Trends in applied macromolecular chemistry

In 1998 world-wide plastics production and consumption exhibited above average growth of 3,5 percent. Altogether approximately 158 million metric tons of polymeric materials were produced. Over the next few years plastics production is expected to grow steadily, with an average increase of 5 percent per annum up to the year 2000. Details and prediction of the consumption and application of standard plastics such as polyethylene and poly(propylene) are given as well as those of engineering plastics, high temperature thermoplastics, elastomers, thermosets, man-made fibres, dispersions and performance polymers such as polycarboxylates and cosmetic polymers. The effects of environmental issues on the industry are also touched upon.