Market Trends of Ortho-Xylene Industry
This section covers the major market trends shaping the Ortho-Xylene Market according to our research experts:
Phthalic Anhydride (PA) to Dominate the Market
- Phthalic anhydride is industrially an important raw material for the production of anthraquinone. Itis also used in the manufacture of many vat dyes, as well as in alizarin and alizarin derivatives. It is used directly for the fluorescein, eosin, and rhodamine dyes.
- Several esters are made from phthalic anhydride, and are largely used in the plastics industry, as plasticizers. It is also used to manufacture alkyd resins, the glyptal and rezyl resins, dioctyl phthalate, and the poly-vinyl resins.
- The ever-increasing demand for phthalic anhydride has stimulated a search for alternative raw materials. Ortho-xylene, which is available in abundant quantities from the petroleum refineries, appears to be the most suitable.
- O-xylene has several advantages as a raw material for the production of phthalic anhydride. The oxidation of o-xylene permits a simpler feed system than that of the oxidation of naphthalene, due tothe liquid state of o-xylene.
- The theoretical amount of air required for oxidizing o-xylene is only two-thirdof the amount required for the oxidation of naphthalene. The heat emitted off during the reaction is 121 kcal less than that of naphthalene. The product is of higher purity, and the theoretical yield percentage is higher than that of naphthalene. Furthermore, as o-xylene is a liquid at ordinary temperature, its use permits a simpler feed system.
- Thus, with increasing demand for phthalic anhydrade, the consumption of o-xylene is likely to increase during the forecast period.
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Asia-Pacific to Dominate the Market
- In the Asia-Pacific region, China is the largest economy in terms of GDP. The major proportion of ortho-xylene is used in the manufacture of phthalic anhydride that is used in the production of phthalate-based PVC plasticizers. China is the single largest market for plasticizers, with more than 40% of the global consumption. Some of the manufacturers of PVC in the country are Shin-Etsu Chemical Co. Limited, Xinjiang Zhongtai Chemical Co. Ltd, Lubrizol, Hanwha Chemical, Formosa Plastics, etc.
- PVC is widely used in the automotive industry. PVC’s thermoplastic properties have lesser weight compared to metals. It has a lower cost of manufacturing methods compared to the cost of other methods. It is an ideal choice for exterior and automotive interior parts. PVC is favored for exterior parts, owing to its light weight, durability, easily shapeable quality, and attractive appearance.
- The overall cost of a component can be brought down to 20-60%, by using PVC instead of alternative materials. Some of the automotive components made with PVC include instrument panels, floor coverings, mud flaps, seals, sun visors, and anti-stone damage protection.
- China is by far the largest automotive manufacturer in the world, since 2009, with a current share of production of about 29.06%.
- The production decreased by 4.2% in 2018, owing to the decrease in domestic demand and penetration of automotive manufacturers to other countries. The decline is expected to be temporary, as the demand is still increasing.
- Therefore, owing to the aforementioned factors, the consumption of phthalic anhydride is high. This may lead to an increase in demand for ortho-xylene, during the forecast period.
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