Polycaprolactone (PCL) refers to semi-crystalline, biodegradable thermoplastic polyester. It has a melting point of around 60°C and remains rather soft in room temperature. The product is mostly utilized in the form of an additive for resins for the improvement of their both end use properties and processing properties, such as tear strength, compression set, flexibility, and toughness. Making of polyurethanes comprise the most significant use of polycaprolactone (polyols), which is predicted to play an important role in influencing the growth of the global polycaprolactone market. The product gives toughness, flexibility, solvent resistance, fuel, and good oil, which further drives its demand.
Polycaprolactone, like other aliphatic polyesters, has its compatibility with a many other thermoplastics. For instance, in PVC, this polyester can be added as a polymeric plasticizer to add flexibility. It also finds use as a re-moldable plastic, thanks to its low point of softening. It finds utilization as a feedstock and in the modeling of prototyping (3D printing).
Some of the prominent companies profiled in the global Polycaprolactone market are Sigma-Aldrich Corporation, Shenzen Esun Industrial Co. Ltd., BASF SE, Perstorp Holding AB, Haihang Industry Co., Ltd, and Durect Corporation. The chemical industry plays an important role in the making of numerous products such as medicines, packaging products, and plastics amongst many others. As coronavirus wreaks havoc in the world, the demand for biodegradable is set to rise in the years to come. COVID-19 has forced many of the market players to take up diversified approach toward businesses.
Growing Use in the Healthcare Industry Shoot Up Demand for the Product in the Market
The growth of the global polycaprolactone market is likely to be influenced by several factors. The product is considered a highly attractive compound when it comes to biodegradable polyesters. It is utilized in the making of thermoplastic polyurethane, which finds use in a number of end user industries. Exceptional properties of polycaprolactone, such as low temperature flexibility, adhesion, gloss, UV-resistance, chemical resistance, wear resistance, oil and grease resistance, and much better hydrophobic characteristics.
Furthermore, the biodegradable nature of polycaprolactone makes it ideal for its adoption in many different applications pertaining to the health care industry, such as wound dressing, drug delivery, implants, and orthopedic. This factor is likely to bolster growth of the global polycaprolactone market in the years to come.
On the other hand, rising approvals by many of the regulatory bodies for the utilization of polycaprolactone in the healthcare industry is likely to fuel the growth of the global polycaprolactone market over the tenure of analysis.
Driven by China, Asia Pacific to Register Rapid Growth
North America is predicted to play a significant role in the global polycaprolactone market due to high demand for the product from the supplies, biodegradable products, and surgical equipment. Augmented use of product as a feedstock for prototyping systems, splinting, and modeling is likely o fuel growth of the polycaprolactone market in the region.
Asia Pacific is estimated to emerge as another rapidly growing region in the market. China is one of the leading producers of polycaprolactone material for plastic and adhesive industries.