Specialty Polymer Manufacturers Basics

Specialty polymer manufacturers guide in finding the right materials and resins for your projects

By Deneatra Harmon
Specialty polymer manufacturers produce materials found in fibers, building components, plastics, coatings, adhesives and ceramics, to name a few. If your small business works with specialty polymers, or if you're an insider who works in industries such as engineering, health, the environment, computers or science, then it's important to distinguish between specialty and synthetic polymers. Examples of synthetic polymers include rubber, adhesives, superconductors and plastics, while most natural specialty polymers include cellulose, proteins, diamonds and agate material. Picking the right materials and tools to use with specialty polymers means doing the research to find specialty polymer manufacturers that can fulfill your project needs.

Consider specialty polymer manufacturers basics like choosing materials based on their properties. Specialty polymer suppliers assist with picking the right coating, adhesive or superconductor based on the task. For instance, specialty and synthetic polymers have varying properties, such as electrical resistance or the ability to withstand a specific voltage, the temperature range at which a material can be exposed without damage and viscosity, or flow resistance, which applies to molding or shaping applications. Other specialty polymer manufacturer basics include:

1. Finding specialty polymer manufacturers.

2. Picking certified specialty polymer manufacturers.

3. Locating special services such as custom compounding.

 

Search for specialty polymer manufacturers that carry a large supply

Specialty and synthetic polymers, as well as organic and inorganic polymers, should be in stock to appeal across all industries.
Try: Ticona Engineering Polymers manufactures liquid crystal specialty polymers and copolymers for the information technology, automotive, consumer and medical products industries. Mitsui Chemicals America offers specialty polymers to the personal care, semiconductor, pharmaceutical, packaging and industrial markets. Find water-based specialty polymers such as coatings, paints and resins at Gellner Industrial.

Find specialty polymer manufacturers that are certified

Common industry certifications are the International Standard for Organization (ISO), the Aerospace Basic Quality System (AS) and the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM).
Try: ISO-certified Solvay Solexis develops specialty and synthetic polymers that meet high-tech and industrial standards. Specialty polymers from Oxford Polymers meet ASTM standards.

Look for polymer manufacturer special services from custom chemical formulators

For services such as custom compounding and new product development, establish a solid business relationship with the polymer manufacturer.
Try: ABC Polymers recycles specialty polymers and polyethylene plastics, and provides custom compounding services. Master Bond provides technical support and application engineering of adhesives and coatings. The custom compounders at The Chemical Co. offer chemical consulting and new product development assistance.

 

  • Most polymer manufacturing companies distribute specialty polymers according to their acronyms, common names and structure names. Such names are provided by the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry. One example of a trade name is polyethylene terephthalate. Polyester, nylon and rayon are generic names for some specialty polymers.