<div class="csl-bib-body">
<div class="csl-entry">Macé, J.-M. (2010). <i>Market opportunity assessment for styrenic block CoPolymers-based thermoplastic elastomers as vulcanized rubber alternatives in automotive weather seals applications</i> [Master Thesis, Technische Universität Wien]. reposiTUm. http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12708/159553</div>
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dc.identifier.uri
http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12708/159553
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dc.description.abstract
The Automotive Market is expected to reach 82 Million vehicles globally in 2011, and will be especially growing in China and India whilst it will remain rather flat in the traditional automotive production regions like America, European Union and Japan. Alone the sheer size of this market makes it very attractive. Automotive Weather Seals (AWS) fulfill a very important role for the perceived quality and performance of vehicles. Those Seals have been traditionally based on Vulcanized rubber sealing solutions from specialized Tier-One suppliers. The current overwhelming market trends in the Automotive of cost-reduction, fuel efficiency improvement through weight reduction and recycling are forcing traditional AWS companies to explore the use of Thermoplastic Elastomers (TPE) in those applications, either relying on in-house or external knowledge and partners. Both TPE based on Dynamic vulcanization (TPV) and on Styrenic Block Co-polymers of the type SEBS have made in-roads in some specific segments of AWS, and are increasing successfully their rate of penetration of the AWS market. The next few years should see a large increase of TPE applications in AWS, even if some specific applications remain technically challenging for TPEs. The traditional supply chain for AWS is being altered and there are opportunities for new players, like TPE compounders using SEBS (TPE-S) to take a leading role in this development. This New business development requires a strategy of long-term commitment of resources to the automotive market. In this context, there are new business opportunities for SEBS producers in this new application for TPEs. Which role could an SEBS producer play in a new AWS value chain based on Thermoplastic Elastomer Technology is still rather open. Potential paths forward for a SEBS producer, including potential for integration, alliances or just straight raw material sales and marketing are discussed in light of AWS market segmentation and our perception of technical requirements.
en
dc.language
English
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dc.language.iso
en
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dc.title
Market opportunity assessment for styrenic block CoPolymers-based thermoplastic elastomers as vulcanized rubber alternatives in automotive weather seals applications