS  8
    INHERENTLY DISSIPATIVE POLYMERS (IDPS)   9
    CONDUCTIVE PLASTICS  9

CHAPTER FOUR: INHERENTLY CONDUCTIVE POLYMERS
     OVERVIEW   11
     ADDITIONAL TECHNICAL DETAILS  11
     SYNTHESIZING CONJUGATED POLYMERS  11
     TECHNIQUES FOR MAKING PLASTICS CONDUCTIVE  12
  TABLE 1 HOW TO MAKE PLASTICS CONDUCTIVE  12
     CONCEPT OF RESISTIVITIES  12
          OVERVIEW  12
  TABLE 2 RESISTANCE SPECTRUM FOR METHODS OF MAKING
    PLASTICS CONDUCTIVE   13
          CONCEPTS AND NOMENCLATURE   14
          BARRIERS TO APPLICATIONS  14
          A HANDY WAY OF CATEGORIZING ICPS  14
  TABLE 3 CATERGORIZING INHERENTLY CONDUCTIVE
    POLYMERS   15
     ICP HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE   15
          PRIOR TO 1990  15
          POST-1990 PERIOD  16
          BY 2010   17
   TECHNOLOGIES   17
        OVERVIEW  17
        PREPARATION OF ICPS  18
        ENERGY BAND STRUCTURE   18
        CHAIN STRUCTURE  19
        COMPARISON OF CONDUCTIVITIES OF ICPS WITH
          METALS, SEMICONDUCTORS, AND INSULATORS  20
TABLE 4 CONDUCTIVITIES OF DOPED ICPS COMPARED WITH
  METALS, SEMICONDUCTORS, AND INSULATORS  20
        DOPING DETAILS  20
             Background  20
             Overview  21
             Chemical and Electrochemical Methods  21
                      Reversal of Doping Process  22
             Types of Dopants   22
             Goal of Narrow Band Gaps   22
             Effect on Color and Optical Properties   23
TABLE 5 COLOR OF DOPED AND UNDOPED CONDUCTIVE
  POLYMERS   23
        IMPORTANCE OF MOLECULAR WEIGHT AND
          DISTRIBUTION IN CONDUCTIVE POLYMERS  23
        IMPROVING HIGH TEMPERATURE CONDUCTIVITY AND
          TEMPERATURE STABILITY   24
        ALLOYING AND BLENDING CONDUCTIVE POLYMERS
          WITH CONVENTIONAL RESINS  24
        PERFORMANCE ENHANCEMENTS SOUGHT THROUGH
          ICPS   25
             Conductivity   25
             Electrochromic Effects   25
             Electroluminescence  25
             Photoconductivity  26
             Thermochromic Effects  26
        PROCESSING CONDUCTIVE POLYMERS  26
             Background  26
             Problems and Challenges  27
             Processing Options for ICPs  27
TABLE 6 ICP PROCESSING TECHNIQUES  28
TABLE 7 STABILITY AND PROCESSING ATTRIBUTES OF KEY ICPS  28
   CONDUCTIVE POLYMER TYPES   28
        OVERVIEW  28
        POLYTHIOPHENES   29
             Nature of the Material  29
             Poly(3-alkylthiophene)  30
             Suppliers  30
                  H C  Starck  30
                  American Dye Source 31
                  Plextronics, Inc 31
            More Details on Polythiophene Products   31
                  PEDOT  31
                  PEDOT/PSS Complex   31
                  EDOT   32
            Potential Applications   32
            Actual Usage of Polythiophenes and Derivatives  32
TABLE 8 BRIEF SUMMARY OF KEY APPLICATIONS OF
   POLYTHIOPHENE VARIANTS   33
            Recent Developments  33
                  Printed Organic Electronics   33
                  Further Developments with PEDOT   33
                  Use of Polythiophenes in MEMS Applications  33
                  Use as Conductive Inks  34
        POLYANILINES  34
            Background  34
            Overview  34
            Synthesis  34
            Nature of the Material  35
            Processing  35
            Doping  36
FIGURE 1 THE FOUR OXIDATION STATES OF POLYANILINE   36
            Characteristics and Properties   37
                  Overview 37
                  Blending with Commodity Polymers and
                       Elastomers   37
                  Optical Properties   37
            Potential Applications   37
            Suppliers  38
            Company Products/New Developments  39
                  Synthesis of Nano Conducting Polymer  39
                  Conductivity of Polyaniline Blends and Composites
                       by Irradiation   39
                  PolyOne Teslart Polyanilne Grafts  39
                  Indian Companies Supplying Polyaniline Products  39
        POLYPYRROLES  40
            Nature of the Material  40
            Processing  41
            Potential Applications   41
            New Developments  42
                  Polypyrrole Coated Mica Flake for Corrosion
                       Protection   42
                   POLYACETYLENES   42
                       Background  42
                       Preparation  43
                       Processing  43
                       Problem of Environmental Instability  43
                       Potential Applications   43
                       Recent Developments  44
                   OTHER INHERENTLY CONDUCTIVE POLYMERS   44
                       Polyphenylene Vinylene (PPV)   44
                              Overview 44
                              Background   44
                              Processing 45
                              Potential in Light Emitting Polymers   45
                              Other Potential Applications  45
                       Polyfluorenes   46
                       Polyphenylene Sulfide   46
                       Phthalocyanines  47
                   RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN CONDUCTIVE POLYMERS   47
                       Second and Third Generation Versions  47
                       Improved Printing   47
                       Solar Cell Advances   47
                   INHERENTLY DISSIPATIVE POLYMERS (IDPS)  48
                       Overview  48
                       Technologies   48
                       Other Technological Aspects and Problems   49
                       Suppliers  49
                       IDP New Developments  49
                              Arkema's New Products 49
                              Kostat Plastic Sheets  49
                              Pozzeta Products   50
                              Shinil Chemical   50

CHAPTER FIVE: ICP COMPETITIVE RESIN SYSTEMS: CONDUCTIVE PLASTICS 
     BACKGROUND  51
     OVERVIEW   51
     LIMITATIONS OF A PLASTIC COMPOUND'S RESULTING
       ELECTRICAL PROPERTIES   51
     TECHNIQUES FOR MAKING PLASTICS CONDUCTIVE  52
  TABLE 9 HOW TO MAKE PLASTICS CONDUCTIVE  52
     CONCEPT OF RESISTIVITIES  53
  TABLE 10 RESISTANCE SPECTRUM FOR METHODS OF MAKING
    PLASTICS CONDUCTIVE   53
     TYPES OF CONDUCTIVE PLASTIC MATERIALS  54
          FORMULATION OPTIONS  54
        COMPOUNDING CONDUCTIVE PLASTICS   55
        CONDUCTIVITY TESTS  56
        EXAMPLES OF COMPANIES PRODUCING CONDUCTIVE
            PLASTICS   56
TABLE 11 SELECTED KEY COMPANIES PRODUCING CONDUCTIVE
  PLASTICS  56
   CONDUCTIVE PLASTIC ADDITIVES   56
        OVERVIEW  56
        ESD COMPOUNDS   57
        ANTISTATIC ADDITIVES  57
                  Fibers and Powders   57
                  Carbon Fibers and Powders  58
                            Overview 58
                            Carbon Fibers 58
                            Carbon Blacks   58
                  Metal Fibers   59
                            Overview 59
                            Advantages  60
                            Metal Fiber Conductivity   60
                            Metalized Glass Fibers   61
                            Nickel-Coated Graphite Fibers  61
                                       Background  61
                                       Advantages   62
                            Stainless Steel Fibers   62
                                       Overview   62
                                       Technology  63
                                       Affect on Processing   63
                                       Fiber Forms  63
                                       Advantages and Disadvantages 64
TABLE 12 ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF STAINLESS
  STEEL FIBERS   65
                            Copper Fibers  65
        CARBON NANOTUBES  65
                  Overview  65
                            Overview (Continued)   66
                  Usage in Producing Electrically-Conductive Composites  67
                            Overview 67
                            Technical Problems   67
                  Carbon Nanotube Producers/Suppliers  67
TABLE 13 SELECTED KEY SUPPLIERS OF CARBON NANOTUBES  67
   TECHNICAL ISSUES  68
   COSTS   68
   RESINS USED  69
   CONDUCTIVE FILLER SUPPLIERS   69
TABLE 14 CONDUCTIVE FILLER SUPPLIERS  69
   RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN CONDUCTIVE PLASTICS  70
        COLORED CONDUCTIVE POLYACETALS   70
        NEW CONDUCTIVE GRADES MEET ECC'S STRICT
           REGULATIONS  70
        CONDUCTIVE POLYMER BLENDS USED IN POWDER
           COATINGS 70
        CONDUCTIVE TPES  70
        NOVEL CONDUCTIVE ADDITIVES   71
   OTHER CONDUCTIVE PLASTIC SYSTEMS  71
        CONDUCTIVE PAINTS AND COATINGS  71
             Background  71
             Overview  71
             Performance of Alternate Conductive Coatings   72
                      Background   72
                      Copper   72
                      Silver   72
                      Nickel  72
        COATED PLASTICS FOR ESD CONTROL   72
             Background  72
             Comparisons  73
             Other Aspects  73
             Conductive Coating Cost Comparisons  73
        CONDUCTIVE FILMS  74
        EXAMPLES OF COMPANY PRODUCTS  74
             Dontech VCF Series  74
             Z-Flo Conductive Films   75
        CONDUCTIVE ELASTOMERS  75
        EXAMPLES OF CONDUCTIVE ELASTOMER PRODUCTS   75
             Conductive Composites ­ Midway, UT   75
             Laird Technologies: Chesterfield, MO  76
             Leader Tech: Tampa, FL   76
        NEW DEVELOPMENTS   76
             Electrically Conductive Polyacetal Nanotubes  76
             Electrically Conductive Soft TPEs  76
   COMPOUNDING CONDUCTIVE PLASTICS  77
   KEY SUPPLIERS AND EXAMPLES OF THEIR CONDUCTIVE
     PLASTIC PRODUCTS  77
        BOEDEKER PLASTICS  77
        CABOT  78
        CIBA SPECIALTY CHEMICALS  78
        LNP ENGINEERING  78
        LUBRIZOL ADVANCED MATERIALS  79
        POLYONE  79
             RTP   79
         NEW CONDUCTIVE PLASTIC PRODUCTS   80
             LUBRIZOL   80
             PREMIX THERMOPLASTICS  80
                    Premix Thermoplastics (Continued)   81

CHAPTER SIX: MARKET ESTIMATES AND FORECASTS
     INHERENTLY CONDUCTIVE POLYMERS  82
          BACKGROUND   82
          OVERALL MARKET BY VOLUME  82
  TABLE 15 GLOBAL ICP MARKET BY TYPE OF RESIN, THROUGH
    2016 (THOUSAND POUNDS)   82
  TABLE 15 (CONTINUED) 83
          PRICING  83
          OVERALL ICP MARKET BY VALUE  84
  TABLE 16 GLOBAL ICP MARKET BY TYPE OF RESIN BY VALUE,
    2010-2016 ($ MILLIONS)   85
          ICP MARKET ESTIMATES BY APPLICATION   85
                Overview  85
                Polythiophenes  85
  TABLE 17 GLOBAL POLYTHIOPHENE MARKET BY APPLICATION
    THROUGH 2016 (THOUSAND POUNDS)   86
                Polyanilines 86
  TABLE 18 GLOBAL POLYANILINE MARKET BY APPLICATION,
    THROUGH 2016 (THOUSAND POUNDS)   87
                Polypyrroles   87
  TABLE 19 GLOBAL POLYPYRROLE MARKET BY APPLICATION,
    THROUGH 2016 (THOUSAND POUNDS)   87
                Other ICPs   88
  TABLE 20 GLOBAL MARKET FOR OTHER ICP APPLICATIONS,
    THROUGH 2016 (THOUSAND POUNDS)   88
     CONDUCTIVE PLASTICS  88
  TABLE 21 GLOBAL CONDUCTIVE PLASTIC MARKET VOLUME BY
    RESIN, THROUGH 2016 (THOUSAND POUNDS)  89
  TABLE 22 GLOBAL CONDUCTIVE PLASTIC MARKET VALUE BY
    RESIN, THROUGH 2016 ($ MILLIONS)  90
  TABLE 23 TOTAL GLOBAL ELECTROACTIVE POLYMER MARKET,
    THROUGH 2016 (THOUSAND POUNDS)   90
  TABLE 24 TOTAL GLOBAL ELECTROACTIVE POLYMER MARKET,
    THROUGH 2016 ($ MILLIONS) 91

CHAPTER SEVEN: APPLICATIONS OF ICPS AND CONDUCTIVE PLASTICS
    OVERVIEW   92
    GROUP 1: ELECTROACTIVE   92
   GROUP 2: CONDUCTIVITY  92
   BACKGROUND  93
   POTENTIAL/CURRENT APPLICATIONS OF ICPS   94
        OVERVIEW  94
TABLE 25 POTENTIAL ICP APPLICATIONS BY MARKET  94
        REVIEW OF POTENTIALLY SIGNIFICANT COMMERCIAL
           USES OF ICPS 95
        SPECIFIC INDIVIDUAL ICP PROPOSED APPLICATIONS   96
        APPLICATIONS OF IDPS  96
   OVERVIEW OF COMPETITIVE SCENARIO BETWEEN ICPS AND
     CONDUCTIVE PLASTICS   96
TABLE 26 COMPETITIVE SCENARIO BETWEEN ICPS AND
  TRADITIONAL CONDUCTIVELY-FILLED THERMOPLASTICS   96
   ELECTRICAL/ELECTRONIC APPLICATIONS  97
        OVERVIEW  97
        MAJOR SEMICONDUCTOR COMPANIES  98
TABLE 27 TOP GLOBAL SEMICONDUCTOR COMPANIES  98
        ORGANIC ELECTRONIC MARKET  99
             Overview  99
             Some Interesting Observations and Details   99
        LIGHT-EMITTING DIODES  100
             Background  100
             Organic Light-Emitting Diodes  101
                   Overview 101
             Technology   101
             Some Definitions  102
                   Historical Background  102
                   How OLEDs Work  103
                   Parts of OLEDs   103
                   Additional Technical Details  104
                   OLED Technology Summary  105
                   Advantages of OLEDs   106
                   Features and Benefits of OLEDs   106
                   Disadvantages of OLEDs  106
                             Issue of Shorter Lifetimes than Inorganic
                                  LEDs  106
                   High Prices and Water Issue  107
                   OLED Research Focus and Technologies  107
             Automotive Lighting  108
                   Potential Market Size   108
                   Early Use of ICPs in OLEDs  109
                   ICP Technology Review for OLEDs   109
             Recent Developments  110
           New Fluorescent OLEDs Display Increased
               Efficiencies   110
           White OLEDs Move Closer to Commercialization  110
           Samsung to Begin Producing OLED Materials   110
CAPACITORS  110
    Overview  110
    Background  111
    Capacitor Coating Technology  111
    Conductive Polymers in Use   112
    Companies Involved  112
    Advantages  113
    Potential Markets  113
    New Developments  114
           Kemet's New Conductive Polymer Capacitors  114
           Possible Shift from Aluminum to Tantalum
               Conductive Polymer Capacitors  114
BATTERIES   114
    Background  114
    Lithium Batteries  115
           Overview 115
           Technology  115
           Advantages and Disadvantages   116
           Advantages  116
           Disadvantages   116
    Concept of All-Polymer Battery  116
    Button Batteries  117
    Automotive Batteries  117
    Energy Storage Devices   118
    Brief Summary of ICP Potential in the Battery Market   118
    Recent Developments in Conductive Polymer-Based
        Batteries   119
SEMICONDUCTOR TRANSISTORS   119
    Definitions  119
           Semiconductor   119
           Transistor  119
    Background  120
    Moore's Law   120
    Silicon Technology   120
    Position of Silicon Substrates 121
    Silicon-Free Integrated Circuits   121
    Concept of Plastic Electronics   122
    Polymers Used for Plastic/Organic Transistors   123
    Processes and Applications   124
    Optimistic Forecasts  124
        SENSORS   124
             Background  124
             Fiber Optic   125
             Microbalances  125
             Conductive Polymers   125
             Some ICP Technology Details   125
             Remotely Readable Indicators  126
             Gas Sensors  126
             Odor Sensors  127
             Chemical Sensors  127
             Biosensors  127
             Use of Microelectrodes   128
             Recent Developments  128
                    Seminar   128
                    Transparent Conductive Polymer Sensors for
                         Flexible Displays   129
                    Instruments for Nanotechnology Research   129
                    Textronix Products 129
        SOLAR CELLS   129
             Background  129
             Overview  129
             Some Technologies   130
             Plastic Solar Cells  131
             Recent Developments  132
                    Novel Electrode for Flexible Thin-Film Solar Cells  132
                    Blue Nano Products  132
        ELECTRONIC DISPLAYS  132
             Overview  132
                    Flat-Panels Displays   133
                    Electronic Display Comparisons  133
TABLE 28 ELECTRONIC DISPLAY COMPARISONS  134
             The Future of CRT Technology   134
                    Forecasts   134
TABLE 29 TOTAL GLOBAL DISPLAY AREA BY FLAT PANEL
  TECHNOLOGY, 2005-2015 (%)  135
                    Conductive Polymer Flat Panel Displays  135
   ELECTROMAGNETIC INTERFERENCE (EMI)   135
        BACKGROUND   135
        OVERVIEW OF EMI SHIELDING   136
        MECHANISMS OF SHIELDING  136
        EMI EFFECTS   137
        THE IMPORTANCE OF SHIELDING   137
        CONTROLLING EMI  137
             Controlling EMI (Continued)  138
          USE OF CONDUCTIVE PLASTICS   139
                     Background  139
                     Functions   139
                     Conductive Additive Selection  139
TABLE 30 SURFACE RESISTIVITY FOR ELECTRONIC DEVICE
  SUBSTRATES (OHMS/SQ)  140
                     Conductivity Tests   140
                     Advantages and Disadvantages of Conductive Plastics  140
                               Advantages and Disadvantages   (Continued)  141
          USE OF INHERENTLY CONDUCTIVE POLYMERS  142
          COMPARISON OF CONDUCTIVITIES OF ICPS WITH
               METALS, SEMICONDUCTORS AND INSULATORS   143
TABLE 31 CONDUCTIVITIES OF DOPED ICPS COMPARED WITH
  METAL, SEMICONDUCTORS AND INSULATORS 143
          PROCESSING OPTIONS FOR ICPS  143
TABLE 32 CONDUCTIVITIES OF DOPED ICPS COMPARED WITH
  METALS, SEMICONDUCTORS AND INSULATORS   143
TABLE 33 STABILITY AND PROCESSING ATTRIBUTES OF KEY
  ICPS  144
          ROLE OF IDPS (INHERENTLY DISSIPATIVE POLYMERS)   144
          RECENT ACTIVITIES AND DEVELOPMENTS  144
                     Fibron Technologies   144
                     Polyanilines for EMI Shielding   144
                     Other Academic Advances   145
   ELECTROSTATIC DISCHARGE (ESD)   145
          TECHNOLOGY BACKGROUND  145
          USE OF METAL CABINETS  145
          DEVICE FAILURES DUE TO ESD DAMAGE  146
          HOW MUCH STATIC PROTECTION IS NEEDED?   146
          SUMMING UP THE ESD SCENARIO   146
          ESD IN THE ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY  147
          ESD CONTROLS   147
                     Background  147
                     Materials and Methods 148
                     Use of Chemical Additives  148
                               Background   148
                               Technology  149
                               Use of Conductive Fillers 149
                               Use of Coated Sheets  150
                     Role of Plastics in ESD Control  150
                     Static-Dissipative Polymers  151
          ICP POTENTIAL   152
                     Overview  152
                     Thermoplastic ICP Compounds  152
             Antistatic Coatings Used for Polymer Films  152
        REPRESENTATIVE COMPANY ESD PRODUCTS  153
TABLE 34 SELECTED KEY ESD PLASTIC PRODUCTS   153
        RECENT ESD ACTIVITIES WITHIN THE ELECTRONIC
          INDUSTRY 153
             Polypropylene Static-Dissipative Alloy for ESD Protection  153
             IonPhasE Develops Dissipative Polymers  154
        ANTISTATIC PACKAGING  154
             Background  154
             Benefits  154
             Topical Coatings  155
             Permanently Static-Dissipative Polymers 155
             Types of Products and Additives Used   155
                      Carbon Black   155
                      Powdered Metals   155
                      Mixed-Metal Oxides  156
             Polymer Alloys   156
             Permanent Coatings  156
             Other Characteristics of Materials Used in Antistatic
                 Packaging   157
TABLE 35 GENERAL PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTICS OF
  SOME COMMERCIALLY AVAILABLE ANTISTATIC PACKAGING
  MATERIALS  157
             Examples of Antistatic Packaging Types of Products  158
             New Products for Static Dissipation   158
                      DuPont Delrin Polyacetals   158
                      RTP New Permastats   158
        ELECTROSTATIC PAINTABLE PLASTICS   158
             Background  158
             Overview  159
             Applications   159
   AUTOMOTIVE APPLICATIONS  160
        OVERVIEW  160
        AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY SCENARIO   160
TABLE 36 HISTORICAL AUTO CAFÉ STANDARDS
  (MILES/GALLON)  161
        CONCEPT OF COMPLIANCE COATINGS   161
             Concept of Compliance Coatings (Continued)  162
        UV-CURED COATINGS  163
        MOLDED-IN-COLOR AUTOMOTIVE EXTERIORS   163
        DRY PAINT  163
             Background  163
             Technology   163
        NEW DEVELOPMENTS   164
                Electriplast  164
                Conductive Plastic Nozzle Guide  164
                Sabic IP Offers Conductive Plastics for Large Auto Panels  164
   ANTI-CORROSION PRODUCTS  164
        OVERVIEW  164
        CORROSION-RESISTANT COATINGS   165
        POTENTIAL ROLE OF ICPS  165
                Potential Role of ICPs (Continued)   166
        ADVANTAGES OF ICP-BASED ANTICORROSION
           COATINGS 167
        SOME TECHNOLOGIES  167
                Commercial Polyanilines for Corrosion Control   167
                Applications of ICP-Based Anti-Corrosion Coatings 168
        RECENT DEVELOPMENTS  168
                Dust Relief/Corrosion Control with ICPs   168
                Ancott's Anti-Corrosion Coatings 168
   TEXTILES/FABRICS (ELECTROTEXTILES/CONDUCTIVE
     TEXTILES)  168
        DEFINITIONS   168
        OVERVIEW  169
        BACKGROUND   169
        MATERIALS USED TO CREATE CONDUCTIVE FIBERS   170
        FIBERS THAT CAN BE USED TO MAKE CONDUCTIVE
           FABRICS   170
TABLE 37 TYPES OF FIBERS THAT CAN BE USED IN CONDUCTIVE
  FABRICS  170
        EXAMPLES OF COMPANIES INVOLVED IN CONDUCTIVE
           TEXTILES   171
        NEW MATERIALS  171
        APPLICATIONS  171
        NEW DEVELOPMENTS   172
                Anti-Static Fabrics  172
                Radar Absorbing Materials Developed   172
                Conductive Fiber Manufacturers Council Formed  172
        REPRESENTATIVE COMPANY PRODUCTS  172
                Swift Textile Metalizing LLC  172
                Bekaert North America   173
   MEMBRANES  173
        BACKGROUND   173
        POTENTIAL OF ICPS   173
        A NEW DEVELOPMENT  174
   AVIATION/AEROSPACE   174
        OVERVIEW  174
        SMART SKIN/STEALTH TECHNOLOGY   175
        A NEW DEVELOPMENT  175
   COATINGS/INKS   175
        OVERVIEW  175
        PROCESSING METHODS  176
        SELECTED PRODUCTS   176
              Polyanilines 176
              Polythiophenes  176
   FUEL CELLS  177
        DEFINITIONS AND OPERATION   177
        OVERVIEW  177
        CHALLENGES   178
        FUEL CELL TYPES  178
        A NEW ICP DEVELOPMENT  178
        NEW HYDROGEN TYPE FUEL CELL BEING DEVELOPED  179
   RFID TAGS/LABELS   179
        DEFINITIONS   179
        BACKGROUND   179
        APPLICATIONS  180
        HOW RFIDS FUNCTION  180
        OTHER TECHNICAL ASPECTS  181
        ROLE OF ELECTROACTIVE POLYMERS   181
        MEDICAL/PHARMACEUTICAL  182
              Overview  182
              Artificial Muscles   182
              Microfluidics  183
              Medicine Delivery  183
              Conductive Polymers inside the Body  183
   MISCELLANEOUS APPLICATIONS   184
        OVERVIEW  184
        PLASTIC LASERS   184
        MICROTOOLS   185
        PRINTING PLATES  185
        SMART/ELECTROCHROMIC WINDOWS  185
        CAMOUFLAGE COATINGS   186
        SOLDERS   186
        ELECTROLUMINESCENT LAMPS (EL LAMPS)  186
        TOYS   187
   CHAPTER EIGHT: MARKET ESTIMATES AND FORECASTS BY
      APPLICATION  188
   OVERVIEW   188
TABLE 38 ELECTROACTIVE POLYMER MARKET BY APPLICATION,
  THROUGH 2016 (THOUSAND POUNDS)   188
   ICP MARKETS BY APPLICATION  189
        OVERVIEW  189
   TABLE 39 GLOBAL ICP MARKET BY APPLICATION, THROUGH 2016
     (THOUSAND POUNDS)   189
                  Capacitors  189
   TABLE 40 GLOBAL CAPACITOR MARKET BY ICP PRODUCT TYPE,
     THROUGH 2016 (THOUSAND POUNDS)   190
                  ESD/Antistatic Packaging   190
   TABLE 41 GLOBAL ESD/ANTI-STATIC PACKAGING MARKET BY
     ICP PRODUCT TYPE, THROUGH 2016 (THOUSAND POUNDS)  190
                            ESD/Antistatic   (Continued)   191
                  Corrosion Protection  192
   TABLE 42 GLOBAL CORROSION PROTECTION MARKET BY ICP
     PRODUCT TYPE, THROUGH 2016 (THOUSAND POUNDS)   192
                  Sensors   192
   TABLE 43 GLOBAL SENSOR MARKET BY ICP PRODUCT TYPE,
     THROUGH 2016 (THOUSAND POUNDS)   193
                  OLEDs  193
   TABLE 44 GLOBAL OLED MARKET BY ICP PRODUCT TYPE,
     THROUGH 2016 (THOUSAND POUNDS)   193
                  Solar Cells  194
   TABLE 45 GLOBAL SOLAR CELL MARKET BY ICP POLYMER TYPE,
     THROUGH 2016 (THOUSAND POUNDS)   194
                  Textiles/Fabrics   195
   TABLE 46 GLOBAL TEXTILES/FABRICS MARKET BY ICP
     PRODUCT TYPE, THROUGH 2016 (THOUSAND POUNDS)  195
                  Organic Semiconductors  196
   TABLE 47 GLOBAL ORGANIC SEMICONDUCTOR MARKET BY ICP
     PRODUCT TYPE, THROUGH 2016 (THOUSAND POUNDS)   196
                  Batteries   196
   TABLE 48 GLOBAL BATTERY MARKET BY ICP PRODUCT TYPE
     THROUGH 2016 (THOUSAND POUNDS)   196
                  Miscellaneous Applications   197
   TABLE 49 GLOBAL MARKET FOR MISCELLANEOUS
     APPLICATIONS BY ICP TYPE, THROUGH 2016 (THOUSAND
     POUNDS)   197
           CONDUCTIVE PLASTICS MARKETS BY APPLICATION   197
   TABLE 50 GLOBAL CONDUCTIVE PLASTICS MARKET BY
     APPLICATION, THROUGH 2016 (THOUSAND POUNDS)1  198

CHAPTER NINE: RECENT CONDUCTIVE POLYMER PATENT ACTIVITY 
    FULLY INTEGRATED ORGANIC LAYERED PROCESSES FOR
       MAKING PLASTIC ELECTRONICS BASED ON CONDUCTIVE
       POLYMERS   199
    PRINTING OF ORGANIC CONDUCTIVE POLYMERS CONTAINING
       ADDITIVES   199
         WATER DISPERSIBLE POLYPYRROLES MADE WITH
            POLYMERIC ACID COLLOIDS FOR ELECTRONIC
            APPLICATIONS  199
         MULTIFUNCTIONAL 3,4-ALKYLENEDIOXY THIOPHENE
            DERIVATIVES AND ELECTRICALLY CONDUCTIVE
            POLYMERS CONTAINING THEM   200
         BARRIER LAYERS FOR COATING CONDUCTIVE POLYMERS ON
            LIQUID CRYSTALS  200
         DEVELOPMENT OF NOVEL PROTON-CONDUCTIVE POLYMERS
            FOR PROTON EXCHANGE MEMBRANE FUEL CELL (PEMFC)
            TECHNOLOGY   200
         DISPERSIONS OF INTRINSICALLY CONDUCTIVE POLYMERS
            AND METHODS FOR THE PRODUCTION THEREOF  200
         FLUORESCENT, SEMI-CONDUCTIVE POLYMERS, AND DEVICES
            COMPRISING THEM   201
         IMPLANTABLE HEART VALVE PROSTHETIC DEVICES HAVING
            INTRINSICALLY CONDUCTIVE POLYMERS  201
         WATER DISPERSABLE POLYANILINES MADE WITH POLYMERIC
            ACID COLLOIDS FOR ELECTRONIC APPLICATIONS   201
         COMPOSITIONS OF ELECTRICALLY CONDUCTIVE POLYMERS
            AND NON-POLYMERIC FLUORINATED ORGANIC ACIDS  201
         POLYTHIOPHENE AND ELECTRONIC DEVICES COMPRISING
            THE SAME  202

CHAPTER TEN: INDUSTRY STRUCTURE
     OVERVIEW   203
     COMPANIES INVOLVED   203
     SELECTED ELECTROACTIVE POLYMER PRODUCT LINES   204
  TABLE 51 SELECTED ELECTROACTIVE PRODUCT LINES  204
  TABLE 51 (CONTINUED) 205

CHAPTER ELEVEN: COMPANY PROFILES
    ABTECH SCIENTIFIC, INC    206
    AGFA-GEVAERT GROUP NV   206
    AMERICAN DYE SOURCE, INC    207
    BASF, INC   208
    BOEDEKER, INC   208
    CAMBRIDGE DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY   209
    CENTRAL CORPORATION   210
    CROSSLINK POLYMER RESEARCH  210
    DUPONT DISPLAYS  211
    EEONYX   212
    FIBRON TECHNOLOGIES   213
    FRACTAL SYSTEM, INC   213
    HERAEUS PRECIOUS METALS  214
         KEMET CAPACITORS  214
         KLOCKNER PENTAPLAST OF AMERICA   215
         KONARKA TECHNOLOGIES   215
         LNP ENGINEERING PLASTICS  216
         LUBRIZOL ADVANCED MATERIALS   216
         MERCK KGAA: DARMSTADT, GERMANY   217
         ORMECON CHEMIE   218
         PANIPOL LTD  218
         PLASTIC LOGIC  219
         PLEXTRONICS, INC    220
         POLYMER VISION, LTD   221
         POLYONE   221
         PREMIX OY  222
         RIEKE METALS, INC  222
         RTP COMPANY  223
         SHIN-ETSU POLYMER EUROPE BV  224
         STERLING FIBERS   225
         TICONA   225
         UNIVERSAL DISPLAY CORPORATION   226
         WESTLAKE PLASTICS COMPANY   226

ACRONYMS  227 -228