Polyoxymethylene (POM) price December 2024 and outlook (see chart below)
- North America:US$2.8/KG, -1.4% down
- Europe:US$2.52/KG, -5.6% down
- Northeast Asia:US$1.84/KG, -0.5% down
- Southeast Asia:US$1.82/KG, 0.6% up
- Middle East:US$1.64/KG, -0.6% down
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Polyoxymethylene (POM) price index
This post is a summary of the polyoxymethylene (POM) price developments.The polyoxymethylene (POM) price developments are expressed in US$/kg prices converted at current FX rates, which are the FX rates applicable at the time the price was valid. Polyoxymethylene (POM) price index developments are calculated from multiple separate sources of data to ensure statistical accuracy.
The outlook for polyoxymethylene (POM) prices, on the second tab, is generated from different inputs including:
- Very recent price developments of immediate cost drivers of sodium polyoxymethylene (POM) prices
- Recent price developments of underlying feedstocks which drive the price of polyoxymethylene (POM)
- Market futures for both cost drives and feedstocks of polyoxymethylene (POM)
- Adjustment of current supply/demand imbalances in the polyoxymethylene (POM) market
- Longer term trends in likely demand conditions
Further information on the Polyoxymethylene (POM) price chart
What is Polyoxymethylene (POM)
Polyoxymethylene (POM), also known as polyacetal, is a thermoplastic material that is widely used in various industrial and engineering applications. It is a high-performance plastic that has excellent stiffness, high tensile strength, low friction, and good dimensional stability.
POM is a type of polymer that belongs to the family of polyoxymethylenes, which are made by polymerizing formaldehyde. It is often used as a replacement for metal components in many applications due to its high strength and stiffness, low friction, and excellent wear resistance.
POM is commonly used in the production of gears, bearings, and other mechanical parts due to its excellent mechanical properties. It is also used in the automotive industry for fuel systems, electrical components, and interior and exterior trim. Other applications of POM include medical devices, food processing machinery, and consumer products such as zippers and handles.
What is Polyoxymethylene (POM) used for
Polyoxymethylene (POM) is used in a wide range of applications due to its excellent mechanical properties, low friction, and good dimensional stability. Here are some common uses of POM:
Gears and bearings
POM’s high stiffness and strength make it ideal for use in gears, bearings, and other mechanical parts that require durability and resistance to wear.
Electrical components
POM is often used in the production of electrical components such as switches and connectors due to its good electrical insulation properties.
Automotive parts
POM is used in many automotive applications, including fuel systems, interior and exterior trim, and electrical components.
Medical devices
POM is biocompatible and resistant to many chemicals, making it suitable for use in medical devices such as surgical instruments and orthopedic implants.
Consumer products
POM is used in a variety of consumer products such as zippers, handles, and toys due to its strength and low friction.
Overall, POM is a versatile material that can be used in many different industries and applications due to its excellent mechanical properties and resistance to wear and chemicals.
How is Polyoxymethylene (POM) produced
Polyoxymethylene (POM) is typically produced through a polymerization reaction of formaldehyde. There are two main methods for producing POM: acetalization and polymerization.
In the acetalization method, formaldehyde is reacted with an alcohol, typically methanol or trioxane, to form a cyclic acetal intermediate. This intermediate is then depolymerized in the presence of an acid catalyst to produce POM. This method is less commonly used due to safety concerns with handling formaldehyde.
In the polymerization method, formaldehyde is polymerized directly in the presence of a catalyst, typically an acidic or basic catalyst, to form POM. The polymerization reaction can be carried out in either a batch or continuous process. The resulting polymer is typically in the form of pellets, which can be used as a raw material for further processing.
After the polymerization process, the POM pellets are usually subjected to various post-processing steps, such as drying, grinding, and melting, before they can be molded or extruded into the desired shape for specific applications. The properties of the final product can be controlled by adjusting the polymerization conditions and the molecular weight of the polymer.
What types of POM are there
Polyoxymethylene, also known as POM or acetal, is a thermoplastic polymer that can be classified into several different types based on its properties and manufacturing methods. The two main types of POM are:
Homopolymer POM
This is the most commonly used form of POM, and it is produced by polymerizing formaldehyde in the presence of a catalyst. It is characterized by high strength, stiffness, and hardness, as well as good resistance to creep and fatigue. It is often used in applications that require high mechanical strength and dimensional stability, such as gears, bearings, and electrical components.
Copolymer POM
This type of POM is made by copolymerizing formaldehyde with a small amount of comonomer, usually either ethylene oxide or a cyclic ether. Copolymer POM has lower crystallinity and improved toughness compared to homopolymer POM, making it more resistant to impact and thermal shock. It is often used in applications where toughness and flexibility are important, such as automotive components, consumer goods, and medical devices.
There are also several other types of POM that are less commonly used, including high-flow POM, impact-modified POM, and UV-resistant POM. These specialized forms of POM are tailored to specific applications and have unique properties that make them suitable for certain environments and conditions.
What drives the cost of Polyoxymethylene (POM)
The cost of polyoxymethylene (POM) is influenced by several factors, including the cost of raw materials, production processes, and market demand. Here are some of the key drivers of the cost of POM:
Cost of raw materials
The cost of formaldehyde and other raw materials used in the production of POM can have a significant impact on the cost of the final product. For example, the price of methanol, which is commonly used in the production of POM, can be volatile and can affect the cost of POM.
Production processes
The type of production process used to manufacture POM can also impact the cost. The acetalization method, which involves the use of formaldehyde and methanol, can be more expensive and less common due to the handling and safety concerns of formaldehyde. The polymerization method is more widely used and typically less expensive.
Market demand
The demand for POM can also influence the cost of the material. When demand is high, prices may increase due to supply constraints. Conversely, when demand is low, prices may decrease due to excess supply.
Competition
The presence of competition in the market can also influence the cost of POM. If there are many suppliers of POM, prices may be more competitive, while if there are only a few suppliers, prices may be higher.
Overall, the cost of POM is influenced by a combination of these factors, with the cost of raw materials and production processes being the most significant factors.
Market information on Polyoxymethylene (POM)
According to a market research report published by MarketsandMarkets in August 2021, the global polyoxymethylene (POM) market was valued at USD 3.3 billion in 2020 and is projected to reach USD 4.2 billion by 2025, growing at a CAGR of 5.0% during the forecast period from 2020 to 2025.
The report identifies the automotive industry as the largest end-use industry for POM, followed by electrical and electronics, consumer goods, and others. The Asia-Pacific region is the largest consumer of POM, with China being the largest market in the region. Other major markets for POM include Europe, North America, and the Rest of the World.
The growth of the POM market is driven by increasing demand from various end-use industries, such as automotive, electrical and electronics, and consumer goods. The increasing need for lightweight and high-performance materials in these industries is expected to drive the demand for POM in the coming years. Additionally, the growth of the medical devices industry is expected to provide new growth opportunities for the POM market.
According to https://oec.world/ : Polyacetals are the world’s 61st most traded product.
In 2020, the top exporters of Polyacetals were China ($5.22B), Germany ($5.21B), United States ($5.07B), South Korea ($4.7B), and Netherlands ($4.23B).
Which countries produce the most Polyoxymethylene (POM)
The production of polyoxymethylene (POM) is mainly concentrated in a few countries, with China being the largest producer of POM in the world. According to a report by Market Insights Reports published in December 2021, the top POM producing countries in the world are:
- China
- Germany
- Japan
- South Korea
- United States
China dominates the global POM production due to its large manufacturing industry and increasing demand for POM in various end-use industries. Germany and Japan are also major producers of POM, with established chemical industries and high levels of technological innovation. South Korea and the United States are also significant producers of POM, with growing demand from various end-use industries.
It’s worth noting that while these countries are the largest producers of POM, the production of POM is carried out by several other countries as well, although on a much smaller scale.
Further information
- Wikipedia for general, history, production and usage information
- PubChem for chemistry and property information
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