Polyphenylene Sulfide (PPS)

Demand for polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) has been growing rapidly in recent years due to a unique combination of its physical properties and favorable performance/cost ratio compared to other high performance thermoplastics. Major producers have also increased their capacities significantly. Meanwhile, there have been numerous new process patents issued or applied for since PEP's last report published in 1990. This review provides a brief update of industry status including the development of new end-use applications which underline some market drivers for the recently growing demand. A recent production process as patented by Ticona was selected for process economics study, and the results are presented.