JEC COMPOSITES MAGAZINE - Issue #33 - June 2007 - 24

A. M. REZADOUST (MSC) & M. ESFANDEH (PHD) ACADEMIC STAFF, COMPOSITE DEPARTMENT, IRAN POLYMER & PETROCHEMICAL INSTITUTE An overview of the FRP market in Iran ran's composite industry has shown significant growth over the past years. In 2006, there were more than 14,300 tonnes in glass fibre imports worth $18 million, compared to 4,600 tonnes ($6.5 million) in 2002 (Figure 1). I BUSINESS Market survey This article provides a brief review of the current status of the composite industry in Iran. One of the main problems is the lack of reliable information and statistics on various aspects. This does not facilitate things, particularly in the decision-making stages. A. R. DAYANI (BSC), MANAGING DIRECTOR, POLYFIBER CO. Fig. 2: Total consumption of various composite parts (2002-2006) Fig. 1: Glass fibre imports (2002-2006) This trend also holds for total consumption of fibre-reinforced composites, which shot up from 10,000 tonnes in 2002 to 35,700 tonnes in 2006 (Figure 2). Used mainly in the electrical JEC Composites Magazine / No33 June 2007 Resins and telecommunications industries, bulk moulding compounds (BMC), GRP pipes and pultruded profiles account for a major share of imported finished and semi-finished parts. The figures for these indicate a 39% average annual growth rate for tonnage of composite parts used over the past five years (Figure 3). Both quantitative and qualitative improvements in terms of industrial capabilities were achieved in various sectors of this industry. Resins and fibres account for the highest consumption volume among the components used to produce composite materials. Fig. 3: Growth in the consumption of composite parts (2003-2006). Fibres composite industry. However, phenolic and epoxy resins have also found some applications. About ten companies produce resins for the composite industry, the main four producers being Bushehr Chemical Co. (UP resins for various composites processes), Resitan Co. (UP and phenolic resins), Farapaye (UP resins) and Yashm Chemical Industries (UP resins). The main problems encountered by resin producers are the growing production costs related to the inflation rate, the lower price of similar products made by foreign companies as a result of the relative stability of the US dollar, and the low consumption volume of special-grade resins. For instance, the consumption volume of grades for resin transfer moulding (RTM) and pultrusion processes is very low in Iran, so producing them is not economically justified. On the other hand, foreign companies investing in regional countries are exporting better-quality, lower-price products to Iran. Unsaturated polyester (UP) resins are the most commonly used resins in Iran's Iran’s glass-fibre production plan was halted many years ago. The slow administrative system, the low consumption volume of glass fibres, the existence of glass-fibre production in neighbouring countries (Turkey), and the high-volume production of these fibres at lower price in China are among the major factors that have prevented this plan from moving forward. Considering this, it seems that investing in this area is not economically justified in Iran.

JEC COMPOSITES MAGAZINE - Issue #33 - June 2007

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