The chemical dicyclopentadiene is light yellow in color and smells strong. The majority of the time, it is a liquid at room temperature. Two cyclopentadiene molecules undergo the Diels-Alder process to create it. It is available as endo-DPCD and Exo-DPCD, two stereoisomers.
It is used to make unsaturated polyester resins, ethylene-propylene-diene rubbers, and hydrocarbon resins. It is used to make specialty polymers and fine chemicals, such as flame retardants, agrochemicals, cyclic olefin copolymers, and others. It is also used to create chemicals that give flavors and aromas.
Dicyclopentadiene is widely used in the pesticide and paint industries. Vanishers, elastomers, and hot melt adhesives are all made with it. It is now used to lower the content of styrene as a fundamental component in unsaturated polyester resins.
In 2030, it is anticipated that the dicyclopentadiene market will generate $1,373.9 million. The expanding use of dicyclopentadiene for resins, polymers, and other specialty chemicals is principally responsible for the market expansion.
Moreover, it can also be utilized as an intermediary in the production of several productivity chemicals utilized in the building and construction, packaging, automotive and marine, and other sectors because of its highly reactive nature.
According to the application, the DCPD market is anticipated to have the quickest growth—a rate of around 5.7%—in the hydrocarbon resins category. Hydrocarbon resins, also referred to as amorphous thermoplastic polymers, are made by polymerizing unsaturated hydrocarbons.
The main uses for hydrocarbon resins are in hot-melt adhesives, labels, and PSA tapes. In the production of printing inks, paints, coatings, adhesives, rubber, and other goods, such intermediates are also utilized as tackifiers.
Due to the region's expanding requirement for this chemical from the plastic and resin sector, Asia-Pacific will continue to lead the DCPD market with a value of $422.9 million in 2021.
The demand for chemicals in the Asia-Pacific region is being driven by the rise in the need for lightweight cars, the expansion of polyester resin used in electrical and electronic components like meter boxes and distribution boxes, as well as important building & construction applications like swimming pools and bathtubs.