Given the current economic uncertainties, purveyors of market intelligence are issuing new studies of composites market potential and forecasts. Global management consulting and market research firm Lucintel (Dallas, Texas) recently published Composites Materials Price Trend, Forecasts and Analysis. The new report offers current market price and lead time analyses for four resins (polyester resin, vinyl ester, epoxy, and polyurethane), three reinforcements (glass fiber and carbon fiber, the latter in aerospace-grade 12K and industrial-grade 24K) and four competing materials (aluminum, steel, wood and thermoplastics). According to Lucintel, the publication provides insight into price movements, given the wide fluctuations in supply and demand, as well as the drivers behind them, focusing particularly on oil pricing.

Another Lucintel report, Opportunities in Brazil Composites Market 2008-2013: Trend and Forecast Analysis, cites opportunities for composites in Brazil. After significant growth in the past three years, the Brazilian composites industry will slow, but opportunities persist because of low penetration and high domestic demand. Lucintel expects the market to reach $2.5 billion (USD) at a CAGR of 9 percent in 2013. The annual growth rate will be moderate in 2009 and thereafter will gather momentum, according to the report. Lucintel contends that the Brazilian government’s PROINFA program has led to a good deal of investment in wind farms in Brazil. As a result, composite materials used to make wind turbines will see increased demand.

A third Lucintel publication, Growth Opportunities in Wind Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul Services Market 2008-2013, discusses the global wind turbine maintenance, repair and overhaul services (MRO) market, which is growing at a double-digit clip and expected to reach a value of $9.1 billion (USD) in 2013, up from $3.9 billion in 2008.

These and other Lucintel market research publications can be found at www.lucintel.com, along with pricing and ordering information.

Elsewhere, Research and Markets (Dublin, Ireland) has released World Market for Polymers and Composites in Aerospace, according to which the markets for polymers and composites in aerospace applications have been on a very high growth path since the early 2000s, with the introduction of game-changing aircraft models, such as the Airbus A380 and the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. Recent market conditions, including the high price of aircraft fuel and the need to improve the fuel efficiency of aircraft to reduce environmental impact, have prompted greater use of composites in aerospace applications. This report analyzes the impact of the previously mentioned forces across the polymers and composites supply chain.

More information is available at www.researchandmarkets.com.