Alpha-Methylstyrene Market by Application (ABS, Para-Cumylphenol, Adhesives & Coatings, Waxes), Purity (Assay above 99.5% and Between 95% to 99.5%), and by Region (North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, Middle East & Africa), Global Forecast, 2018 to 2028

C6H5C(CH3)CH2 is the molecular formula of an organic compound as alpha methyl styrene. Isopropenyl benzene is another name for it. The odour of this clear, colorless organic compound is very powerful. The chemical is generated by partial oxidation of cumene and is a by-product of the cumene-phenol process, which involves the production of phenol and acetone from benzene. The global capacity for alpha methyl styrene processing is closely linked to the global capacity for phenol manufacture. Plastics, adhesives, and additives are just a few of the uses for alpha methyl styrene. Alpha methyl styrene is used to make resins like ABS in the plastics industry.

When used in the manufacturing of ABS resin, alpha methyl styrene imparts a greater heat stability as well as a higher impact resistance to the resin than styrene. Additionally, alpha methyl styrene is used as a rubber additive. Alpha methyl styrene is often used in the production of lubricating oils, perfumes, and plasticizers, among other things. Alpha methyl styrene (AMS), also known as isopropyl benzene, is a colorless liquid with a strong odor that is used as a co monomer in various polymerisation processes to increase product effect and heat tolerance. These are produced as a byproduct of the cumene oxidation phenol production method.

It is purified by continuous distillation at low pressure to remove impurities such as cumene, phenol, and butyl benzene. Companies like UOP and Kellogg recycle the process by hydrogenation to make it more cost effective. It copolymerizes readily with monomers including acrylates and benzene. Its cost is determined by benzene market patterns. Bisphenol and polycarbonate products are increasing in popularity, with a growth rate of above 6%. These are obtained as a byproduct of phenol production, and their supply has increased as phenol production capacity has increased. AMS is favoured to styrene because it is more heat stable and impact resistant.

Purity Segment

Based on the purity, the market is segmented into assay above 99.5%, and between 95% to 99.5%. The assay above 99.5% segment is projected to grow at a higher CAGR in the market over the forecast period. 98.5 percent purity is the global industrial benchmark for alpha-methylstyrene. The majority of alpha-methylstyrene factories around the world produce alpha-methylstyrene with a purity level of 98.5 percent or higher. The assay above 99.5 percent segment of the market is expected to rise due to rising demand for alpha-methylstyrene with purity above 99.5 percent for use as a heat stabilizer for ABS, as a solvent in the plastics industry, and as a pigment and paint adhesive agent in adhesives & coatings, waxes, and tackifier.

Application Segment

In terms of the module design segment, the market is segmented into ABS, Para-Cumylphenol, Adhesives & Coatings, Waxes and Others. In 2020, the ABS segment has the fastest growth in the market in 2019 and the market is forecasted to grow with the significant rate of above 4% CAGR over the forecast period. ABS resins benefit from the addition of alpha-methylstyrene because it increases thermal resilience and impact tolerance. The ABS segment of the alpha-methylstyrene industry is growing due to increased demand for ABS resins from various end-use industries such as automotive and electronic appliances.

The Asia Pacific region has the largest share in market with a CAGR of more than 35.2% in 2019 and is anticipated to continue with the same position during the forecast years 2018-2028. In 2019, the China is projected to hold the majority share of Asia Pacific demand for alpha-methylstyrene. The growing demand for alpha-methylstyrene from heavily populated countries such as India and China is due to the consumer and economic growth in the Asia Pacific region. Increased demand for consumer durables and vehicles in Asia Pacific has been fueled by innovations in electronic appliance manufacturing techniques, demographic growth, and rising middle-class wages, all of which have contributed to the region's alpha-methylstyrene industry growth.

The major players of the global alpha-methylstyrene market are INEOS Group Holding S.A. (Switzerland), AdvanSix (US), Rosneft (Russia), Altivia Corp. (US), SI Group Inc. (US), DOMO Chemicals (Belgium), Kumho P&B Chemicals (South Korea), Taiwan Prosperity Chemical Corp. (Taiwan), Yangzhou Lida Chemicals (China), Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation (Japan), Solvay SA (Belgium), and Mitsui Chemicals, Inc. (Japan). The alpha-methylstyrene market consists of top, medium level and a number of domestic players in the global market. In addition to this, the well-established players in the industry have made various strategies and research & developments to compete with other players in the regional and global market.